(upbeat music) - Good evening and welcome to the Educator Recognition Excellence and Education event.

To all of you joining us from home, thank you for tuning in.

And to those of you here in the room, it's amazing to have you with us today.

We have an amazing evening of celebration in honor of our incredible Tennessee educators.

Tonight, we're celebrating the hard work and passion of 40 exemplary educators who represent the Tennessee Supervisor and Principal of the Year awardees, Recognizing Inspirational School Employee Award, the Aspiring Educator Award, the Milken Educator Award, the Novice Teacher Awardees, and the Tennessee Teacher of the Year Awardees.

I am Sarah Brown, Senior Coordinator of Educator Recognition, and I'm pleased to be your guide tonight as we honor these spectacular Tennessee educators.

Once again, we're honored to collaborate with local PBS stations across the state to bring this extraordinary event to audiences for a second year in a row.

Our sincere thank you to PBS for this valued partnership, which helps shine an even brighter spotlight on these remarkable educators and their impact.

Before we begin the main part of tonight's program, I would like to thank some special supporters of Tennessee's educator recognition programs.

Each of Tennessee's educator recognition programs is made possible by practitioners across the state that serve on our selection committee.

A special thank you to those individuals listed on the screen for their service.

I also would like to thank our magnificent musicians from Nashville School of the Arts and your director, Ryan Murphy, so much for setting aside time on a Thursday night to come play for us.

(audience clapping) We would like to thank the following partners in the audience for their contributions and the support to our Tennessee educators.

So we're going to start announcing our organization's name.

So Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents and their platinum partners, American Fidelity, Risk Management Trust, Central Technologies Incorporated.

We have the Bojangles Foundation, the Kids First Education Foundation, Tennessee Association for Colleges for Teacher Education, Tennessee Education Association, UT Knoxville, and Becky McGiran, Avery Hutchins and team and all of the PBS stations across the state.

Thank you, directors, supervisors, principals, teachers and colleagues in attendance for the support you provide for the awardees here this evening.

Would you please stand and be recognized?

(audience clapping) Thank you so much for all you do for the educators and students of Tennessee.

Thank you to members of the State Board of Education and legislators who are in attendance to support our awardees tonight.

Would you please stand and be recognized?

(audience clapping) And then to the families and special guests of the honorees, we would like to thank each of you for your often unseen support for our awardees.

Educators work long hours inside and outside the classroom, and we take this moment to honor those families who are part of the whirlwind of educator life.

Would you please stand and thank you for all you do?

(audience clapping) And thank you so much for your patience during all of the school things, which your lives revolve around.

We do see how much you support us.

And now I am pleased to welcome our chief academic officer, Kri Brown, to the podium to kick off tonight's festivities.

(audience clapping) - Good evening.

I'm Christie Brown, the chief academic officer at the Tennessee Department of Education, and it's my pleasure to welcome you to our annual Excellence in Education event.

Tonight, we honor the exceptional educators who make a difference, a lasting difference in the lives of our Tennessee students.

This evening, we celebrate not only your individual achievements, but also the collective impact of Tennessee educators, your professionalism, innovation, and unwavering belief in students continue to strengthen our schools and our communities.

Now, it is my honor to introduce our commissioner of education, Lizette Reynolds.

(audience clapping) Appointed by Governor Lee in 2023, Commissioner Reynolds is passionate advocate for educational excellence and for student success.

- Hi, good evening everyone.

I am so excited to be with you tonight to celebrate and recognize some of Tennessee's most exceptional educators and school leaders.

For more than 60 years, this event has recognized educators whose dedication, passion, and commitment help shape brighter future for our children all across our great state.

Your commitment to creating learning environments that inspire, challenge, and empower students is truly remarkable.

You make our schools places where students not only gain knowledge, but also develop the character, the skills and confidence they need to thrive in this ever-changing world.

We have seen steady progress across our state and the success is a direct reflection of the incredible work our educators do each and every day.

Even after students leave your classrooms, the impact of your work continues to shape their lives for years to come.

To our finalists and award recipients, I want you to know that tonight and every day, you should be immensely proud of the difference you are personally making for each one of your Tennessee students.

You all are all truly deserving of this prestigious recognition.

I will always admire your unwavering commitment that you show to your students, guiding and encouraging them to reach their fullest potential.

You are an inspiration to us all and to me, and we are incredibly fortunate to have you as part of Tennessee's education community.

Congratulations on these tremendous honors and thank you to all of you for all of you for everything that you do.

Tonight, we celebrate your achievements, your dedication and lasting impact you have on the lives of students all across this state.

Thanks again for being here.

I wish you a fantastic evening as we honor each and every one of you.

I would like to share an inspiring message from our governor, Governor Bill Lee.

- Hey everybody, governor Bill Lee here.

I wish I could join you all in person tonight to celebrate the achievements of our devoted educators and leaders who selflessly shape the future generation of leaders.

In Tennessee, we know that teaching is more than a career, it is a calling.

And being married to a former teacher has given me a great appreciation for the crucial role that educators play in a student's life.

Your commitment's greatly appreciated.

I want to congratulate each of the finalists and awardees for these well-deserved recognitions.

Thank you.

(audience clapping) - Thank you to Governor Lee, and I'd now like to introduce our assistant commissioner of human capital, Burke Amos, who will kick off our first award.

(audience clapping) - Good evening, everyone.

Seeing so many educators and supporters gathered here tonight fills me with gratitude and optimism.

It is a privilege to recognize the extraordinary individuals who invest their talent, energy and heart into serving Tennessee students.

Your work changes lives, strengthens communities and creates opportunities for future generations.

Please know that your contributions are deeply valued and we are thankful for all that you do.

Now, let's turn our attentions to our exceptional awardees.

We are thrilled to begin by recognizing Tennessee's Rise Award state finalists.

The Recognizing Inspiring School Employees RISE Award is a national program that celebrates the outstanding contributions of classified school employees serving students from pre-kindergarten through high school.

Each year, states may nominate up to two individuals for this prestigious honor.

This year, nominations poured in from parents, students, colleagues, and school leaders, each one filled with heartfelt stories of tireless dedication.

