Profile of the Month - December 2005 Jeff Spanogle

Jeff Spanogle, a member of the Mississippi Teacher Corps Class of 2004, is currently finishing his second-year at Yazoo City High School.  Jeff teaches math, and also volunteers at a recreation center after school - The Way Cafe.

“In his first year of teaching Jeff’s students improved dramatically on the Algebra One test, moreso than any other teacher at Yazoo City,” said Ben Guest, Program Manager for the Mississippi Teacher Corps.  “Consequently, in his second year Jeff is teaching all sections of Algebra One.  He is a great example of the kind of incredible impact that our teachers have.”

“I once heard that knowledge is power and wisdom is the ability to use that power but love and respect are what make that power worthwhile,” says Jeff.  “Maybe the two greatest things we can teach are love and respect.  Respect for other individuals and a love for knowledge and truth.  My desire is to be that teacher who once pushed me to excel and continue educating myself for a world that needs not just knowledge but the wisdom to use that knowledge and the love and respect to help others.”