CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Three teachers have received top honors in the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System being named the districts “Teachers of the Year”. All three were surprised in the classroom by Millard House, Director of Schools, and the Clarksville-Montgomery County Education Foundation.
The Clarksville-Montgomery County Education Foundation locally supports the Tennessee Teacher of the Year program, which is designed to promote recognition, respect and appreciation for teachers, to stimulate interest in teaching as a career, and to encourage public involvement in education.
About the Winners
Eleya Robertson, Byrns Darden Elementary
Ms. Robertson is recognized as the Pre-K through 4th grade Teacher of the Year. For eight years, Ms. Robertson has taught at Byrns Darden Elementary, currently teaching math and science. A graduate of Southern Illinois University, she always strives to create a positive environment in her classroom. “I believe that my job is much more than just teaching,” Robertson says. “[I want to] inspire students to reach for the stars, no dream is too big.”
Candy Favorite, West Creek Middle School
Ms. Favorite is recognized as the 5th through 8th grade Teacher of the Year. “I decided to be a teacher because I believe I can be instrumental in educating in both academics and life,” said Favorite in her school profile. “I had a few exceptional teachers and I would like to give back to the younger generations.”
Ms. Favorite has received her Bachelors degree in History and a Master’s Degree in Education.
Miranda Coots, West Creek High School
Ms. Coots is recognized as the 9th through 12th grade Teacher of the Year. Since 2014, Ms. Coots has taught English at West Creek High School. She currently teaches English III, Honors English III, and AP Language. A graduate of Austin Peay State University, Coots received her Masters of Arts in Teaching. “I have a passion for the English language and an even greater passion for watching students grow academically,” she said.
How Teacher of the Year Works
The first local step in the Teacher of the Year recognition process is each Clarksville-Montgomery County School System’s (CMCSS) school nomination. From the 59 nominations made by CMCSS schools, the District then selects one outstanding teacher within each of the state-designated grade categories: PreK–4, 5–8, and 9–12. Those three District teachers move on to compete at the Region level, from which one teacher is selected to compete as one of nine finalists in the three grand divisions. From the finalists, one is selected as Tennessee Teacher of the Year.
What the Teachers Receive
The CMC Education Foundation, along with presenting partner James Corlew Automotive Group and Elliott’s Jewelers, honor the 58 CMCSS teacher nominees at the 2020 Red Carpet Awards Event on Feb. 20. Of the three district level winners, a random drawing will be held in which one wins a brand new car provided by James Corlew Automotive and the other two receive diamond necklaces donated by Elliott’s Jewelers.
“James Corlew Automotive greatly values teachers and we want to recognize them for their hard work in making Clarksville and Montgomery County a better community,” according to Jason Blurton, General Manager for James Corlew Automotive.
School Level Teacher of the Year Winners
Barkers Mill Elementary, PreK-4, Nicole Waseman
Barkers Mill Elementary, 5-8, Sharon Williams
Barksdale Elementary, PreK-4, Jo Fambrough
Barksdale Elementary, 5-8, Susanne VanDyke
Burt Elementary, PreK-4, Victoria McAlman
Burt Elementary, 5-8, Kelly Spurgeon
Byrns Darden Elementary, 5-8, Yanique Rolingson
Carmel Elementary, PreK-4, Christin (Tayler) Mccrary
Carmel Elementary, 5-8, Jennifer Fox
Cumberland Heights Elementary, PreK-4, Elizabeth Gaskill
East Montgomery Elementary, PreK-4, Jennifer Hicks
East Montgomery Elementary, 5-8, Ruth Coats
Glenellen Elementary, PreK-4, Dusty Vaughan
Glenellen Elementary, 5-8, Michelle Campbell
Hazelwood Elementary, PreK-4, Katie Reese
Hazelwood Elementary, 5-8, Susan Taylor
Kenwood Elementary, PreK-4, Robin Coon
Kenwood Elementary, 5-8, Kaye Byard
Liberty Elementary, PreK-4, Donna Gallagher
Liberty Elementary, 5-8, Lisa Tucker
Minglewood Elementary, PreK-4, Rebecca Robertson
Minglewood Elementary, 5-8, Brittany Sherley
Kenwood Middle, 5-8, Edwinna Carr
Montgomery Central Middle, 5-8, Darrin Hoffman
New Providence Middle, 5-8, Beth Pounds
Northeast Middle, 5-8, William Halcomb
Richview Middle School, 5-8, Andrea McCarthy
Rossview Middle School, 5-8, Kari Larkins
Montgomery Central Elementary, PreK-4, Alisha Sudderth
MCES, 5-8, Suzanne Wolard
Moore Magnet, PreK-4, Amber Powell
Moore Magnet, 5-8, Cathy Kolb
Norman Smith, PreK-4, Katelyn George
Norman Smith, 5-8, (Jessica)Ariel Haynes
Northeast Elementary, PreK-4, Mary Lawrence
Northeast Elementary, 5-8, Gretchen Larson
Oakland Elementary, PreK-4, Amy Deason
Oakland Elementary, 5-8, Skylar Miller
Pisgah Elementary, PreK-4, Amanda Hodges
Pisgah Elementary, 5-8, Theresa Varney
Ringgold Elementary, PreK-4, Todd Vinson
Ringgold Elementary, 5-8, Kristina Davis
Rossview Elementary, PreK-4, Jessica Allen
Rossview Elementary, 5-8, Katlyn Smith
St. Bethlehem Elementary, PreK-4, Johanna Gibson
Sango Elementary, PreK-4, Sarah Ferrell
Sango Elementary, 5-8, Tina Orgain
West Creek Elementary, PreK-4, Paige Barlow
West Creek Elementary, 5-8, Alisha Burks
Woodlawn Elementary, 5-8, Rachel Henry
Woodlawn Elementary, PreK-4, John Solt
Clarksville High, 9-12, Tabitha Cook
Kenwood High, 9-12, Diamond Benjamin
Montgomery Central High School, 9-12, Keri Lehman
Northeast High School, 9-12, Andrew Knowles
Northwest High School, 9-12, Adriann Freeman