These employees hold essential roles that often go unsung, yet they're absolutely vital to the heartbeat of every school.

Ask any educator and they'll tell you, classified employees are the lifeblood of a school's success.

We could not be more proud of these finalists and we know they will represent Tennessee beautifully in the national competition.

Awardees, please remain on stage for an individual picture after receiving your award.

Then you will take a photo together after both have been announced.

After your photo, you will go back to your seat.

Our first 2026 Rise Award State Finalist, Mandalin Goins.

Mandaline is a classroom associate at Antioch High School in Metro Nashville Public Schools.

Mandalin is described as exemplifying excellence in work performance through unwavering dedication, adaptability, and student-centered approach.

Ms.

Goins approaches every challenge no matter how complex or demanding with determination and grace, displaying a can-do attitude that motivates those around her.

Her adaptability allows her to take on difficult assignments and navigate unexpected situations with professionalism and composure.

She shows up each day fully committed, going above and beyond what is required without seeking recognition.

She embodies the true spirit of leadership and commitment, making her an invaluable asset to any school community.

(audience clapping) Our next 2026 Rise Award State Finalist from Newport Grammar School, Christina Leas.

At the time of this award, Christina was the food service supervisor, but this year Christina has transitioned to a preschool teacher position.

(audience clapping) Christina's director of school said that Christina's commitment to Newport City school system extends well beyond her assigned responsibilities.

Throughout her career, she has consistently volunteered her time and talents to support students, families, school programs, and community initiatives.

Christina exemplifies servant leadership through her ability to lead, innovate, and inspire others while maintaining an unwavering focus on students and service.

(audience clapping) Congratulations to our 2026 Tennessee RISE finalists.

You may now be seated and I'll return the podium to Sarah.

- All right.

Congratulations and one more round of applause, please.

(audience clapping) Now let's turn our attention to the 2026/'27 Tennessee Supervisor of the Year honorees.

Once again, we're honoring a fabulous group of district leaders who have been selected from a very competitive pool of applicants from across the state.

This is a three-round selection process with a video presentation.

These supervisors truly stand out amongst their peers.

Honorees, after you receive your award, you'll have your photo taken individually on stage with the commissioner and then step to the side of the stage as others in your category receive their award.

You then will have a group photo taken.

All right, so starting in the east from the first core region, Travis Thompson.

Mr.

Thompson is the director of student services in Elizabethton City Schools.

(audience clapping) From the East Core region, Janice Cook.

Janice is the Executive Director of Whole Child Supports and Family Supports in Knox County Schools.

(audience clapping) From the Southeast Core region, Elizabeth Kaylor.

Elizabeth is a elementary supervisor in Bradley County Schools.

(audience clapping) Moving to the middle of the state, I'd like to begin with our upper Cumberland region, Ashley Rust.

(audience clapping) Ashley is the supervisor of technology in White County Schools.

Mid-Cumberland Core Region Finalist, Frankie Skinner.

Frankie is the Chief Academic Officer for Sumner County Schools.

(audience clapping) And from the South Central Corps Region, I'd like to introduce Wendy Wilkerson.

Wendy is the Director of Special Education and District Section 504 Coordinator in Telahoma City Schools.

(audience clapping) Moving Westward from our Northwest Core region, Terry Stevenson.

Terri is the Supervisor of Elementary Instruction, Pre-K through five in Weekly County Schools.

(audience clapping) And from the Southwest Corps region, Mrs.

Melinda Hutcherson.

Melinda is the Assistant Superintendent of Lauderdale County Schools.

(audience clapping) And from the Memphis Shelby Municipals Region, Makenzie Perkins.

Makenzie is the district counseling and threat assessment supervisor in Collierville Schools.

Since this award, Makenzie has shifted into a new role in the private sector.

(audience clapping) All right, supervisors, please assemble for your group photo and then just stay right there for a second.

All right.

Congratulations once again to our 2026, '27 Tennessee Supervisor of the Year finalists.

(audience clapping) Three finalists have been selected to represent the East, Middle, and West Grand Divisions of our state.

As I call your names, please step forward to receive your award and take an individual picture and then transition to the other side of the stage for a group picture after everyone has been introduced.

All right.

The East Tennessee Grand Division Supervisor of the Year Winner is Janice Cook.

(audience clapping) Janice is the Executive Director of Whole Child and Family Supports in Knox County Schools.

The Middle Tennessee Grand Division Supervisor of the Year Winner is Frankie Skinner, Chief Academic Officer from Sumner County Schools.

(audience clapping) And the West Tennessee Grand Division Supervisor of the Year is Melinda Hutcherson.

(audience clapping) Melissa is the Assistant Superintendent in Lauderdale County Schools.

Each of you embodies what it means to be an exceptional school leader dedicating yourselves to the vital work of instructional leadership on behalf of your students and teachers.

Congratulations to each of our Grand Division winners.

Thank you for all you do for Tennessee students.

All right, let's have another round of applause for these leaders.

(audience clapping) All right, everybody stay where you are.

All right, we are now going to announce our supervisor of the year, but before, last year we introduced Diana Wood from Putnam County Schools as Tennessee Supervisor of the Year.

It is now my honor to welcome her to the podium to share her experiences of the 2025/'26 Tennessee Supervisor of the Year.

(audience clapping) - There's a question we've all been asked when meeting someone new, "What do you do or what is your job?"

I'll admit, since becoming an instructional supervisor in Putnam County, I usually pause before I answer, a little panicked, a little embarrassed.

Usually I just say, "I'm an educator," but then I feel awkward, like I'm dodging the question, so I end up blurting out my whole resume.

Well, I used to be a teacher, then I'm an assistant principal and then a principal and now... Yeah, it's awkward.

I think I do that because supervisor sounds way more authoritative than I feel, and let's be honest, no seven-year-old stands up in elementary school and says, when I grow up, I want to be a supervisor of instruction.

I wanted to be a teacher.

That was the dream, but I've learned that the path we imagine for ourselves isn't always the path placed before us.

Sometimes God opens doors we never knew to knock on.

Looking back, I'm cognizant of the fact that I didn't arrive at this seat by myself.

I carry my parents with me who taught me to work hard and stay humble.

