NASHVILLE—The Tennessee Department of Education today announced the nine finalists for the 2018-19 Tennessee Teacher of the Year award. Among them is Valerie Godina, a teacher at Henry School with the Henry County School System.
The finalists represent each Center of Regional Excellence (CORE) area in the state, with three finalists in each Grand Division (West, Middle, and East). Grand Division winners including the Teacher of the Year will be selected from this group and announced during an honorary banquet this fall, following a panel interview with each finalist.
“Teaching is some of the hardest, most rewarding work there is, and because of our educators and their commitment to an excellent education for all, more Tennessee students are prepared for their next steps in school and in life,” Education Commissioner Candice McQueen said. “It is a great honor to recognize these educators from across our state for the ways each of them are proving what is possible in our classrooms. Because of teachers like these nine finalists, Tennessee will continue to be a national leader in student gains and outcomes.”
The final winner will represent Tennessee in the National Teacher of the Year competition and serve as an ambassador for education in the state throughout the 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.
The nine finalists for 2018-19 Teacher of the Year are:
-Michael Robinson, Houston High School in Germantown Municipal School District
-Carlin McGlown, Munford Middle School in Tipton County Schools
-Valerie Godina, Henry Elementary in Henry County Schools
-Melissa Miller, Franklin Elementary in Franklin Special School District
-Michael Franklin, Franklin County High in Franklin County, TN School District
-Susan Reeder, Union Heights Elementary in Smith County Schools
-Lori Farley, North City Elementary in Athens City Schools
Photo: Teacher Valerie Godina with County Schools Director Dr. Brian Norton. (HC Schools photo).
