The Tennessee Department of Education has unveiled the nine finalists for the 2025-26 Tennessee Teacher of the Year award. These teachers represent the eight Centers of Regional Excellence (CORE) areas in the state and the Shelby County-Municipal area, showcasing a diverse range of educational talents. Selected for their dedication and impact in the classroom, these educators are in line for an award that recognizes their hard work and amplifies their voice in the larger conversation about educational policy and practice.
According to an announcement by the Tennessee Department of Education, the finalists were chosen for their unyielding commitment to student success and leadership within the educational community. "I admire the unwavering commitment that each of these finalists provide to students each day, guiding them to reach their fullest potential," said Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education. She also emphasised their "exceptional leadership and profound dedication" as reasons deserving of this prestigious recognition. Furthermore, Reynolds expressed that these individuals are a source of inspiration and fortune for the Tennessee education system.
Bryan Kerns, the 2024-25 Tennessee Teacher of the Year, praised this year's finalists in a statement to the Tennessee Department of Education, noting their significant influence within their communities and across the country. "Their nomination is a testament to each teacher's impact on their communities," Kerns stated, pointing out that the recognition comes with an expectation to continue positively shaping the future for students. He reflected on his tenure, expressing his observations about the student-focused nature of Tennessee's teachers and certain legislators, per the Tennessee Department of Education.
The Teacher of the Year selection process includes nominations from the state's school districts, followed by interview rounds, which narrow the field down to the final winner. The finalists are also slated to serve on the department’s Tennessee Teacher Advisory Council and to potentially represent Tennessee in the National Teacher of the Year competition. The chosen educator can engage directly as an education ambassador throughout their tenure. Qualifications for the candidates are stringent, requiring at least three years of full-time teaching, proven student learning gains, and leadership roles in school and community contexts.