I carry the teachers who saw potential in me early on, the principals who trusted me before I felt ready, and even my director, Corby King, who saw something in me I wasn't looking for and encouraged me into this role.

I carry my family, my husband, Ken, my biggest cheerleader, and my children, Izzy, Annie, and Sam, who have shared their mom with the education for so many years and are my inspiration to improve the classroom experience for all kids.

Standing here, carrying their investment has changed how I see this work.

Being a supervisor isn't about supervising, it's about standing in the gap, supporting our leaders and our teachers so every educator has what they need to do what they do best, change the lives of children, because every child in Tennessee deserves to be taught by a confident, prepared teacher, a teacher who knows what they are teaching and why, a teacher who truly believes every child can learn.

But teachers don't become confident simply because we hand them instructional materials and tell them to go teach.

They become confident because someone invests in them, someone coaches them, someone believes in them when they want to give up.

That is where every single person in this room comes in because the truth is every job represented tonight carries a unique kind of weight.

For a teacher, it's the quiet weight of holding a child's whole world in your hands, carrying their hardships home with you and trying to stretch limited hours into unlimited care.

For a principal, it's the isolating weight of being the shield, absorbing every crisis so your staff has the breathing room to teach.

For a supervisor, it's the invisible grind of pushing heavy boulders uphill, wrestling with budgets, systems, and mandates behind the scenes to directly clear the path for our principals and our teachers.

None of this work is light, but together we form an unbreakable chain of belief.

A supervisor protects the vision so a principal can say, "Our school is a place of possibility."

A principal fuels a teacher's heart so they can say, "I have what it takes."

And a teacher opens a child's eyes so they can finally say, "I belong and I can succeed."

We don't always get to see the full outcome of what we plant.

We may never know which 30-second conversation turns someone's week around, which note of encouragement arrived at the exact moment a teacher was questioning their calling, which quiet act of kindness a child carried with them for 30 years.

Education is built entirely on those unseen moments.

Those moments build confidence.

Confidence creates possibility and possibility changes the trajectory of a life.

So tonight, while we hand out awards to some extraordinary educators, I hope we also honor thousands of the thousands of victories that will never be named on a plaque.

The lesson that finally clicked, the student who finally felt like they belonged, the young teacher who finally found her footing, those are the real victories.

Sure, when someone asks me, "What do you do for a living?"

I'll probably still hesitate and be awkward, but in my heart, I know the truth.

I'm an educator.

I just found a different seat at the table.

Every child in Tennessee deserves that confident, prepared teacher.

Every teacher deserves someone who believes in them.

So keep lifting each other up, keep believing in our kids, and to my fellow supervisors back here carrying those heavy boulders alongside our leaders and teachers, I see you.

It's been an honor to be the Tennessee Supervisor of the Year.

Congratulations to all our honorees.

(audience clapping) - Thank you, Dr.

Wood, for your remarks and for your year of service.

It's been a delight to work with you, and then you just stay right there for just a second.

In honor of such an amazing year, the department is pleased to present you with a token of our appreciation.

It's a joy working with you as the Tennessee Supervisor of the Year, and we've been so proud to watch you through your journey this year.

(audience clapping) I'd now like to invite Commissioner Reynolds to the podium for the announcement of the '26/'27 Supervisor of the Year.

- All right, it's been a long day already.

So we have come to a second special moment in the program, the announcement of Tennessee's 2026-2027 Supervisor of the Year.

One of this person's colleagues say, "The most remarkable characteristic about this leader is that this person continues to embody and embolden the skillset of an effective educator, creating carefully designed and engaging training despite the refinement of all the other leadership skills that they need for this role."

Another colleague describes this leader as having a rare ability to simultaneously uphold the highest standard of excellence while remaining deeply approachable, compassionate, and supportive.

This person leads with clear expectations and unwavering integrity.

This person's influence extends far beyond operational leadership.

This person shapes people.

This person inspires others to become better educators, better leaders, and better advocates for all of our children.

Diana, would you like to do the honors?

- The '25/'26 Tennessee Supervisor of the Year is Dr.

Elizabeth Kaylor from Bradley County Schools.

Congratulations, Dr.

Kaylor.

(audience clapping) Would you like to share a few words?

- I don't know what to say.

Thank you, Lord.

I have prayed all along that if God wanted me to have this opportunity, that he would make it available to me.

And it's very humbling and not a moment I actually expected to occur.

I have such an amazing team, and anything I have ever accomplished has been because of them.

Thank you, Dr.

Cash, for this opportunity, and thank you to all of the amazing people in Bradley County schools, and I will do my very best to represent them well and to represent the state of Tennessee well.

Reading is a passion of mine, and I have to just say, one of the most addictive parts of this job that keeps me coming back time after time is the opportunity to influence a child who is learning to read.

And so it's my hope that this will be an opportunity for me to do that to an even greater degree.

Thank you so much.

(audience clapping) - All right, thank you, Dr.

Kaylor.

All right, let's give Dr.

Kaylor and our grand division winners and our finalists one more round of applause.

(audience clapping) All right.

And now it's time to recognize our '26/'27 Tennessee Principal of the Year Honorees.

These school leaders have been selected by a rigorous three round scoring process that includes both written and video submissions, and these leaders are truly the cream of the crop, having been selected from a pool of nominees across the entire state.

Honorees, after you receive your award, you'll have your photo taken individually with the commissioner, and then you're going to stand to the side of the stage as others in your category receive their award.

You will get a solo... Hold on, I'm so sorry.

You will get a group photo at the side of the station that Tracy Riddle, our director of district data and support will shepherd you through this.

All right, so without further ado, I'm pleased to introduce our regional principal of the year awardees.

So again, we're going to begin with the east side of the state from the first core region, Lana Luttrell.

Dr.

Luttrell serves as a principal for Tuscalan View Elementary School and Greenville City Schools.

(audience clapping) From the East Core region, Mitchell Whaley.

Dr.

Whaley is the principal at Sevier County High School in Sevier County Schools.

(audience clapping) From the Southeast Core Region, the '26/'27 Tennessee Principal of the Year, Patrick Spangler.

Dr.

Spangler serves as a principal at Bradley Central High School in Bradley County Schools.

