Recognizing Excellence in Education
These talented local teachers were recently recognized for their efforts in and out of the classroom. From having a positive impact on students’ lives to maintaining outstanding test scores, these educators go above and beyond for their students. Read on to learn about the 12 District Teacher of the Year winners.
By Kristen Dee
Teacher of the Year, Walker County
Dr. Anthony Neely has been teaching for 17 years, with 10 at Rossville Middle School after seeing an open position for a seventh grade social studies teacher. “As I listened to the principal talk about the importance of helping students grow in character and integrity, I knew we were cut from the same cloth. Now, it’s hard to imagine being anywhere else.” Dr. Neely aims for a fun classroom setting, with disco balls, music, band posters, and clusters of desks rather than rows. He hopes this approach, combined with his foundation of building strong student-teacher relationships, creates a place where students want to be, not just need to be. He says, “Students may forget the content we teach, but they will always remember how we made them feel.” In addition to teaching, Dr. Neely is on the RMS leadership team, is the author of two teacher professional development books, and hosts a teaching podcast, “After School Empire.”
Teacher of the Year, Bradley County
Lindsey McChesney, a history and sociology teacher at Walker Valley High School, wants her students to learn more than just facts and figures in her classroom. “I want students to leave my classroom with more than academic knowledge,” she says. “I want them to carry a greater responsibility, a deeper awareness of others, and the confidence to contribute meaningfully to the world around them.” Often, former students will share with McChesney that they have voted in their first election or are enjoying their college history classes thanks to the foundation of knowledge they gained in her classes. Now in her 14th year of teaching, she is proud to have had this impact on her students and looks forward to continuing this effort in the coming years, saying, “Getting to know students, while also learning alongside them, is something that I look forward to every day.”
Teacher of the Year, Catoosa County
Brittany Clarke, a gifted math teacher at Ringgold Middle School, believes students are more than their grades. “I got into education because I love math. I wanted my students to see math as something they could understand and enjoy,” she shares. “Over time, I realized it wasn’t about the math, it was about relationships. I want my students to believe in themselves, persevere through challenges, and recognize their potential beyond grades or setbacks.” After 20 years in the classroom, Clarke has learned a lot about the value of relationship building and is guided by the principle of “Accept, Adapt, Advocate” for each of her students, focusing on their strengths and growth. She says, “When we accept children for who they are, adapt to meet their needs, and advocate for their rights, we empower them to reach their full potential.”
Molly Bostian, a math teacher at Lake Forest Middle School, believes everyone is a lifelong learner. “Even as I teach, I continue to grow alongside my students,” she says. Driven by this growth mindset, Bostian fosters an environment where her students can feel safe enough to take risks while learning. “I encourage students to share their thinking, even when it feels challenging,” Bostian shares. “I model vulnerability by letting them see me try new activities and acknowledging that sometimes things don’t go as planned. When that happens, students can reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and how we can improve. This creates a culture where learning is truly a shared journey.” While encouraging her students, Bostian is also grateful to those who encourage her in her own journey. “I couldn’t do what I do without the amazing group I work with,” she says. “When you find a place with your people, you’ll become the best teacher you can be.”
Teacher of the Year, Hamilton County
Jamie Petty has been teaching for 25 years, with 14 years at Normal Park Upper School, where he teaches sixth grade social studies. “I wanted an opportunity to share my excitement around subjects like history, geography, political science, and economics and help students gain practical knowledge and understanding to grow into informed and active participants in our democracy,” shares Petty. Along with teaching them about these subjects, Petty also hopes to be a positive influence, saying, “Education should be about preparing students for successful futures as members of a democratic society. I try to demonstrate positivity, respectful behavior, and excitement about learning.” Petty encourages other teachers hoping to become better at their craft to lean into resources, saying, “There are more resources available to teachers today than ever before, so seek out new techniques and methodologies while staying grounded in research-based practices. Also, try to see the school experience from the perspective of your students.”
Teacher of the Year, Cleveland City Schools
“I do not remember a time when I did not want to teach,” reflects Cecily Williams, a math, science, and social studies teacher at Cleveland Middle School. Williams’ parents are both teachers, which was part of her inspiration to follow the same career path. In her classroom, Williams emphasizes a safe learning environment where students can feel welcome and thrive. “The learning environment in my classroom is fostered through relationships,” she explains. “When students feel safe mentally and physically, then they feel safe academically and are willing to open themselves up to learning.” As she enters her 27th year of teaching, Williams reflects on the experience of an educator: “It is hard work, you will cry and laugh, and you will have the great responsibility of helping shape the life of a child. It does not get more special than that.”
