Photo of Tuten (left) and Director Schools Dr. Catherine Stephens
On Tuesday, the Tennessee Department of Education announced the nine finalists for the 2024-25 Tennessee Teacher of the Year award.
The nine finalists represent each of Tennessee’s eight Center of Regional Excellence (CORE) areas and the Shelby County Municipal area. The 2024-25 Tennessee Teacher of the Year, and three winners for each grand division, will be selected from this group and announced during the 65th Anniversary of the Tennessee Teacher of the Year celebration this fall.
Congratulations to Dr. Niki Tuten of Bel-Aire Elementary School in Tullahoma for being named a finalist.
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 the interview process concludes.
The Tennessee Teacher of the Year Finalists will have the opportunity to serve on the department’s Tennessee Teacher Advisory Council for the duration of the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years. The council is composed of expert teachers who engage with the department and other state agencies throughout the academic year.
The 2024-25 Tennessee Teacher of the Year will represent Tennessee in the National Teacher of the Year competition and serve as an ambassador for education in the state throughout the 2024-25 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.
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