(audience clapping) From the Upper Cumberland Core Region, Ms.

Heather Tinch.

Ms.

Tinch is the principal at Burkes Elementary School in Putnam County Schools.

(audience clapping) From the Mid-Cumberland Core region, Dr.

Fred Hewitt.

Dr.

Hewitt serves as the Executive Principal of the DuPont Tyler Middle School in Metro Nashville Public Schools.

(audience clapping) From the South Central Core region, Dr.

Meredith Gilliland.

Dr.

Gilliland is the principal at Eakin Elementary School in Bedford County Schools.

(audience clapping) From the Northwest Core region, Ms.

Amber Ryan.

Ms.

Ryan is the principal of Lakewood Elementary School in Henry County Schools.

(audience clapping) And from the Southwest Corps region, Dr.

Brandon Rainey.

Dr.

Rainey serves as principal at Lexington High School in Henderson County Schools.

(audience clapping) And to wrap up our finalists from the Memphis Shelby County and Municipals region, Dr.

Rebecca Scott.

Dr.

Scott serves as principal as the University of Memphis Campus Schools with University Schools Memphis.

(audience clapping) All right, so would all our awardees step to the stage right for a group photo or finalists?

All right, so please remain right there so we can do the announcement of the Grand Division winners.

So congratulations once again to our nine '26/'27 Tennessee Principal of the Year finalists.

(audience clapping) Three of the nine Principal of the Year finalists have been selected to represent the East, Middle and West Grand Division of our state.

As you accept your award, please then transition to the opposite side of the stage for an individual and then group photo.

All right.

The East Tennessee Grand Division Principal of the Year Winner is Dr.

Lana Luttrell from Tuscaloobie Elementary School in Greenville City Schools.

(audience clapping) The Middle Tennessee Grand Division Principal of the Year is Dr.

Fred Hewitt from DuPont Tyler Middle School and Metro National Public Schools.

(audience clapping) The West Tennessee Grand Division Principal of the Year winner is Dr.

Rebecca Scott from University of Memphis Campus School and University Schools.

(audience clapping) Principals, you are the true embodiment of exceptional leadership, continually raising the bar and making amazing things happen in your schools each year.

Congratulations to your Grand Division winners.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to Tennessee school students for keeping your teams motivated, focused, and thriving.

In December 2025, we had the honor of introducing Dr.

Deanna Jones from Collierville Schools as Tennessee's Principal of the Year.

It's now my honor to welcome the 2025/'26 Tennessee Principal of the Year, Dr.

Deanna Jones to the podium.

(audience clapping) - Well, it is so great to be back.

I am filled with so much gratitude and I think it's such an honor to be named Principal of the Year.

But what made this year so special was the opportunity to represent principals across our state.

I quickly realized that this honor was never just about me or about my school.

It was about the stories that I carry, the challenges, the celebrations, and the incredible work principals do across the state of Tennessee.

One of my favorite parts of this experience has been the people that I've had the opportunity to meet with.

I have been able to connect with other principals and I've been continually reminded that while our schools may look different, our communities may be different, our hearts are so much the same.

We all want the very best for our children.

We want our teachers to feel valued and supported, and we want our schools to be places where students feel safe, loved, challenged, and known.

I'm also incredibly grateful for those who made this year possible for me.

My Bailey Station family has supported me every step of the way and I could not have been representing them well without them being by my side.

I'm grateful for my district, for the leaders who have invested in me, and for the countless people who encouraged me throughout the year.

And now one of the most special parts of this experience is getting to pass this honor on to another principal.

So to the '27/'28 Tennessee Principal of the Year, congratulations.

You are about to experience something truly special and I hope you soak in every moment, embrace every opportunity to meet and learn from other principals, and remember that you are representing far more than yourself.

You're representing a profession that is filled with people who show up every day and give their very best to children and the community.

It has been one of the greatest honors of my career to serve as Tennessee Principal of the Year, and I will always treasure the people I met, the relationships I've built, and the opportunity of incredible work happening in Tennessee schools.

Thank you for allowing me to represent you.

It has been an absolute privilege and I will carry this experience with me for the rest of my career.

And to the next Principal of the Year, congratulations.

I cannot wait to watch you take this journey forward.

(audience clapping) - Thank you, Dr.

Jones, for your remarks and for your year of service.

We've loved working with you over the course of this year, and I need you to just stay right there for just one more moment.

So in honor of such an amazing year, the department is pleased to present you with a token of our appreciation.

It is a joy working with you as the Tennessee Principal of the Year, and it's just been so proud to watch you through your journey.

(audience clapping) All right, I'm now going to welcome Lizzette Reynolds to the podium for our next part of the presentation.

- All right, here we go.

We've come to another very special moment in our program.

One of the nine finalists here will be named Tennessee's 2026-2027 Principal of the Year.

Before we announce the winner, we'd like to share some comments others have made about the talents of this '26/'27 Tennessee Principal of the Year.

A community member said, "This principal is a builder of trust within our community.

Parents feel more comfortable knowing their children are in a school where they are cared for and encouraged.

This person has served as a steady and positive force that brings people together.

On a personal level, this person is exactly who you'd hope would be leading a school.

This principal is kind, cares deeply about people, and is someone that you can trust.

This person leads with a strong sense of character, and that shows up in the school each and every day.

Kids are happier because of it, and when kids feel that way, they're in a much better position to learn and to grow."

A colleague has said, "This principal's leadership is anchored in a relentless force and focused on teaching and learning.

Every decision is grounded in what is best for the students.

This leader brings clarity, connection, coherence, and purpose to work.

This leader has an extraordinary ability to cultivate culture and community where students are seen and valued, families are connected, and staff feel supported and empowered.

This leader develops the capacity of those around her."

Now I got a little bit of a hint there.

"Keeps students at the center of every effort and consistently delivers results that matter."

Deanna, your turn.

- Thank you very much.

All right.

The moment we've all been waiting for, the '26/'27 Tennessee Principal of the Year is Heather Tinch from Burke Elementary and Putnam County Schools.

(audience clapping) Congratulations, Heather.

Would you like to share a few words?

Well, I have no teleprompter here to guide me through this.

