Emily Burrus, French teacher at Pisgah High School, and Jessica Coward, PE teacher at Canton Middle School, were recently recognized with an Excellence in Education award for the month of February.

The Excellence in Education program recognizes teachers from Haywood County Schools who exemplify a commitment to innovative teaching practices and show dedication to student success. The program is sponsored by Jack Bishop of Edward Jones and the Haywood County Schools Foundation (HCSF).

“Our Edward Jones office is honored to be able to recognize Haywood County’s outstanding teachers,” Bishop said. “The PE and foreign language departments are an integral part of a balanced education. The contributions Ms. Burrus and Coach Coward make do not go unnoticed.”

Burrus has been a French teacher at Pisgah High School for four years. Her French classes not only challenge students to learn a foreign language, they are also immersed in the French culture when they step through the door. Her enthusiastic teaching style prepares her students to succeed in college-level French classes.

Each day at Canton Middle School, Coward challenges her students to achieve physical fitness goals. The meaningful, high-quality health and physical education she provides is encouraging students to be physically active at school and at home. Haywood County Schools’ PE programs help students develop their bodies and minds and gain valuable life skills like teamwork.

“Coach Coward and Ms. Burrus are just two examples of the countless teachers in Haywood County who go above and beyond to ensure student success,” Haywood County Schools Foundation Executive Director Jenny Wood said. “The Excellence in Education program is a great way to publicly recognize them as outstanding teachers.”

Each month, up to three teachers from the 16 Haywood County Schools are recognized with an Excellence in Education award. Award winners are presented with a certificate and a $100 check sponsored by Bishop.

For more information about the Excellence in Education program contact Jack Bishop at 452-4048 or Jenny Wood of the Haywood County Schools Foundation at 456-2400.