MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) – Murfreesboro City Schools (MCS) is proud to announce the 2025 Teachers of the Year and Novice Teacher of the Year. These outstanding educators are nominated by their peers and have been recognized for their dedication to student success, innovative teaching practices, and commitment to excellence in education.
“These teachers exemplify the passion and professionalism that make Murfreesboro City Schools exceptional,” said Dr. Trey Duke, Director of Schools. “Their commitment to creating engaging and impactful learning experiences for every child is inspiring. We are honored to celebrate their achievements and the positive influence they have on our students and community.”
School-Level Honorees
Black Fox
- Lori Johnson
- Lori Cantrell
- Novice: Rebecca Hemans
Bradley
- Rachel Rogers
- Dana Stem
- Novice: Kobe Timberlake
Cason Lane Academy (CLA)
- Tessa Person
- Suzanne St. John
- Novice: Derek Johnstone
Cason Lane Pre-K
- Anna Beth Phillips
Discovery School
- Bridgett Wright
- Amy Jackson
Erma Siegel
- Morgan Clemmons
- Brittany Jackson
- Novice: Aislan Hay
Hobgood
- Kristin Brown
- Jesus Alvarez-Lopez
- Novice: Ariel Davie
John Pittard
- Dr. Shirelle Ford-Jackson
- Mrs. Victoria Morse
- Novice: Tatum Dotson
Mitchell-Neilson (MN)
- Amy Oliver
- Emily Crook
- Novice: Madison Byrd
Northfield
- Ryan Palombo
- Jill Kennamer
- Novice: Morgan Clay
Overall Creek
- Emma Arnette
- Kara Bergeron
- Novice: Maggie Smith
Reeves-Rogers
- Johanna Ingles
- Amanda Robinson
Salem
- Taylor Modesitt
- Sarah Primm
- Novice: Kate Edmonson
Scales
- Kayla Embry
- Stephanie Graves
- Novice: Joelie Young
The District Teachers of the Year are:
- Jesus Alvarez- Lopez, ESL at Hobgood Elementary
- Amy Jackson, Gifted Specialist at Discovery School
The District Novice Teacher of the Year is:
- Maggie Smith, 5th grade teacher at Overall Creek Elementary
Murfreesboro City Schools congratulates these educators for their exceptional contributions to teaching and learning. Their dedication ensures that every child has the opportunity to thrive academically and personally.
The Tennessee Teacher of the Year program honors excellence in Pre‑K through twelfth grade. Candidates must be full‑time certified public-school teachers with at least three years of experience, a record of significant student learning gains, and demonstrated leadership both in and beyond the classroom. Novice Teachers have taught between 10 months and three years.
