Mississippi Schools for the Deaf & the Blind
“ Where Endless Opportunities Abound! ”
MISSISSIPPI SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
Established in 1854, the Mississippi School for the Deaf is the state’s official school for all children in the state who are deaf or hard of hearing. From the earliest detection of a hearing problem, we can provide children with the communication skills and confidence they need to live happy, productive lives
MISSISSIPPI SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND
Established in 1848, Mississippi School for the Blind is a specially designed school focusing on the unique learning needs of children and youth PreK-12 with visual impairments or blindness, including those with additional disabilities.
Welcome to MSDB!
The Mississippi Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (MSDB) is one district with two unique schools – the Mississippi School for the Deaf, established in 1854, and the Mississippi School for the Blind, established in 1848. MSDB was established by the Mississippi State Legislature to provide educational and residential services to students across Mississippi who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, visually impaired, or deaf/blind. Our highly specialized teachers and support staff work together to provide a safe, happy, and healthy environment that facilitates growth and learning. Our educational curricula and after school programs encourage students to excel in all areas of their lives. Our goal is to provide fully accessible learning environments and foster the love of learning for life. Our students strive to accomplish every goal they set for themselves and often exceed expectations.
’23-’24 MSDB Teacher of the Year
Ms. Betty Williams has been chosen by the external committee as the 2023-2024 MSDB Teacher of the Year! As quoted by Dr. Jeremy Stinson, “She has been an anchor of strength on our campus, and is always willing to roll up her sleeves whenever needed at MSD or MSB.”
“During Capturing Kids’ Hearts (CKH training) in May, the affirmation of others in the group typically takes 45 minutes. Our presenter allowed us to affirm one another for almost two hours, and most of those were either given by or given to Ms. Betty. At the end of day two, Ms. Betty had the courage and felt led to speak to the MSD staff during share time, she acknowledged her own shortcomings in how she had spoken ill of a staff member, and then she challenged us all at that moment to put personal feelings and frustrations aside to be better for our students. A lot of healing took place that day among the MSD staff. That’s Ms. Betty, and these are just a few of the reasons why MSD voted her as Teacher of the Year and why she has been selected for this district honor.”
“Ms. Betty, I am proud of you and for you, and I look forward to celebrating this accomplishment with you, along with Mrs. Maleshia Williams from MSB and the upcoming MSDB Employee of the Year. Congrats!”
From left to right: Tara Brister (MSD Principal), Betty Williams (MSD Media Specialist/ Librarian), Jeremy Stinson (Superintendent)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 14, 2024
Dionne Lewis Announced as Mississippi AI Collaborative Accelerator Fellow
Jackson, MS — Mississippi Schools for the Deaf and Blind is pleased to announce Dionne Lewis has been selected as a 2023-24 Mississippi AI Collaborative (MSAIC) AI Educator Accelerator Fellow.
Dionne Lewis is a passionate life-long learner in the realm of serving the educational needs of others. With a B.S. in Paralegal Studies, Mrs. Lewis began her work at Mississippi School for the Blind in 2016, where she understands the importance of doing your research before presenting or representing a case. Unlike any other work experience received throughout her life, working with the visually impaired/blind has been the most valuable and rewarding experience.
Mrs. Lewis’ teachable spirit does not go unnoticed. She began her journey as an assistant teacher to the visually impaired/blind. After obtaining her teacher’s certification through an alternate-route program in the State of Mississippi, she has earned endorsements that provide valuable resources for the culture she assists.
As a skilled alliance and advocate for Visually Impaired/ Blind students, Mrs. Lewis has demonstrated her willingness to learn as these students do by enrolling in such trainings as Unified English Braille (UEB) Online/UEB Literacy and Mathematics Braille Training where she received a Certification in Braille (Reading & Writing). She possesses a proficient understanding of the methodologies and tools necessary to plan, create, execute, and monitor student’s progress.
As a 2023 graduate from Belhaven University, where she received a Master’s Degree in Organizational/ Strategic Leadership- there will be more to come from advocating and partnering to bring educational and sustainability resources and hands-on activities for those at Mississippi School for the Deaf and Blind.
The MSAIC AI Educator Accelerator is a fellowship designed to empower educators with the essential skills, knowledge, and advocacy tools needed to spearhead equitable AI integration in Mississippi’s educational sphere.
Participating fellows in the MSAIC AI Educator Accelerator will engage in continuous professional learning, facilitated by leaders in the AI field, through regular meetings throughout the year. Fellows will benefit from support provided by the MSAIC team, expert collaborators, mentors, and dedicated resources to effectively implement their projects. Their achievements will be acknowledged and highlighted across MSAIC’s communication channels and at the MS AI Summit in July 2024.
For additional information, visit mississippiai.org/acceleratorfellowship.
About MS Schools for the Deaf & Blind
The mission of the Mississippi Schools for the Deaf and the Blind is to serve a diverse educational community, to work collaboratively with families and partners, and to empower students through comprehensive support, self-advocacy, and personal excellence.
District Announcements
Gallery/ Acknowledgements
First Presbyterian Church
Thank you, First Presbyterian Church of Jackson, for the Generous Water Donation!
Colonial Heights Baptist Church
Five MSB students stand with Mr. Spann and two members of Colonial Heights Baptist Church to say thanks for the water donation.
’23 – ’24 Teacher of the Year and Staff
Employment
Opportunities
Outreach
Admissions
MSDB has been designated by the State of Mississippi as a program that serves children whose primary disability is either a hearing loss or a vision loss. Program design and selection of staff is based on that premise. Not all children who apply are eligible to attend the MSDB. Click below for a summary of MSDB’s enrollment policy.
I am so thankful for MSB. Since my son started this school year I have seen such tremendous growth in his mobility, independence, and Braille skills. The Braille instruction and technology he has access to at MSB is amazing! The teachers are wonderful. His Orientation and Mobility training is teaching him so much and he really enjoys everything that he learns. He has never loved school more than he has at MSB. It feels like family and we feel so blessed to be a part of it.
Stacie Harris
