By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Teacher of the Year accolades in the Union City School System are truly something special.
So, too, are the educators who receive them.
Alicia Suiter (UC Elementary School), Beverly Dones (Union City Middle), and Jessica Tuck of UC High School are the latest to join that elite society after being selected for the prestigious honor by top system administrators for 2022.
Each recipient was chosen based on a specific set of criteria decided upon by the top brass at Union City Schools and have achieved Level 5 status. Among their many outstanding traits and skills are leadership, professionalism, mentorship, and attitude.
They will each be formally recognized at the UC Schools February board meeting.
In unison almost, the winners were humbled by the news and deflected much of the credit for the accomplishment to administration, fellow teachers and students who continually help make the system one of the best in Tennessee.
“I am so grateful to God for the Union City School System,” said Dones, a teaching veteran who began her UC Schools tenure in 2000 and also won the TOY Award in 2005. “Our administration, our entire staff and peers, and our students are part of the standards of excellence we have and demonstrate daily.
“I love my Union City Schools family.”
Suiter, who has 23 years of teaching experience – eight in the UC System – echoed the sentiments of Dones.
“During my time at UC Schools, I’ve had the privilege to work alongside a wonderful group of colleagues who have become like family to me,” the UCES fourth grade teacher said. “Laughing together, crying together, and loving and supporting each other makes me a stronger teacher and a better human.
“I love the UC pride that is woven within and emitted in every facet of my school system. I do not always expect to be recognized for hard work, but I am truly thankful and blessed to work in a district that continually strives to acknowledge achievements and dedication from the tiniest Tornadoes to the top Tornadoes.”
Tuck, who worked as a nurse and in the surgery field before coming to Union City Schools eight years ago, also spoke glowingly of the Purple and Gold family atmosphere that includes both students and fellow faculty.
“The building of relationships with my students that gives me the opportunity to get to know them and help them reach their goals is so rewarding,” she said while speaking of her duties as an instructor of medical therapeutics, anatomy, and nursing education. “They can have me as a teacher for three years, and it allows me to know what their goals are.
“I’m so blessed to work with some incredible teachers, too. I have never worked at a place as special as the Union City School System. It is truly a family atmosphere.”
UC Schools Director of Teaching and Learning Rene Flood said this year’s three recipients were all certainly deserving and the best choices from a field of top-quality candidates at each school.
“Our faculty roster is filled with highly-competent educators who go the extra mile for their students and their fellow teachers,” insisted Flood, who has also served in administration at both the elementary and middle schools. “These three ladies set a tremendous example by having welcoming classrooms and setting high standards and expectations. And their professionalism is off the chart.
“We’re extremely proud of them and to acknowledge them as vital contributors to the Union City Schools experience.”
Perhaps Dones best summed up the humble reaction of the winners when she said: “I first sat in disbelief (when I was told of the honor), and I was just speechless.
“It means so much to work hard, do your very best, and be recognized for it.”