Novella Humphrey, director of Federal Programs/Curriculum of Southside School District, was recently named the 2023 Arkansas Association of Federal Coordinators (AAFC) Howard Wallace Federal Coordinator of the Year. Humphrey received the award at the 2023 AAFC Spring Conference on May 4.
The award is given each year in honor of Howard Wallace, long-time school educator, Arkansas Department of Education staff member, and mentor to many. It “…recognizes an Arkansas educator for outstanding service to public schools and for ‘making a difference,’” according to a media release announcing the honor.
Humphrey obtained a Master of Educational Leadership in 2005 from William Wood University. She began her education career as an elementary teacher in the Alton School District in 1995 and held a teaching position in Mammoth Spring School District. She went on to be principal at Cord Charlotte Elementary School before becoming a curriculum specialist for the Northcentral Arkansas Educational Service Cooperative. Humphrey has been with the Southside School District since 2011.
Humphrey is a member of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators, AAFC, and Arkansas Association of Curriculum and Instruction Administrators. She is also a former member of the Arkansas Reading Association and a conference presenter. Humphrey oversees federal and state categorical budgets, works in collaboration with the business department, and supports all building principals and the preschool director.
“I love working directly with students,” Humphrey said. “Some of my favorite activities are being a guest reader in classrooms, watching student presentations of their learning, and organizing mock interviews for seniors.”
“Novella has been instrumental in our growth over the past several years by being a positive force for what is right,” said Southside Superintendent Dion Stevens. “She is revered by our teachers, administrators, and school board as a key piece of the district. The most important part of her characteristics is her deep love for the success of students, and her willingness to go above and beyond to serve others.”
“Novella exemplifies the definition of an educational professional,” colleague Peyton Worthington said in the release. “She demonstrates dedication and a superior work ethic to the profession.”
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