I am honored and very humbled at this moment here.

My goodness, thank you.

I never saw this for myself, but the Lord knew that this is where I needed to be, and he made my journey here so clear.

And I just want to thank him and give him all the glory for this.

No leader comes to this on their own.

This is about Burkes Elementary.

This is about Monterey, Tennessee, 536 students, 70 faculty members, staff.

We've got... Oh my goodness, I'm just... This is about them.

We've got parents that trust us and we've got a community that stands behind us.

I have to thank my parents because they showed me what it's like to be community servants, and I watched them throughout my journey growing up to be able to be that community person, and that's what I wanted to be.

And my husband and my daughter, they're here tonight.

Honey, you saw this in me before I ever knew that it was going to happen, and thank you for encouraging me.

And Lexi, you've had to share your mama a lot over the years, and I'm just very thankful for both of you.

And I've just got to talk about Putnam County for just a minute.

I've got a district that supports so much.

Corby, I don't know if you remember about six and a half years ago whenever I told you I was very comfortable in my previous position and not to mess with that, do you remember me saying that?

I'm glad that neither one of us listened to me, so thank you for this opportunity.

Dr.

Wood, thank you for pouring into me.

We're a part of the... We're charter members of the You Want Me to Do What God Club because we both came into these positions around that same time.

Melissa Paulk has been a mentor to me.

Thank you so much for that.

And I just want to just give a shout out to all of the finalists here.

Thank you for what you do for loving kids and for all of my Burkes people back home, I just want you to remember that you are important, you are valued and you are loved and I'm honored and thank you so much for this opportunity.

(audience clapping) - All right.

Congratulations, Heather, and to all of our leaders.

(audience clapping) All right, now we'll transition to our teacher awards.

We will begin our teacher awards with the Milken Educator Award, and I'd like to welcome Brooke Amos back to the stage and she will present this next award.

- For more than 30 years, the Milken Awards, an initiative of the Milken Family Foundation, have rewarded and inspired excellence in the world of education by honoring top educators around the country with $25,000 unrestricted awards, not an accolade for lifetime achievement or the proverbial gold watch at the exit door.

The Milken Awards target early to mid-career education professionals for their already impressive achievements, and more significantly, for the promise of what they will accomplish in the future.

Our newest Milken educator was surprised at her notification in January earlier this year.

Let's take a look back to that day.

As we play the video, could our Milken educator please make her way to the stage?

We'll play the video.

- [Everyone] (indistinct).

- Good morning, Westwood Elementary.

- [Everyone] Good morning.

- It is my honor to welcome you today as we celebrate the hard work and dedication of the faculty, staff, and students of Westwood Elementary School.

- It is such an honor to be here at Westwood Elementary to talk about the excellent work all of y'all are doing and your teachers to get you to where you need to be so you can read, write, and do math.

It is these skills that are going to help you get ready for high school.

- One of the very best educators in the entire nation is right here in your school.

One of the teachers in this room is going to win this prestigious award today.

Students, do we want to know who the best teacher is?

(cheering) Can I have an envelope, please?

Can we have a drum roll?

(drum roll) The Milken Educator Award goes to Holly Logan.

(audience clapping and cheering) - [Holly] Thank you, everyone.

To the people I work with, this wouldn't be possible without you all too, because y'all are amazing and I hope to continue to pursue education.

I am working on my doctorate, so that money will help towards that.

- Take these moments, use these opportunities, meet these people that you're going to come into contact with and network with and just use that to further education and bring a positive light to education and to teachers everywhere and inspire the next generation to rise up and teach.

- I just feel so honored.

I really do.

And like I said, I just think back to my students and how passionate I am about them and I pour my heart into them every day.

I mean, this is all for them, honestly.

I mean, I would do this with or without any recognition, honestly.

- [Everyone] (indistinct).

(audience clapping) - We welcome Tennessee's newest Milken educator, Holly Logan, an ELL teacher at Westwood Elementary School in Manchester, Tennessee to receive her award.

Holly, you're here on the stage receiving your award.

I would like to welcome Sarah Brown back to the stage.

- All right, so we're excited to invite Regina Ginn, the executive director of Kids First Scholarship Foundation to share a new student recognition pathway the department launched last year.

Last year, the department launched the Aspiring Educator Award for a student involved in the teaching as a profession coursework in our high schools.

Regina.

- Thank you.

Good evening, I'm Regina Ginn.

I'm the director of the Edna Marie Robinson Poor Memorial Scholarship Foundation, also known as Kids First Scholarship Foundation.

It is an honor to be here tonight at the Tennessee Excellence in Education event as we celebrate outstanding educators and the future of the teaching profession.

I am joined by Kids First team members, Sue Anne Boatman, Corey Kelly, and Greg Wyatt.

The Kids First Scholarship Foundation advocates for teaching as a career.

What started as a local heart with one scholarship in 2021 in Mississippi has grown into a national impact in 2026 with 23 scholarships in four states, Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

Tonight, we have the privilege of recognizing an aspiring young educator, someone who represents the promise, dedication, and heart that will shape classrooms for years to come.

To our recipient, your commitment to becoming an educator is already meaningful.

We commend your passion for learning, your desire to serve, and your willingness to step into one of the most important professions in our communities.

It is my pleasure to present this scholarship to Ashlyn Carter, our aspiring young educator honoree.

Please join me in welcoming Ashlyn Carter.

(audience clapping) - All right, thank you, Gina and Kids First.

There's a little more.

All right.

Congratulations, Ashlyn Carter.

(audience clapping) So Ashlyn graduated from Roane County High School in Roane County Schools in May.

Currently, she is participating in the Tennessee Technological University's two plus two program where she will attend Roane State Community College for the next two years and then transfer to Tennessee Tech to complete her education.

She is majoring in elementary education.

Ashlyn's teaching as a profession teacher.

Ruth Thompson says Ashlyn has a gift of compassion and patience, which allows her to stand out among the other teachers.

Her love of teaching and interacting with children is truly her greatest asset.

She has a presence with her students that makes them feel loved and important while also enforcing her expectations of them.

So as our aspiring educator, Ashlyn will receive the scholarship from Kids First Foundation, support in her education prep program, and she is invited to be the student member on the Tennessee Teacher Advisory Council.

