Third-grade teacher receives scholarship to further studies

Jennifer Payne

Jennifer Payne

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

— Jennifer Payne, third grade teacher at Gravette Upper Elementary School, is the recipient of a teacher scholarship from the Arkansas State Teachers’ Association to supplement her continued education through a master’s degree program in school library media science.

Payne, who is in her eighth year of teaching third grade at Gravette, said the education will greatly benefit her students and enhance her abilities in the classroom.

“I hope to become a library media specialist and assist in teaching students information literacy and promote a love of reading,” she said.

Payne received her bachelor’s degree in education from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tenn. She is continuing her master’s program through the University of Central Arkansas at Conway.

She and her husband Michael, a computer technician with Walmart, live in Centerton.

“I love teaching in Gravette and the small-town community atmosphere,” Payne said. She also praised her fellow faculty members, the administration and staff.

Community News, Pages 5 on 01/12/2011