TDOE Announces 2025-26 Tennessee Teacher of the Year finalists

TDOE Announces 2025-26 Tennessee Teacher of the Year Finalists
Nine Finalists Advance to Top Statewide Recognition

NASHVILLE, TN—Today, the Tennessee Department of Education announced the nine finalists for the 2025-26 Tennessee Teacher of the Year award.

The nine finalists represent each of the eight Center of Regional Excellence (CORE) areas in the state, as well as the Shelby County-Municipal area. The 2025-26 Tennessee Teacher of the Year, and three winners for each grand division, will be selected from this group and announced during the Excellence in Education Tennessee Teacher of the Year Banquet this August.

“I admire the unwavering commitment that each of these finalists provide to students each day, guiding them to reach their fullest potential,” said Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education. “Their exceptional leadership and profound dedication to education deserve this prestigious recognition. Each finalist is an inspiration to us all, and we are incredibly fortunate to have you as part of our Tennessee education community.”

“Congratulations to this year’s finalists for the 2025-26 Tennessee Teacher of the Year! Their nomination is a testament to each teacher’s impact on their communities. As one of only nine statewide finalists, their work will have a significant influence statewide and across the country,” said Bryan Kerns 2024-25 Tennessee Teacher of the Year. “Serving as the 2024-25 Tennessee Teacher of the Year has given me insight into the great care and integrity that goes into the education system in Tennessee. I have come to realize that our teachers, and many of our legislatures, are truly student-focused. We are all working for a better future for students. I hope these nine finalists recognize that they represent the best of a world-class collective of educators.”

Nominations of up to three educators representing each of the three grade bands were accepted from the state’s school districts. The Tennessee Teacher of the Year and Grand Division winners will be selected after interview rounds with each finalist.

Finalists will have the opportunity to serve on the department’s Tennessee Teacher Advisory Council for the duration of the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years. The council is composed of expert teachers who engage with the department and other state agencies throughout the academic year.

The Tennessee Teacher of the Year awardee will represent Tennessee in the National Teacher of the Year competition and serve as an ambassador for education in the state throughout the 2025-26 school year. To qualify, candidates must have been teaching full-time for at least three years, have a track record of exceptional gains in student learning, and be effective school and community leaders.

To learn more about the Tennessee Teacher of the Year award, click here.

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