News

Educator Spotlight | Heather Outlaw

When Heather was 10 years old, her family moved to Oxford, Mississippi where she also graduated high school. After high school, she went on to work as an assistant teacher while studying business at the University of Mississippi. She loved her job but finished her degree. Heather went on to work at Dillard’s in Myrtle Beach, SC but missed working with students. While she loved living on the beach, she decided to go back to school to get a degree in early childhood education. Shortly after her career in education began, Heather’s youngest niece was diagnosed with autism which led her to pursue special education. 

Heather’s first teaching job led her to the Mississippi Delta where she had a student who was legally blind. The school and surrounding area did not have many resources for the student, so Heather helped him get accepted into Mississippi’s School for the Blind in Jackson, MS. She helped the student’s mom make a resume, interview for jobs in Jackson, and finally relocate to the area. Seeing the student’s face light up when he was able to fully participate at the School for the Blind made it all worth it to Heather! It’s evident that her students fill her with joy! 

Heather loves the music, food, and shopping in Memphis, but also appreciates that she’s so close to Oxford to go back and visit family and friends. If she wasn’t a teacher, she would love to be a fashion or interior designer. Lastly, Heather wishes she could learn to exercise or play the guitar!