We are so excited to be welcoming back such a familiar face at Alcorn Central. Alcorn Central High School is adding a full-time Career Coach to our faculty and staff which will help our students tremendously. Mrs. Rebecca W. Lewis is back on campus and ready to make a difference. She has already begun her work as Career Coach by meeting with students, scheduling meetings with area business leaders and contacting agencies and organizations to set up internships and apprenticeship opportunities. This position is under the umbrella of many of privately funded partners. We look forward to sharing more about this program and grant with you all very soon! Meanwhile, we just want to share with you some background on Mrs. Lewis and let you know why we think she is so great!
Mrs. Lewis’ office is housed in the ACHS library available for students of all ages to visit. She is preparing displays around the library to help students find jobs, scholarships, help with college applications, and ways to stay involved in the community. This position is more than just getting kids to college or work. It is about developing students socially, academically, professionally, and mentally. Mrs. Lewis is prepared to put her heart and soul into this position. To help you get to know her a little better, keep reading below to see how she answered some of our questions.
- Graduation information (high school, college, etc)
I graduated from Corinth High School and attended one year at NE before quitting to get married and work at a bank. I only went to NE that one year because my mom told me she would pay for my car if I did. I called that blackmail, but she insisted it was a business deal. I entered the Marketing Program but never planned to go back for the second year. While I was there, my English teacher told me I was in the wrong major and wanted me to come back the next year and work as an English tutor for the football team. Of course, I didn’t go, but I never forgot our conversation. I always felt she saw something in me that I couldn’t see in myself. After working a couple of years, I decided to take an English class at night, and that started my journey to Blue Mountain, where I graduated in 1990. I eventually went on to earn my National Board Certification, followed by my master’s in English Education from University of North Alabama.
- Reason you decided to teach
I am not one of those people who always knew what she wanted to do, so I would have benefitted from meeting with a career coach. As a matter of fact, after I graduated, I said I hated school and would NEVER go back. Over the years, I have learned that when I say “never,” God laughs and says, “Watch this!” Mrs. Norma Lambert, an English Teacher at NEMCC, planted the seed of what I believe became my life’s calling. I remembered all the teachers who had inspired me, comforted me through personal struggles, and encouraged me, and I realized I wanted to do the same thing for students. I wanted to help them see something that they couldn’t see in themselves. I wanted them to know someone was in their corner and truly cared about them regardless of their life circumstances.
- Clubs and organizations you are or have been a part of
ACHS Student Government Association
ACHS Senior Beta Club
ACHS Baseball Boosters
Alcorn County Curriculum Design Team
Miss State Leadership Cohort
Alcorn Central Teacher Leadership Team
Living Free Snack Pack Team Leader
Oakland Baptist Church Women’s Ministry Leadership Team
Oakland Baptist Church Card Ministry
- Other awards and honors received in your career
Alcorn County Teacher of the Year 2008
Rotary Club Teacher of the Year 2008
STAR Teacher – five time recipient
- What encouraged you to seek this position?
Mr. Quinn told me about the position last year and said he thought it would be a good role for me. I personally have seen the great need for people in skilled trades in our community and state, and I know that through this position, I can help students obtain training and education that will allow them to fill these positions while making more than enough money to provide for themselves and their families. I can name so many of my former students who would have benefitted from paid apprenticeships or any of the excellent vocational programs offered at NEMCC and other community colleges. I realized the value of vocational and technical programs after my older son received an associate degree as an Occupational Therapist Assistant from ICC and graduated earning as much as I was at that time, and I had a master’s degree and national board certification. He eventually went on to earn his masters in OT from Belmont University, but the two-year program at ICC provided an excellent foundation.
- Why do you think a career coach is necessary in today's education climate?
For too long, society has convinced students that if they did not earn a bachelor’s degree, they could not be successful, which is completely untrue. As a result of the push for everyone to go to college, we have created a shortage of skilled trades people. Those skills could be promoted through apprenticeships and technical/vocational programs that could be completed in half the time and with little to no school debt. Because of the great demand, many students in skilled trades will out earn graduates with a bachelor’s degree. Also, in almost all of these trades, there is great demand regardless of the fluctuations in the economy.
- What are your main goals for our students?
My main goal is to help students find their passion and pursue it, whether it be in vocational, technical, or academic programs. I want to meet with students individually, learn their strengths, interests, etc. and then help connect them with business, industry, and college contacts who can assist in helping them chase their dreams.
- Personal Tidbits
Married to Rick Lewis who is excited about this role because as a sales rep for JAY Industrial, he sees on a daily basis the overwhelming demand for skilled trades. Mom of Taylor (ACHS 2008) and Connor (ACHS 2016) and MiMi of Emory June. Often called Mama Lewis by my students because they knew I would give them a hug, lunch money, or a kick in the pants if they needed it. Since retiring in December of 2017, I started a small home décor business as an “empty nest” project and continue to run that. I have also done consulting for Buse Educational Services and filled in to teach 7th-8th grade English at Thrasher after Katrina Stroup retired in the spring of 2020.
(Pictured above are Rick and Rebecca Lewis with granddaughter Emory)
We are looking forward to seeing all the work Mrs. Lewis will be doing for our students in the weeks and months ahead. She not only wants to help our students, she wants to help our families - the people that make our community so great. Alcorn Central is focused on building a better future for tomorrow and that means investing in our community. You can reach Mrs. Lewis by email at rlewis@alcornschools.org and by phone at (662) 286-8720.
Welcome aboard Mrs. Lewis! We are glad to have you back.