PULASKI COUNTY, Ark. — Jessie Watson and David Weser were both awarded the People Committed to Serving Scholars Daily Inspiration in Education Award during the September meeting of the PCSSD Board of Education.
Watson received the classified award, and Weser received the certified award.
Mr. Jessie Watson serves as the lead custodian at Harris Elementary School, and his influence extends well beyond facilities work. His nomination describes him as “a teacher, encourager, coach, leader, greeter, DJ, and a true jack-of-all-trades.”
Watson begins each morning by greeting scholars with a high five and music. According to the nomination, “every day, Mr. Watson encourages our scholars to do their best work and make positive choices.” He also reminds students that “good character, sportsmanship, and perseverance are qualities they can carry with them throughout life, future careers, and athletic endeavors.”
After school, Watson coaches football and basketball. His nomination states that he uses those opportunities to teach “teamwork, discipline, responsibility, respect, perseverance, and good sportsmanship.” It also notes that “coaching is about more than winning games—it is about helping young people develop the character and skills they will need throughout their lives.”
This year, Harris Elementary underwent installation of new floors and ceiling tiles, delaying summer work. Watson told Principal Bailey that “in all the years he has worked, he has never failed to have a school ready for the first day of school.” The nomination adds that “true to his word, Mr. Watson worked alongside the other Harris custodians, as well as faculty and staff, to ensure that the building was prepared and ready when our scholars walked through the doors on the first day.”
The nomination concludes: “That dedication says everything about who Mr. Watson is.”
Jessie Watson, Dr. Janice Warren, and Watson's supporters primarily from Harris Elementary
Mr. David Weser has been an educator for six years, including five at Joe T. Robinson Middle School. He teaches social studies and serves as the AVID elective teacher. Weser states that teaching is about more than delivering content. It is about building relationships and helping students recognize their own potential. He adds that he strives to give students the confidence, skills, and curiosity they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
Weser was nominated by multiple colleagues. One nomination notes that “Weser has ensured that students are willing to participate in AVID activities, and frontloading the information makes it easier to implement those strategies in my classroom.”
Another colleague wrote that “he makes sure [new personnel] all have the necessary tools for a successful school year” and “constantly checks in with them to see if they need any assistance…He arrives to work early, is a friendly face to his students and colleagues, and his classroom is frequently the model example in our weekly staff newsletters.” Another added that “the kids absolutely love his approach” and that his intern teacher “is learning so much daily from him.”
Weser also serves on the RMS leadership team, where he leads the social studies department “to not just teach their content with excellence but to also support ELA in teaching writing and reading skills.” A colleague summarized his impact: “He is more than a team-player, he is a true leader. He is an absolute rockstar!”
Weser said he is grateful to be recognized with the PCSSD Inspiration in Education Award and to be part of a community of educators committed to making a difference in students' lives.
David Weser, Dr. Janice Warren, and Weser's supporters from Robinson Middle School