Corinth Schools Honors Three Teachers of the Year

The Corinth School District honors three outstanding teachers for their annual Teacher of the Year awards: Whitney Irwin (Corinth Elementary School), Rhoda Ballard (Corinth Middle School) and Craig Strickland (Corinth High School). The Corinth Rotary recently honored Ms. Ballard and Dr. Strickland at a Rotary meeting. 

Ms. Whitney Irwin, a kindergarten teacher at Corinth Elementary School, brings 25 years of teaching experience to her classroom. “It is an incredible honor just to be nominated alongside so many dedicated teachers that pour their hearts into their work every day,” said Irwin. “I am truly humbled to be named Teacher of the Year. This honor reflects the students that inspire me daily with their enthusiasm and curiosity, the incredible team that welcomed me, and my amazing assistant teacher, Mrs. Beth, and her unwavering commitment to me and the students we teach. As an educator, there are always days you question your effectiveness in the classroom. I am truly grateful to be recognized for doing what I love.”

Ms. Irwin’s dedication to her students is evident both inside and outside the classroom. “Ms. Irwin is an outstanding kindergarten teacher whose enthusiasm and positive energy shine throughout the school each day,” said Jamie Nunley, principal of Corinth Elementary School. “She is a strong educator who truly loves her job and is deeply dedicated to her students, helping them grow both academically and emotionally. Her kindness, passion, and commitment make a lasting difference in the lives of everyone around her.”

For the past four years, Ms. Irwin has taught kindergarten at Corinth Elementary School. She holds a Bachelor of Science in human ecology and child development and a Master of Science in child and family studies with an early childhood education concentration, both from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. She has also taught second grade and kindergarten at Carthage Elementary School in Carthage, NC. After navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, she decided to prioritize her family and relocate to Corinth to be closer to her parents.

Ms. Rhoda Ballard, a sixth-grade teacher at Corinth Middle School, has dedicated 32 years to the teaching profession. “I was extremely shocked to learn that I had been chosen by my peers as this year's Teacher of the Year,” said Ballard. “This school year has had some extra challenges and bumps in the road, so there have been many days that I have questioned my effectiveness as well as my calling as a teacher. I think for those reasons that not only am I honored to be selected but also I am extremely humbled. This blessing comes not from my own strengths and abilities but from Divine Intervention. This award is proof that in my weakness, He is made strong, and I give God all the praise for it!”

Ms. Ballard understands that exceptional teaching means investing in your students. “What makes Ms. Rhoda Ballard truly special is her fundamental belief that every child needs to know they are cared for,” said Chris Killough, principal at Corinth Middle School. “Beyond simply teaching sixth grade, she intentionally invests in her students' lives with deep empathy and consistent support. Her exceptional dedication, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to student success make her incredibly deserving of being named the Corinth Middle School Teacher of the Year.”

Ms. Ballard has taught at Corinth Middle School for six years. She holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts in elementary education from the University of North Alabama. She also has a middle school math endorsement. Before returning to Corinth, she taught at Weis Elementary in Pensacola, Florida, the Lee County Juvenile Detention Center in Tupelo, Miss., Plantersville Middle School in Lee County and the Church of the Crossroads.

Dr. Craig Strickland, a science teacher at Corinth High School, has been teaching for ten years. “I feel incredibly honored to be chosen by the talented and dedicated teachers that I get to work with every day,” said Strickland. “Teaching and my students are something I care deeply about. To be named Teacher of the Year was a moment that I got to see that what I do every day is important and matters.”

For Dr. Strickland, education is a true calling. “I love teaching and truly enjoy getting to watch students excel in the classroom, but more importantly, I enjoy watching them grow into caring, responsible adults,” said Strickland. “Building relationships with students is crucial as a teacher and I work hard to make it a priority every day.”

His dedication to the high school community does not go unnoticed. “Craig Strickland goes above and beyond to serve his students and colleagues. He is the type of person who sees a need and immediately jumps into action without being asked,” said Adam Kirk, principal of Corinth High School. “Dr. Strickland builds meaningful connections with students that extend far beyond the classroom, and his dedication positively impacts the entire school community.”

Dr. Strickland has spent his ten-year teaching career at Corinth High School, where he currently teaches dual credit Human Anatomy and Physiology and AICE Environmental Management. He also serves as the Esports coach. A proud graduate 2004 graduate of Corinth High School, Dr. Strickland holds a Bachelor of Science in biology and Bible from Freed-Hardeman University and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Tennessee State University. 

The Corinth School District is grateful for all of its teachers and staff who help students succeed every day. A big congratulations to all three of this year’s exceptional Teachers of the Year!