Great teachers leave a lasting impact, not only through the lessons they teach and the knowledge they pass on to students, but through the relationships they build and the opportunities they create. Fortunately for Weakley County Schools, our classrooms are led by the very best of those great teachers, and our schools are filled with teachers who exhibit those qualities each day.
Each year, teachers across Weakley County Schools nominate and select a teacher within their school who demonstrates the very best of those qualities: excellence in teaching, a commitment to student success, and a positive influence within their community.
"When the people who work alongside you every day recognize your excellence in your profession and come together to celebrate you, it's a special kind of recognition," shared Donald Ray High, Supervisor of Instruction for Grades 6-12. "Our Teachers of the Year have earned the admiration and respect of their colleagues through the example they set and the difference they make for students."
Terri Stephenson, Supervisor of Elementary Instruction for Grades Pre-K-5, emphasized the importance of recognizing educators whose influence extends throughout their schools.
"Exceptional teaching is about so much more than delivering a lesson," Stephenson said. "It's about recognizing potential, building connections, and then finding ways to help every child succeed. Our Teachers of the Year bring their very best to their classrooms each day, and we are thrilled to celebrate them."
School-Level Teachers of the Year, recognized by grade band:
Pre-K – 4th Grade
Amy Childress, Dresden Elementary
Brittany Morton, Gleason
Jennifer Mull Varga, Greenfield
Allie Crews, Martin Elementary
Sydny Fox, Martin Primary
Hannah O'Neill, Sharon
5th – 8th Grade
Katie West, Dresden Middle
Amy McKenzie, Gleason
Andrew Lannom, Greenfield
Mindy Halverson, Martin Elementary
Gracie Weiss Dublin, Martin Middle
Michelle Linam, Sharon
9th – 12th Grade
Laura Camacho, Dresden High
Melody Hopper, Gleason
Maddy Martin, Greenfield
Mandy Wills, Westview High
Following the school-level selections, a district committee reviewed submissions and selected one teacher from each grade band to represent Weakley County Schools in the regional Tennessee Teacher of the Year selection process. The district also recognizes an outstanding early-career teacher with the Novice Teacher of the Year distinction.
District-Level Teachers of the Year:
Pre-K – 4th Grade: Sydny Fox, Martin Primary
5th – 8th Grade: Michelle Linam, Sharon
9th – 12th Grade: Mandy Wills, Westview
Novice Teacher of the Year:
Shae McCollum, Gleason
“Our communities are made stronger by the teachers who invest time, energy, and heart into helping students grow,” Jeff Cupples, Director of Schools said. “These educators set a high standard through their dedication to excellence. Their impact reaches far beyond the classroom, and we are proud to recognize their accomplishments and grateful for all they do for our schools.”
Weakley County Schools congratulates the 2027-2028 Teachers of the Year and are proud to celebrate them as we recognize the lasting contributions they make to students and communities across the county.
* Note: The 2027-2028 designation reflects the Tennessee Teacher of the Year recognition cycle. Educators who advance through the district, regional, and state selection process and are selected for the Tennessee Teacher Advisory Council serve during the 2027-2028
school year. While the selection process begins during the current school year, the recognition year aligns with the year of service.