Warren named one of the Herzog Foundation Teachers of Year

Special to The Canton News 

With a surprise video and standing ovation from her middle schoolers, Cantontian Courtney Warren says she was delighted to learn that she was recently named one of the Herzog Foundation’s 2024 Teachers of the Year. Warren teaches middle school literature, Spanish, and creative writing at Madison-Ridgeland Academy. 

“I can’t even begin to explain how blessed I feel. To get this award means I was nominated by both my school and my church, so to know that they think highly enough of me to do so is an honor in itself,” said Warren. 

Warren has been teaching for eight years and has been a middle school teacher for four. 

“I have to give credit for that middle school push to two people. Michele Carter and Ron Jurney sat me down one summer, while I taught at Canton Academy, and said I would be moving to the middle school. I cried! I thought I’d never be a good middle school teacher. I’m so grateful they made me do it anyway, because I can’t imagine myself teaching any other grade. I’ve found my place. Coach Jurney gave me the push and didn’t waiver, while Mrs. Carter held my hand and encouraged me every step of the way. She still does.” 

Warren added teaching the Patriots has been a life changing experience.

“Teaching at MRA is a dream. I love every single student I have, and the administration and faculty are some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met. Our school truly is an example of what it means to give our students a Christian-based education. My principal, Ben Haindel, is the most encouraging leader I’ve ever had. He is always excited to come to school, to see our students, and to cheer on his teachers. Honestly, all of our administrators are like this. They are incredible. I’m proud to say I teach here, and even more proud to say my own daughter is being educated here,” said Warren. 

MRA Middle School Principal Ben Haindel said, “I believe the secret to Courtney Warren’s success is her ability to form meaningful relationships with her students and her enthusiasm and passion for teaching that she brings to her classroom every minute of every day. She is one of a kind, and we could not be more proud of this recognition as a Herzog Foundation Teacher of the Year. We are fortunate to have such amazing teachers, like Courtney Warren, at MRA.”

“In Christian schools, exceptional teachers abound, and our twelve Teachers of the Year stand as shining examples,” said Herzog Foundation President Darrell Jones. “Selected for their remarkable dedication and innovative teaching methods, each recipient embodies excellence in the classroom.”

Warren was showered with love on announcement day by her students, faculty, and administrators at MRA. She said, “One of my favorite parts of the entire experience was that the students and teachers were with me in Duese Hall. They cheered and were so excited. Mr. Land, our head of school, has a tradition of ending all pep rallies with Two Bits. He got the middle school students to say ‘two bits, four bits, six bits a dollar, all for Mrs. Warren stand up and holler!’ I will always remember that I got my own two bits from them!” 

Each year, the Herzog Foundation recognizes twelve Teacher of the Year Award recipients, who will be recognized Fall 2024 at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C.

Nomination criteria includes: Each nominee must be a K-12 teacher in a Christian five-day school or hybrid school in the U.S. Each teacher nominated must have served in K-12 Christian education for at least one year. The nominee must have plans to continue teaching after receiving the award. The teacher must have demonstrated excellence in promoting Christian education to students. The teacher must be highly respected by students, parents, colleagues, and the community. The school and teacher must align with the Herzog Foundation mission:  Herzog Foundation exists to catalyze and accelerate the development of quality Christ-centered K-12 education. Its vision is for families and culture to flourish through quality Christian education.