Lake Cormorant’s Morgan named DCS Teacher of the Year
Photo: Christina Morgan is shown in her 11th grade U.S. History classroom at Lake Cormorant High School. Morgan has been named the district’s Teacher of the Year. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)
Dec 18, 2024- When Christina Morgan entered Lake Cormorant High School for the first time, the hallways were sparkling and new. Over the years, those hallways may have aged a little, but Morgan has been a constant as an educator and a volleyball coach.
Today, Morgan has added to a long list of honors as she has been named the DeSoto County School District Teacher of the Year.
After two years teaching at Horn Lake High School, Morgan became part of the faculty that first opened Lake Cormorant. A U.S. History instructor, Morgan has taught 11th grade American History ever since 11th graders first entered the building on Starlanding Road.
Earlier this year, she was named the Lake Cormorant High School Teacher of the Year, making her eligible for the district award. Morgan will now also be considered for state honors by the Mississippi Department of Education.
“I’m extremely honored, because I know I’m amongst a lot of incredible teachers in our county,” Morgan said. “We have the very best.”
Morgan believes a key to good instruction involves reaching out to her students on a personal level.
“I try to get to know them, their unique backgrounds and understand their various learning styles and meet their needs,” Morgan said. “I love to inspire, motivate and develop skills that help prepare them for life.”
History may be addressing the past but for Morgan, applying the past to the present is important.
“You have to connect it to the life they are living today,” she said. “I’ve noticed that students learn best when they’re working together and teaching one another. They’re having a voice and a say in some of the learning.”
After graduating from Horn Lake High School, Morgan earned a degree from the University of Mississippi and then earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Arkansas State.
She credits the teachers she had in school for her interest in education.
“I had some great teachers growing up that inspired me,’ Morgan said. “I can remember playing teacher as a little girl with my cousins and sisters. I loved the role of it and today, if there’s a chance to impact students’ lives, that’s the ultimate reward.”
Active in sports, Christina was part of the first Mississippi high school state volleyball championship team at Horn Lake in 1995. As a coach, Morgan’s Lady Gators have won several MHSAA state championships, including the current string of three straight; one in 5A and the last two in 6A.
Morgan knows the teamwork component on the volleyball court also works well in the classroom.
“You teach certain skills they need to be able to collaborate and work with each other,” Morgan said. “Watching a student succeed, whether it’s in the classroom or on the court is very rewarding.”
Outside of the classroom and volleyball court, Morgan is also actively involved in the Interact Club at Lake Cormorant as sponsor. She also helps organize blood drives and canned food drives for the school.
“I absolutely love Lake Cormorant High School,” Morgan said. “I know the county has the best schools and I’m happy to be a part of this county. I was shocked by the Teacher of the Year honor because there are so many great teachers here.”
Married to husband Jeff, a retired principal, and mother of four children, Christina Morgan has found success at several levels. On the volleyball court, she helped win the first state championship as a player for Horn Lake. As a coach, she has led state championship teams at Lake Cormorant and has been named a Coach of the Year. This volleyball season, her Lady Gators’ team in September won for her career victory number 400 as a coach.
But today, Christina Morgan is recognized for success in the classroom, as the DeSoto County School District Teacher of the Year.