So congratulations once again, Ashlyn.

(audience clapping) Give her a round of applause for this incredible young person.

All right.

I'd now like to invite Brooke Amos, Assistant Commissioner of Human Capital, back to the stage.

- The Novice Teacher Award launched two years ago to honor the outstanding work of early career teachers in our state.

These teachers nominated by their districts were selected through a rigorous scoring process that considered the teacher's ability to create engaging and innovative lessons, as well as their commitment to continuous improvement as a professional.

These educators also have the opportunity to participate in the Emerging Educators Council, engage with our teacher advisory council members for professional mentorship, as well as the department and our educational partners.

I'd now like to invite Dr.

Robyn Ridgley with the Tennessee Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, or TACTI, to this stage to present awards.

Robyn, would you like to say a few words?

- Hi there, I'm Robyn Ridgley.

I'm here with my colleague, Dr.

Annie Ensana.

We're the president and president elect of the Tennessee Association of Colleges for Teacher Education.

Our organization serves as the collective voice of those who prepare educators in the state of Tennessee.

We represent public and private institutions as well as educator preparation providers outside of higher education.

One of our primary purposes is to advocate for high quality educator preparation that benefits all Tennessee pre-K to grade 12 students.

- We are honored to be here to present the Novice Teacher Awards.

Our organization and members spend endless hours investing in pre-service and in-service educator preparation.

We know the commitment it takes to be outstanding teachers.

Sponsoring these awards is one way for TACTI and our members to communicate to you and to the educators across the state that we are partners in your work and we are here to cheer you on, provide support when needed, learn alongside you, and advocate for the profession when needed.

- Thank you for your work with students and for being an example for others as they strive to impact the lives of students, families, and communities each day.

- All right, let's recognize our 2026/'27 Novice Teacher of the Year Awardees.

As I call your name, please come across the stage to receive your award, then step to the right of the stage until all of your cohort has been announced.

You will then have a group photo.

Starting with finalists from the East Grand Division, from the first Tennessee Corps region, please welcome to the stage Will Stockley.

At the time of the award, Will was teaching eighth grade at Ross and Robinson Middle School in Kingsport City Schools.

This year, Will has transitioned to Dobbins Bennett High School in the same district.

Will teaches ninth and 10th grade English.

(audience clapping) From the East Tennessee Core region, please welcome Chase Lockard.

At the time of the award, Chase was teaching at Grand Oaks Elementary School in Anderson City Schools.

This year, he has transitioned to Clinton High School in the same district.

Chase teaches Ninth and 10th grade health and wellness.

(audience clapping) From our Southeast Tennessee Corps region, Reagan Lowrie.

Reagan teaches sixth grade math at Sale Creek Middle High School in Hamilton County Schools.

(audience clapping) From our upper Cumberland Tennessee core region, Carter Rogers.

Carter teaches K-5 grade special education intervention at Cannon County Schools.

(audience clapping) From our mid-Cumberland Tennessee core region, Katie Gowisnock, apologies for that.

Katie teaches sixth grade math at Freedom Intermediate School in Franklin Special School District.

(audience clapping) From South Central Tennessee Core region, April Green.

April teaches pre-K fifth grade fine arts and discovery at Cowan Elementary School in Franklin County Schools.

(audience clapping) Moving on to our West Grand Division, I'd now like to introduce Ashlyn Favara from our Northwest Core region.

Ashlyn teaches... Southwest Core region, Molly Dickinson.

Molly teaches ninth and 12th grade family... A co-teacher in Houston Middle School, Germantown Municipal Schools.

- Good evening, educators and special guests.

And congratulations, Tennessee District Teachers of the Year.

On behalf of the Bojangles Foundation board members and over 10,000 Bojangles employees, we want to say thank you for everything that you do in the classroom.

We are honored to celebrate with you our third year in being a partner with the Tennessee Department of Education and the Tennessee Teacher of the Year program.

With me today are Toni and Ward Tolbert.

Toni is the senior marketing merchandising manager for Bojangles, and she and her husband live actually here in Tennessee.

Before I began my career at Bojangles, I taught full-time for 10 years at a state vocational technical school in Kentucky.

We had post-secondary students 11 months out of the year and served our local high school.

I always remember people saying, "Teachers have it made because they only work nine months out of the year."

This always gave me the opportunity to explain to them that some teachers work 11 months out of the year, and the ones that only work nine months out of the year work 10 to 12 hours a day with a lot of extracurricular activities, and during the summer, they're not laying by the pool, they're going to school or working a second job.

They always said, "Oh, I didn't know that."

I wanted to say back to them, "Well, think before you talk."

Of course, it's all worth it because of the impact you make on the lives of the children who become our local state and national leaders.

Bojangles and the Bojangles Foundation are true believers in the importance of literacy.

It's so important to us that we've made it one of our three pillars in our foundation's goals.

We support teacher of the year programs in six states.

We work with the original sixth foundation on the My First Library program in South Carolina, and we implement literacy programs in our sports partnerships as well.

Over the years, we've provided over 250,000 books to support literacy.

Now in my position, I get to work for a company that is passionate in making a positive change in literacy.

Plus, I get the privilege to meet so many educators and honor them in small ways that I hope we show them that we care and we are here to support you.

As part of our support to you at the Tennessee District Teacher of the Year, we want to provide you something for you to use in your classrooms to help motivate your students to read.

So today, I get to do kind of like an Oprah and I get to give away some books.

So Kathleen, you get some books and Phillip, you get some books, and Kelly, Amy, Blair, Derek, Sarah, Jenna, and Tabitha, you get some books.

These books were selected by grade level and subject matter that you teach, plus they have a special label inside of them saying that they've been donated in your honor as a Tennessee District Teacher of the Year by the Bojangles Foundation.

Also in Inside that box, you will find a $100 Bojangles gift card to just enjoy a little bow time on us.

All district teachers of the year that are not here tonight will start receiving their boxes of books at their schools next week with a $25 gift card.

All of us at Bojangles salute you for choosing teaching as your career.

I truly believe that a teacher is someone that makes a lasting impression on our lives.