Teacher of the Year, Hamilton County
“I fell in love with welding in high school, and that’s all she wrote!” recalls Candice Clark, a welding instructor at her alma mater, Sequoyah High School. Clark’s journey began in high school with her welding instructor, David Hamilton, who encouraged and inspired her despite personal challenges she was facing. This mentorship led to a career at Plumbers & Steamfitters UA Local 43, and eventually an opportunity to take over the welding program at Sequoyah. Now nine years in, she has learned many valuable lessons along the way. “The most important tools you can bring each day are patience and grace,” Clark shares. “Just because a student makes a mistake today, doesn’t mean they’re unworthy to learn tomorrow.” She also recognizes that a student’s success takes a village, sharing, “It takes our entire school to work together as a community to support our students’ needs. It takes great admin who look at our students as their own.”
Teacher of the Year, Dade County
Janet Brooks became a first grade teacher by accident and has never looked back. “I was mistakenly put in classes that aligned with a degree teaching kindergarten through eighth grade, when my original intention was to teach upper elementary,” she recalls. “After starting my career in first grade, I realized that it was where I was meant to be all along.” She has now been teaching first grade for 24 years and enjoys cultivating an excitement for learning in her students at Dade Elementary School. “It is a joy to help students develop a positive attitude about school, which will hopefully stay with them as they continue through each grade.” This school year she looks forward to finding new, creative ways to engage her students. “I enjoy being creative, and teaching has many opportunities that allow me to use creativity to help students learn,” Brooks shares. “I enjoy the challenge of taking a new group of students each year and watching as they grow and learn.”
Teacher of the Year, Hamilton County
After realizing that spending time around students left her energized and inspired, Sally Warm left the Forest Service to pursue teaching and now teaches first grade at Red Bank Elementary School. She teaches within the Forest Program, in which her students spend at least two hours a day learning in an outdoor setting. “Because their lessons are based on student interests, students buy in to their learning, and the process flows naturally and intuitively,” Warm says. She enjoys that first grade is an age of academic, social, and emotional learning experiences, and says that her students keep her smiling and encourage her to be authentic and silly. Now in her sixth year of teaching, Warm has learned the value of feedback. She shares, “My first year I asked my assistant principal for help, and I still use her kind and constructive feedback. Buckle up and fail forward, it gets easier the longer you do it.”
Teacher of the Year, Cleveland City Schools
Jessica Beard always knew she was going to be a teacher. “It’s something I’ve felt deeply called to from a young age. Teaching has always felt like my purpose,” she says. Now in her 20th year of teaching, Beard still enjoys every day she gets to spend with her kindergarteners. She shares, “I love being a part of the foundation of a child’s learning journey by helping them discover, grow, and fall in love with learning.” In her classroom at Candy’s Creek Cherokee Elementary School, Beard strives to create a supportive environment where students can have fun and learn with a hands-on approach. She also emphasizes her students feeling safe, valued, and loved, saying, “Teaching takes patience, flexibility, and a lot of heart, but it is very rewarding. Build strong relationships with your students, be open to learning every day, and never forget that even small moments can make a big difference.”
Teacher of the Year, Bradley County
“Third grade has always felt like home to me,” says Jamie Seymour, a third grade teacher at Michigan Avenue Elementary School. “It presents the perfect challenge, as it is a pivotal year for students transitioning from learning to read to reading to learn. The curiosity of third graders makes every day engaging and rewarding.” Seymour has been teaching third grade for 18 years, embracing the mindset of continued growth. “As a teacher, you are also a lifelong learner,” she says. “It’s okay to evolve and adapt your teaching methods as you gain experience and insights. It enriches your professional journey and enhances the educational experiences you provide for students.” In her classroom, Seymour uses collaborative activities, open discussions, and personalized feedback to ensure each student feels valued and understood, and celebrates effort and progress as much as correct answers. “It allows students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as a sense of resilience and confidence,” she shares.
Teacher of the Year, Cleveland City Schools
While Karina Burgueño was studying at Lee University, a friend mentioned a growing need for native Spanish speakers to teach foreign language. Inspired by the remark, Burgueño pursued a career as a Spanish teacher. She has now been teaching high school Spanish, including AP Spanish, for 12 years, and loves sharing her own Argentinian culture with her students at Cleveland High School. “I’ve always believed that language opens doors to understanding and connection,” she shares. “Being able to share my culture and language in the classroom felt like a natural and powerful way to contribute.” Burgueño understands that learning a new language requires a student to step out of their comfort zone, so she emphasizes relationship building. “Trust and connection are essential. When my students feel comfortable and respected, I see them open up, grow in confidence, and engage more deeply, not just with the language but with each other and the cultures we study,” she says.
