By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Julie Morgan, Mellany Warner, and Laura Bright are the newest members of an elite professional society.
The three veteran educators have been named Teachers of the Year in the Union City School System by building-level principals and top administrators at the central office.
Each was picked from a talented roster of teachers in their respective buildings following an extensive process that saw Director of Teachers and Learning Rene Flood and UC Director of Schools Wes Kennedy weigh in on several deserving candidates.
“This is always a challenging task for those of us involved, simply because of the high caliber of teachers we have throughout the system,” Flood said. “It’s challenging to pick the best from the best.
“Union City Schools is filled with a tremendous number of top-notch educators who have exemplary talents, as evidenced by our Level 5 status in all three of our buildings. Their work ethic is unmatched, and they are great ambassadors of our school system.”
All three of this year’s recipients spoke glowingly of the supreme learning environment provided and the unwavering support of the administration in the UC Schools System.
“I always knew Union City Schools had something special, but having worked in other systems helped me to appreciate our school system so much more,” claimed Warner, a 1987 UCHS graduate who has spent 20 of her 23 teaching years wearing the Purple and Gold – now as a middle school ELA teacher with reading lab responsibilities.
“The professional atmosphere and our support staff in so many areas, along with the camaraderie and technology we have at our fingertips, is amazing. When you combine that with the awesome support received from all our administration and especially our school board, Union City Schools is the absolute best, in my opinion.
“Speaking on a personal level, all three of my children attended Union City Schools K-12 and they were well-prepared for college and their careers.”
Morgan has spent all 19 of her years in the classrooms at Union City Elementary School – currently teaching ELA. She says UC Schools are essentially her family’s “second home.”
“In our house, we bleed Purple and Gold,” said Julie, who has three children in the UC system, with husband, Lance, who serves as Middle School principal. “Lance was already teaching math here when we married, and this is thankfully the only school system I’ve ever known. And I know how fortunate I am to be able to say that.
“UC Schools mean everything to us and our UC Schools family is just an extension of our actual family. I see growth and success with my students through hard work, and that is so rewarding. I push each of my students in the classroom like they’re my own, and I’m so thankful to have everything I need – thanks to so many – to be successful in this profession.”
Bright has taught a variety of classes in her 21-year tenure at Union City High School and has additionally served as Yearbook Supervisor for the past decade.
She counts “getting to know my kids” and watching them grow into young adults as among the most rewarding parts of her job. And Bright freely acknowledges the benefits of teaching in a system that stresses ‘what’s best for kids,’ as Kennedy has coined.
“I couldn’t ask for a better administration,” she said. “The system has consistently supported me and given me everything I’ve needed in my classroom while also providing the highest quality of education for my daughter.
“When I found out I’d been selected as the Teacher of the Year, I felt so honored and humbled. I absolutely love what I do and truly enjoy each day at UCHS. There’s never been a day in my career as a teacher that I haven’t wanted to be at school with my kids. I am proud to tell anyone I teach at Union City High School.”
Kennedy acknowledged pride in this year’s recipients, and the entire UCSS faculty.
“Union City Schools attract a tremendous array of highly qualified teachers. We are reminded of that each year when we select our Teachers of the Year,” the head of UCSS said. “Our people are selfless, they consistently go above and beyond, and they love on and take great interest in our students.
“I’m extremely proud of our honorees this year as they continue to carry on the traditions that make Union City Schools what we are.”