You are shaping and molding our future leaders and providing our kids a great education.

So continue the great work and enjoy the 2026/'27 academic school year.

Once again, congratulations and it's bow time for educators all day, every day in Tennessee.

(audience clapping) - Thank you, Ken.

Congratulations to our nine 2026/'27 Teacher of the Year finalists.

All right, so finalists, please make your way to the stage as we hear from our partner from TOSS, Dr.

Gary Lilly.

Gary, will you please join us on stage?

(audience clapping) - [Gary] Good evening to everyone here and to those joining us from home.

I am Gary Lilly, the executive director of the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents.

It's a privilege to present... We'll back up the teleprompter just a little bit.

Thank you so much.

It's a privilege to represent Tennessee superintendents as we celebrate these outstanding teachers.

Every superintendent depends on teachers to make our hopes for students a reality.

We count on your expertise, your judgment, and the relationships you build with students and families.

You recognize when a child needs another explanation, a new challenge, or just someone who believes in them.

To tonight's honorees, please know how deeply your superintendents appreciate you.

We are proud to serve alongside you and we share a responsibility to ensure you have the support you need to succeed.

I also thank our TOSS partners whose generosity makes these monetary awards possible, including American Fidelity, Central Technologies, Tennessee Risk Management Trust, and UDT.

As we recognize this year's honorees, we celebrate the teachers they represent across Tennessee.

On behalf of our state superintendents, thank you for giving our students your very best.

(audience clapping) - All right, thank you, Gary, and Toss for all you do for these educators.

We deeply appreciate your support for this incredible profession.

So finalists, after you receive your award, please step to the right side of the stage until the remainder of the finalists receive their award.

The 2026-'27 finalists for Tennessee Teacher of the Year are, starting with the finalists from the East Grand Division, from the first Tennessee core region, Phillip Lewis.

(audience clapping) So Philip is the STEM lab instructor for grades three through eight at Newport Grammar School in Newport City Schools.

(audience clapping) From the East Tennessee Corps region, Kathy Parnell.

(audience clapping) Kathy teaches special education in the comprehensive development classroom for sixth through eighth grade students at Gibbs Middle School in Knox County Schools.

(audience clapping) From the Southeast Core region, Kelly McElhiney.

Kelly teaches ninth and 10th grade honors English and AP English language and composition at Marion County High School in Marion County Schools.

(audience clapping) Moving towards the middle of the state.

From the upper Cumberland Core region, Derek Zachary.

Derek teaches physical education at Northeast Elementary School in Putnam County Schools.

(audience clapping) All right.

From the mid-Cumberland Core region, Amy Jackson.

Amy is the gifted specialist at Discovery School in Murfreesboro City Schools.

(audience clapping) And from the South Central Core region, Blair Clanton.

Blair is a self-contained special education teacher at West Middle School and Tullahoma City Schools.

(audience clapping) All right.

Now recognizing those finalists from the West Grand Division.

So from our Northwest Core region, Sarah Comuzie.

At the time of the award, Sarah was a special education teacher at Camden Central High School in Benton County.

Since then, I'd like to congratulate her on her new role as assistant principal of Camden Central High School.

(audience clapping) All right, so from the Southwest Core region, Tabitha DePriest.

Tabitha teaches third grade math at Halls Elementary School in Lauderdale County Schools.

(audience clapping) And from the Shelby County Municipal Region, Jenna Burke.

Jenna is the STEM teacher at Sycamore Elementary School in Collierville schools.

(audience clapping) Congratulations to all of our finalists.

Let's give them one more round of applause.

(audience clapping) All right, finalists, stay where you are as we move on to the next stage of the award.

So three of the nine teachers of the year, finalists, have been selected to represent the East, Middle, and West Grand Divisions of our state.

Grand Division winners, after receiving your award and getting a photo with the commissioner, I ask that you move back across to the opposite side of the stage to the left of me here.

You will get a group photo after all three of you are announced.

So at this time, I am pleased to share the first Grand Division Award of the evening.

The East Tennessee Grand Division Tennessee Teacher of the Year winner is Kelly McElhiney from Marion County High School in Marion County Schools.

(audience clapping) Congratulations, Kelly.

Now moving to the middle of the state.

The Middle Tennessee Grand Division Teacher of the Year winner is Amy Jackson from Discovery School in Murfreesboro City Schools.

(audience clapping) Congratulations, Amy.

And for tonight's final Grand Division Award, the West Tennessee Grand Division Teacher of the Year winner is Tabitha DePriest from Halls Elementary School in Lauderdale County Schools.

(audience clapping) All right, so thank you, teachers.

Again, just stay where you are for the next portion of the awards.

Congratulations to all three of our Grand Division winners.

I'm going to invite Commissioner Reynolds to the podium to guide us through the next stage.

- All right, here we go.

Last year we celebrated our esteemed educators at Noah Lyft Opera Center.

Dr.

Brandy De La Cruz, who I met earlier today, who's awesome, was announced as the '25/'26 Tennessee Teacher of the Year.

Brandy has had an incredibly busy year serving Tennessee in her role as teacher of the year.

During the last 12 months, she has traveled the state and the nation, gone to space camp, presented at a number of universities and conferences, and dedicated herself to learn more about how teachers around the state and the country serve their students and their community.

Brandi has also served as a member of the Teacher Advisor Council leadership team and taught her students for more than a few days in between at some point somehow.

Brandy teaches advanced math courses at Colorville... Colorville, sorry.

Colorville, Colorville High School in Colorville Schools.

Sorry, Russell.

Where she not only advocates for her students, their families and fellow educators, but also offers a specialized focus for students to use math in their pathways to careers after graduation.

It is my honor to welcome Brandy De La Cruz to the stage to share reflections from her expectations, her experience and her experiences as the 2025, 2026 Tennessee Teacher of the Year.

Brandy.

(audience clapping) I just put it out.

I did my best.

I didn't say (indistinct).

- No, you said (indistinct).

Perfect, very good.

All right, thank you all.

First, I want to congratulate everyone in this room for being nominated among the very best in your profession in the state of Tennessee.

And I want to congratulate everyone you brought with you, the people who supported you, encouraged you, and helped make your being here possible.

