Tennessee Teacher Named 2024 National Teacher of the Year
Rogersville City School Educator Takes Top National Teaching Honor
NASHVILLE, TN— With the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO)’s announcement today, the Tennessee Department of Education is celebrating Missy Testerman, ESL program director at Rogersville City School, for being named the 2024 National Teacher of the Year.
As the National Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Testerman, known for her compassion and devotion to her students and community, will spend the next year serving as an ambassador and advocate for all teachers and students across the nation. Beginning this spring, she will travel across the country to share her wisdom, engage in education advocacy, elevate issues educators face in the classroom, and inspire others to join the profession.
"Congratulations to Rogersville Elementary's Missy Testerman on being named Tennessee's first National Teacher of the Year in more than 35 years," said Gov. Bill Lee. "Teaching is more than a career, it's a calling. I join all Tennesseans in thanking Missy for her dedication to students, preparing them to thrive in the classroom and beyond. We look forward to cheering her on as she engages with educators nationwide."
In August 2023, Mrs. Testerman was named the 2023-24 Tennessee Teacher of the Year. Since then, she was named one of four National Teacher of the Year finalists on January 24th, 2024, and underwent an extensive interview process with CCSSO’s National Teacher of the Year selection committee.
“I am extremely proud to have Tennessee represented on the national stage with Missy Testerman being named the 2024 National Teacher of the Year,” said Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education. “Missy is deeply committed to her students and community, serving as a leader, mentor and advocate, and I am thrilled she will be able to take her expertise nationwide and impact thousands of educators over the next year.”
Mrs. Testerman has been teaching for 31 years, serves as President of the Rogersville Education Association, a member of Rogersville City Schools’ Teacher Leadership team, a mentor for new teachers, and she participates in the Readers are Leaders Program. Additionally, Mrs. Testerman serves as the Summer Camps Coordinator for Rogersville City Schools and serves on multiple boards and committees in the school and the community.
“I am extremely proud of Missy on being named the 2024 National Teacher of the Year as she is beyond worthy of this highly prestigious award," said Edwin Jarnagin, Director of Schools, Rogersville City Schools. "Her dedication to the teaching profession and her students is truly exceptional and has shaped her reputation of being known as a leader and mentor to her colleagues. Missy exemplifies excellence in how she collaborates with our community and connects families across the rural Rogersville area to set students up for success. Rogersville City Schools and the community are immensely proud to celebrate her recognition as the National Teacher of the Year.”
"In Rogersville, we could not be prouder of Missy, her accomplishments and service in the classroom, and this prestigious recognition," said House Budget Chairman Gary Hicks. "Her commitment to kids in our school and our community is unwavering and I am thrilled she will represent our state and showcase all the great work she is doing across the country."
"This is a remarkable achievement for an even more remarkable teacher," said Senate Education Chairman Jon Lundberg. "We're so grateful to have an educator like Missy serving Tennessee students and for her to now be an exemplary model for all educators across the nation."
Council of Chief State School Officer’s (CCSSO) National Teacher of the Year Program is the most prestigious teacher recognition program in 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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