Amazing! That is my first thought when I see the list of educators and former Maryville College alums from our program who have been nominated for or won Teacher of the Year in our local school districts. My second thought is "I have to call Terry!" It's always nice to see who makes the list. And it is always a robust list of Maryville College grads, but the 2020/2021 list is different…
Take a moment to consider the personal investment and sacrifice each of these educators must have made to find themselves nominated for teacher of the year?
These individuals define professionalism and commitment to education. Striving for and being recognized for excellence in a pandemic--in a year when our students' academic/mental health/ physical health needs are at an all-time high--is pretty special!
These exemplary educators were asked to prepare in-person instruction, remote instruction, and hybrid instruction for their students and at times, for their own children who were virtual learners. During a school year when their own families were at risk, as were they, these educators continued to teach and inspire and support your children and mine and their own.
They were expected to be available at all hours of the day and night. They were caring for, running errands for, and worrying about their own parents, grandparents, and other extended family members. They showed up day after day after day--sometimes on little or no sleep...and we knew they would.
None do this work for awards or recognition or coffee certificates or massage coupons. These amazing humans do it because they have one goal every day--to make a difference for the students in their care. And clearly, they are doing just that.
Congrats and thank you! @Jama Anderson, @Courtney Whitehead, @Jon Young, Tiffany Tipton, Amanda Lawhorn Clark, Kelli Ierulli Nehf, Miriam Alvarez Kacie Everett West Stephanie Kirk Emily Hope Rizzitiello, LeighAnn Bonesteel, Alicia Brown Phillips, and Michelle Harris
***I know we are missing many of our MC alums who were recognized this year and in years past. We want to collect this information and celebrate your accomplishments. Please let us know if you have been recognized for an award! As always, you make us proud every single day you show up for kids!
BLucas
rebecca.lucas@maryvillecollege
#InspiringMCAlumni Wow! We have so many Educators of the Year this year to honor! Please let us know of others in the comments below!
Jama Anderson ‘96, Related Service Provider of the Year, Elementary Math Coach
Courtney Whitehead '00, Principal of the Year, Finalist, Carpenters Elementary School
Tiffany Tipton'03, Honoree for Teacher of the Year, Union Grove Middle School
Jon Young '04, Principal of the Year, Finalist, Carpenters Middle School
Stephanie Jones Kirk ’05 – Reading Teacher of the Year, Heritage High School
Kacie Everett West '07 – Teacher of the Year, Prospect Elementary School
Kelli Ierulli Nehf '10 – Secondary Counselor of the Year, Carpenters Middle School
Amanda Lawhorn Clark '13 – Finalist for Technology Innovator of the Year, Heritage High School
Emily Wiggins Rizzitiello '14, Teacher of the Year 20-21 Oliver Springs Middle School
Miriam Alvarez ‘15, Pi Beta Phi Elementary School, Sevier County Schools
Alicia Brown Phillips '10, High School Teacher of the Year, Clinton High School
LeighAnn Yadon Bonesteel, '04, Principal of the Year, South Clinton Elementary School
L. Michelle Bullis Harris, '93, High School Teacher of the Year, William Blount High School
