TDOE Announces 2024-25 Tennessee Teacher of the Year Finalists

Today, the Tennessee Department of Education announced the nine finalists for the 2024-25 Tennessee Teacher of the Year award.

The nine finalists represent each of Tennessee’s eight Center of Regional Excellence (CORE) areas and the Shelby County Municipal area. The 2024-25 Tennessee Teacher of the Year, and three winners for each grand division, will be selected from this group and announced during the 65th Anniversary of the Tennessee Teacher of the Year celebration this fall.  

“Educators serve as role models and mentors to lead students on a path to success in and outside the classroom,”said Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education.“These educators have gone above and beyond the call of duty, and I am thrilled to recognize them as the 2024-25 Tennessee Teacher of the Year Finalists.”

Tennessee’s nine finalists for the 2024-25 Teacher of the Year are: 

Jenny Kiesel: Lakeland Preparatory School , Lakeland Schools

Lee Lynn Campbell: Toone Elementary School, Hardemon County Schools

Sherri Brawner: Gleason School, Weakley County Schools

Ellie Lee: Smyrna Middle School, Rutherford County Schools

Niki Tuten: Bel-Aire Elementary School, Tullahoma City Schools

Kaity Castleman: History Creek Elementary School, Warren County Schools

Kylene Raper: Athens City Primary School and Athens City Intermediate School, Athens City Schools

Natalee Elkins: Holston Middle School, Knox County Schools

Bryan Kerns: Dobyns-Bennett High School, Kingsport City Schools

“Being selected as the Tennessee Teacher of the Year and the National Teacher of the Year has given me so many opportunities to advocate for teachers and students across Tennessee and the nation," said Missy Testerman, 2023-24 Tennessee Teacher of the Year, 2024 National Teacher of the Year. “Congratulations to these nine extraordinary educators! I am so excited for each of you to advance in the Tennessee Teacher of the Year selection process and explore the valuable opportunities available to you in the future.”

Nominations of up to three educators representing each of the three grade bands were accepted from the state’s school districts. The Tennessee Teacher of the Year and Grand Division winners will be selected after the conclusion of the interview process.

The Tennessee Teacher of the Year Finalists will have the opportunity to serve on the department’s Tennessee Teacher Advisory Council for the duration of the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years. The council is composed of expert teachers who engage with the department and other state agencies throughout the academic year.

The 2024-25 Tennessee Teacher of the Year will represent Tennessee in the National Teacher of the Year competition and serve as an ambassador for education in the state throughout the 2024-25 school year. To qualify, candidates must have been teaching full-time for at least three years, have a track record of exceptional gains in student learning, and be effective school and community leaders.

To learn more about the Tennessee Teacher of the Year award, click here.

For Tennessee Department of Education media inquiries, email Edu.MediaInquiries@tn.gov.