By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–They have been chosen the best from an outstanding group. Stephanie Sisco, Renee Hempel and Regina Turner were recently selected as the 2018-19 Teachers of the Year in the Union City School System.
Principals at each of the three schools in the UC system chose the top teachers in their respective buildings, each using their own specific criteria.
Among that criteria was leadership, professionalism, attitude, mentorship and, in some cases, attaining Level 5 teaching status.
Hempel (UC Middle) is now a three-time recipient of the prestigious honor, while both Sisco (UCES) and Turner (UCHS) are proud products of Union City Schools and first-time recipients.
Each of the trio said they were humbled by the recognition and, in unison, credited the support of school administration and their teaching fraternity who provide a wonderful school environment that is conducive to higher learning.
“We feel appreciated by our administration and the rest of our faculty,” said Sisco, a 1985 UCHS graduate and kindergarten teacher who has taught 29 years in all – 17 in the Union City System. “Not every school system is as wonderful as ours, and those of us who’ve taught at other places certainly know that.
“We’re given the best of everything to help us do our job. And my co-workers inspire me to be better.
“My blood runs Purple and Gold, and that makes this (award) even more special,” she said.
Hempel, in her 17th year as a 7th and 8th grade language arts teacher at Union City Middle School, has received the honor while working for three different principals – Dan Boykin, Michael Paul Miller and now Lance Morgan.
“That makes it a little more special,” she said.
“I’ve heard kids say that I treat them all the same, but I just try to spend the full 45 or 50 minutes of every period to teach them what they need to know.”
“We have outstanding administration support, and that is so critical in what we teachers do,” she said.
Turner, who graduated from Union City High School in 1979, is serving in her 20th year in the UC system as a special education and CDC teacher.
She previously worked in Lauderdale County, Dyer County and as an adjunct professor at Jackson State Community College.
“It was very satisfying and gratifying when I heard my name called because I know how many great teachers we have here,” Turner said.
“So many people have encouraged me on this journey and been mentors, starting with my parents.
“And having graduated from here, I’m Purple and Gold through and through,” she said.
UCSS Supervisor of Student Services Michael Paul Miller had the unique experience of being a principal over each of this year’s recipients while he earlier served in that administrative role at both the elementary and middle schools.
“The first and most obvious thing is that all three take great pride in being a teacher and being one at Union City Schools,” Miller claimed.
“Each is great representation of our faculty. They have tremendous work ethic and they love their students and want them to be the best they can be.”
The trio will be later recognized at a UC School Board meeting and will have their accomplishment celebrated on the Reelfoot Avenue billboard, beginning next week.
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