On a night when Tate County School District honored its stars, it was John Branch who shined brightly.
Branch was recognized as 2025-26 teacher of the year at a ceremony before a TCSD board of trustees meeting Monday, Feb. 9 when the district presented annual awards to exemplary staff members and parents.
In just his third year as an automotive instructor at Senatobia-Tate Career Technical Center, Branch said the students make the job worthwhile each day.
“I like seeing that light bulb come on when they pick up on something even if it’s just basic stuff,” Branch said. “They want to learn and that drives me.”
Branch graduated from Coldwater High School in 1990 before attending Northwest Mississippi Community College. There, he earned an associate’s degree in automotive technology which led to a 30-year career in the repair industry.
“I initially wanted to teach after I finished school at Northwest, but it didn’t work out,” Branch said. “This opportunity came open three years ago, and I jumped at it.”
TCSD Superintendent Alee Dixon said Branch exemplifies everything a teacher should be.
“John Branch doesn’t just teach automotive…he is building futures,” she said. “His passion, high expectations, and real-world learning are providing career paths for our students.”
Other awards handed out during the ceremony include:
Parent of the Year – Kassie Isbell, East Tate Elementary
Administrator of the Year – Tommy Miller, Independence High
Staff of the Year – Michael Newson, Coldwater Elementary
Child Nutrition Staff of the Year – Sally Johnson
Operations Staff of the Year – Jonathan Youngblood
Bus Driver of the Year – Penny Raines, Strayhorn
