Jean Russell, a literacy specialist at Haverhill Elementary School in Southwest Allen County Schools, is the 2016 Indiana Teacher of the Year. She has been an educator for 25 years.
“As a literacy specialist, Jean uses her unique position to provide students and educators with innovative teaching and learning opportunities,” said Glenda Ritz, Indiana’s Superintendent of Public Instruction. “As a teacher leader, Russell supports student literacy by creating a culture of readers both in and outside the classroom. Her commitment to student-centered learning and family engagement is why I am excited to announce that Jean Russell is Indiana’s 2016 Teacher of the Year.”
Russell is a graduate of the University of Illinois where she earned a B.A. in Elementary Education. She later received a M.A. in Elementary Education from Indiana University – Purdue University Fort Wayne. Russell was a classroom educator for 21 years before becoming a literacy specialist. As Indiana’s Teacher of the Year, Russell will represent Indiana in the National Teacher of the Year competition. A selection of her career awards is listed below.
Honors and Awards
Southwest Allen County Teacher of the Year – 2015
Haverhill Teacher of the Year – 2015
Whispering Meadows Teacher of the Year – 1997
Southwest Allen County Schools Education Foundation Award Recipient
