Tennessee Teacher Named 2024 National Teacher of the Year Finalist
Rogersville City Schools Educator Earns National Recognition
Nashville, TN – Today, the Tennessee Department of Education announced Missy Testerman, ESL program director at Rogersville City School, has been named one of four finalists for the 2024 National Teacher of the Year Award.
“I am thrilled that one of our very own teachers here in east Tennessee is a finalist for the National Teacher of the Year,” said Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education. “Receiving this national recognition is a testament to Ms. Testerman’s commitment for excellence in education and supporting her students and community each and every day.”
In August 2023, Ms. Testerman was named the 2023-24 Tennessee Teacher of the Year. An English as a Second Language instructor and program director at Rogersville City School in Rogersville City Schools, she has been teaching for 31 years and is viewed as a leader, mentor, and advocate in her school. She serves as President of the Rogersville Education Association, is a member of Rogersville City Schools’ Teacher Leadership team, serves as a mentor for new teachers, and participates in the Readers are Leaders Program. Additionally, Ms. Testerman serves as the Summer Camps Coordinator for Rogersville City Schools and serves on multiple boards and committees in the school and the community.
“It is exciting to have Ms. Missy Testerman honored as one of the four National Teacher of the Year finalists. She is a rare educator whose standard of excellence influences all that she does, I’ve had the opportunity to witness her far-reaching impact as a teacher, colleague, and community member,” said Edwin Jarnagin, Director of Schools, Rogersville City Schools. “Ms. Testerman’s dedication to the teaching profession is exceptional in the truest sense of the word. From her incredible work ethic and skillful teaching to her ability to instill a love for learning in her students, her example continues to inspire the staff personally and professionally. Her enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to shaping minds have left an indelible mark on all who know her. Rogersville City School is immensely proud to celebrate her well-deserved recognition as Tennessee Teacher of the Year and National Teacher of the Year.”
For nearly 70 years, the Council of Chief State School Officer’s (CCSSO) National Teacher of the Year Program has honored exceptional teachers across the country identified by their states and territories as teachers of the year, celebrating their work in and outside the classroom. Through this unique professional learning program, recipients can amplify their instructional practices and voices by taking part in policy discussions at the state and national levels.
The 2024 National Teacher of the Year finalists will participate in interviews with the National Teacher of the Year Program’s Selection Committee, and CCSSO will announce the selected 2024 National Teacher of the Year later this spring. The 2024 National Teacher of the Year will spend the next year serving as an ambassador and advocate for all teachers and students across the country.
To learn more about CCSSO and the National Teacher of the Year Program, click here. For Tennessee Department of Education media inquiries, contact Edu.MediaInquiries@tn.gov.
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