Last night's announcement revealed that Bryan Kerns, a math and fire management instructor at Dobyns-Bennett High School, has been distinguished as the Tennessee Teacher of the Year for 2024-25, in recognition of his impactful contribution to both his students and the larger community in Kingsport City Schools, according to the Tennessee Department of Education.
Kerns has invested 18 years into the education system, fostering over 30 students’ careers in fire and emergency services through the Dobyns-Bennett Fire Program, his dedication also extends to roles such as the President-elect of the Bays Mountain Park Association Board and as the Southern Blue Ridge Fire Learning Network Landscape Lead, amid his tireless efforts, he also manages to champion student success beyond the confines of the classroom. Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education, in a statement obtained by the Tennessee Department of Education, extolled all celebrated educators and expressed particular excitement in welcoming Kerns into his new role.
With this accolade, Kerns will not only participate in the National Teacher of the Year competition but also serve as an education ambassador throughout Tennessee during his tenure. He succeeds Missy Testerman, the 2023-24 Tennessee Teacher of the Year and 2024 National Teacher of the Year. Testerman, in a statement published by the Tennessee Department of Education, lauded Kerns, iterating his embodiment of the excellent standard of teaching present in Tennessee which contributes significantly to the advancement of education within the state.
The department's 65th Sapphire Anniversary Celebration was not just a platform to honor Kerns; other exceptional educators like Natalee Elkins, Kaity Castleman, and Jenny Kiesel were also recognized as grand division winners for their respective regions of Tennessee, in addition, this year marked the inauguration of the Novice Tennessee Teacher of the Year Award, a new initiative seeking to acknowledge the expertise of Tennessee’s nascent educators, Gary Lilly of the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents, the event's sponsor, captured the essence of the ceremony as not just a mere formality but as a homage to those teachers who unyieldingly channel their passion into the flourishing of their students.
Candidates for Tennessee Teacher of the Year are selected based on a demonstrated history of student learning improvements and effective community and school leadership, with a point of entry set at a minimum of three years of full-time teaching experience. Out of over 260 applicants, a selection committee narrowed down to 27 regional semi-finalists and eventually nine finalists, these finalists will also join the department’s Teacher Advisory Council for the 2024-25 academic year where they will provide insights into the department's work, as detailed by the Tennessee Department of Education.