Teaching is not a solo sport.

It is a team sport.

I can't believe a year has already passed since I sat where you're sitting.

A year of introspection, more than little imposter syndrome, and a whole lot of reflection has taken place.

In the road not taken, Robert Frost writes about two roads diverging in the woods.

One road was familiar, the other disappeared around a bend.

A year ago, I knew one road very well, my classroom, my school, my district, Collierville, and a profession I had loved for over 15 years.

Then I was named the 2026 Tennessee Teacher of the Year and another road magically appeared.

I knew it would take me beyond the familiar, but I could only see so far around the bend.

I toured Google in San Francisco.

I met high ranking officers in there for their AI department.

I got to go to space camp in Huntsville.

I got to lead real, they were fake, missions to Mars.

I just returned today from Washington DC, where I got to sit in the offices of both of our senators, and I got to stand at the stadium at a UT Knotts game in front of 110,000 screaming fans as I waved nervously on the field.

So a lot has happened to me this year, but that road has brought me back to Washington, where I had the privilege of sitting down with members of the House and Senate to talk about issues directly affecting Tennessee students and our teachers.

But the farther I traveled, the more I realized this journey was never really about the places I went.

It was about the people I represented.

I began this year with a goal of elevating teachers and sharing more of the good happening in education in our state.

Along the way, I was given something teachers are not always given, a seat at the table.

I listened, I learned.

And when I spoke, I carried far more than my own story into these rooms.

I carried your stories, your classrooms, your students, and your voices.

Frost wrote way leads on to way.

And for me, there is still a road ahead.

I cannot see around the next bend, but I know that I will carry with me a commitment to elevate teachers and to keep students at the center of everything we do in Tennessee.

To my family, my teacher of the year cohort, my colleagues, and my school district, this great state and every person who opened a door offered me encouragement or pulled up a chair, thank you.

Representing Tennessee's teachers as the 2026 Tennessee Teacher of the Year has been the greatest professional honor of my life.

Thank you for trusting me with your voice.

I will never take lightly the privilege of carrying it.

(audience clapping) - All right, thank you, Brady, for your remarks and your year of service.

It has to be a delight.

It has been a delight to work with you, and I need you to stay there again for just one minute in honor of such an amazing year.

The department is pleased to present you with a token of our appreciation.

It is a joy working with you as Tennessee Teacher of the Year, and we've been so proud to watch you throughout your journey this year.

All right, commissioner, I'd like to invite you back to the podium for our final announcement.

Okay, here we go.

- All right, now we've come to a really another very special moment in our program.

Tonight, one of the nine finalists will be named Tennessee's 2026-2027 Teacher of the Year.

This person will have the opportunity to work with many educators and leaders across the state and also represent Tennessee and the National Teacher of the Year program.

Let's go.

Before we announce the winner, we'd like to share some comments others have made about the teaching talents of this amazing teacher for 2026 and 2027.

A district leader said, "This teacher represents the gold standard of Tennessee education.

This teacher is a visionary who prepares students for the challenges and the opportunities of the future by grounding them in confidence and academic rigor."

This educator's principal has said, "This educator has transformed learning into a dynamic, engaging, and hands-on experience for all students.

This educator exemplifies excellence in teaching and leadership in making a lasting impact on students, school, and the community and the parents every single day."

This educator has said, "Leadership in education is not a position.

It is a collaborative practice.

When schools, families, and communities work together, we create strong support systems that connect learning to the real world and make it a more meaningful and impactful opportunity."

As educators, we are preparing students for a future that has yet to be defined.

In that future, the most valuable skills our students will carry with them are not just academic knowledge, but the ability to preserve, adapt, collaborate, and think critically in the face of the unknown.

After all, we're not just preparing students for their futures, we're empowering them to lead it and to own it.

This is the moment we've been waiting for.

Brandy, will you please share the name of the 2026-2027 Teacher of the Year?

- So exciting.

- All right, let's go.

- The 2026-2027 Tennessee Teacher of the Year is Jenna Burke.

Same teacher from Sycamore Elementary School in Collierville.

(audience clapping) - Please forgive me.

For those of you that know me, I wear my heart on my sleeve, and so tears are going to come.

I would like to start by saying thank you to my family, my husband, and my children.

One of the most important people on my journey to be an educator was my fifth grade teacher, Ms.

Langford, and my second mom, Ms.

Patty Kirsch.

And those two women have been my rocks.

They have been my shooting stars to aim for, and they've really helped guide me to keep perspective as to what's really important in life.

Adding to that list is my principal, Ms.

Manheim, who got to join me here today because she has allowed me to roll with all of my ideas and she just embraces who I am and the creativity that sometimes pours out of my brain.

And I'm just privileged to represent the teachers here, the teachers across this amazing state, and be able to work with the fantastic students that we have here in Tennessee and really impact their future because they're our future.

So thank you so very much.

(audience clapping) - All right.

Now I'd like to turn the mic back over to Gary Lilly and Mariel Housen, Assistant Executive Director of TOSS for a special presentation.

- Thank you, Sarah.

On behalf of the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents and our partners, we would like to present the 2026/'27 Tennessee Teacher of the Year with a $3,000 award in appreciation of her service.

(audience clapping) - All right, thank you.

All right.

In parting, I'd like to share a quote from the late Dolly Parton.

This quote truly stood out to me as someone who has dedicated my own career, not just to public service, but it's very specifically education.

I truly believe these words embody all of the leaders here in this room today.

If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then you are an excellent leader.

And as we go back into our every day, may we as educators continue to offer the best of ourselves, celebrate what makes us unique, and protect the idea that we belong to each other as a community so that we can continue to inspire students to dream, learn, and become the very best that they can be.

To all of our honorees, congratulations on your achievements, and thank you for the incredible passion and hard work with which you serve your students each day.

All right, so please stay a while to honor all of our fantastic awardees and take some pictures of this fabulous setting and enjoy your time here to celebrate.

Thank you, everyone.

(audience clapping) All right, can I have all of the awardees go to the back, to the step and repeat?

Additionally, awardees, please take a flower arrangement home with you.

(upbeat music) Hey, Rise Award winners, will you please go to the... (mellow jazz music)