Teacher of the Year 2014

2013-2014

a Special Section of The Lebanon Democrat and Mt. Juliet News

Teacher of the Year 2014 Page 3

By Jared [email protected]

JJ & ZAK Chief Manager Danny Hillused the floor to tell story after story ofsitcoms from his days as a teacher andadministrator at Mt. Juliet MiddleSchool.

View each day as if its a sitcom, be-cause its a sitcom, Hill told the 28teachers of the year, along with theirprincipals, family and friends, April 11 atthe Wilson County Teacher of theYearBanquet at Cumberland University.Every day is a sitcom. The parents justgive you so much material. You need towrite this stuff down.

But when he began to describe the 16thWilson County Teacher of theYear, manyin the crowd began to get an idea justwho would receive the top prize. WhenHill stopped behind Lebanon HighSchool Career Technical Education grad-uation coach Joe Murphys seat, all doubtwas removed.

An emotional Murphy said he wasout of his comfort zone when he ap-proached the stage to accept his award,along with $500 and another $1,500 forhis school.

This is for the 1,027 kids who Ivehad the unique position to work with,said Murphy, who worked in law en-

forcement for 22 years before becominga teacher. Nobody can accomplish any-thing without the people sitting in thisroom. Graduation is one of the greatestdays each year.

Murphy and the other 27 teachers ofthe year were honored Friday night byorganizers Bob McDonald, president ofCedarStone Bank, and W.P. Bone III,owner of Wilson County Chevrolet-Buick-GMC.

Good teachers, good bankers do notlet government interfere with how we in-teract with our customers my customersand your customers, McDonald said.We are recognizing you as championspassionate about your customers.

Bone was appreciative of those whowork behind the scenes each year to planand present the program.

I want to thank these people whohelp Bob and I put this on and allow us tomeet and have dinner with these teachers.Its an honor to be here with you.

Along with Murphy, those selectedfrom across the county as Teacher of theYear in their respective school are AnitaGray from Byars-Dowdy ElementarySchool, Mickie Stottlemire from Carroll-Oakland Elementary School, Deborah G.Howard from Castle Heights ElementarySchool, Jamie Beaty from Coles Ferry

Elementary School, Mitzi Lundy fromElzie D. Patton Elementary School, CheriDykas from Friendship Christian School,DebbieYankura from Gladeville Elemen-tary School, Katie Ingram from LakeviewElementary School, Shaun L. Caven fromMAPAcademy, Eric Alspaugh from Mc-Clain Christian Academy, Kathy Poseyfrom Mt. Juliet Christian Academy,Mandy Lee from Mt. Juliet ElementarySchool, Mary Kay Kelton from Mt. JulietHigh School, Tiffany McNeese, from Mt.Juliet Middle School, Jessica Davis fromRutland Elementary School, April Bur-ress from Sam Houston ElementarySchool, Lisa S. Baine from Southside El-ementary School, Jennifer Moore Mar-shall from Stoner Creek ElementarySchool, Tara Mitchell, from TuckersCrossroads Elementary School, DanetteHenderson Baskin from W.A. Wright El-ementary School, Angie Bruce from Wal-ter J. Baird Middle School, ShannonQueen from Watertown ElementarySchool, Steven Howerton from Water-town High School, Jennifer Terhune fromWest Elementary School, Melissa Robin-son from West Wilson Middle School,MaryBeth Boswell from Wilson CentralHigh School and Melissa Reynolds fromWinfree Bryant Middle School.

Murphy namedWilson Countys top teacher

Jared Felkins Lebanon DemocratLebanon High School teacher Joseph Murphy hugs his daughter-in-law, JenniferMurphy, after he is named Wilson County Teacher of the Year on April 11 during abanquet to honor all the teachers of the year from each of the 28 schools in WilsonCounty.

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LOG O

N TODAY!

Teachers play an enormously important role.They teach and inspire, guiding our kids towardbright, successful futures. They act as educators

and role models, broadening minds andencouraging achievement. We recognizeteachers for their dedication to helping our

children succeed.

Lebanon Special School DistrictCommitted to a Community of Excellence

CongratulatesAll Teachers

ofWilson County


2013-2014 Wilson County Teacher of the Year FinalistsAnita Gray

Teacher of the Year 2013-2014 for Byars-Dowdy Elementary SchoolMickie Stottlemire

Teacher of the Year 2013-2014 for Carroll-Oakland Elementary School

Principal: Lorie Blackburn

Anita teaches 3rd Grade Reading, Language Arts and Social Studies.She has been teaching for 7 years and holds a Masters Degree in Advanced Studies ofTeaching and Learning in the Literacy Content Area.

Greatest Contribution and Accomplishment:"Whether through technology or professional development on common core, I am alwaysre-examining my teaching strategies and techniques. This change brings new energy tomy classroom that impacts my students, parents and peers."

Philosophy:"Each year I am given a diverse classroom of different learning styles, social, cultural andemotional differences, as well as academic strengths and weaknesses. My task is to turnour classroom into a learning community, but most importantly a family."

Anita's assistant principal writes, "You will not find many people in the world like Anita.She is one of the most genuine, caring, and selfless individuals I have ever met. She be-gins every day with a huge smile and positive attitude. Her goal is to make every studentfeel special and be successful."

Principal: Carol Ferrell

Mickie teaches 5th Grade Science.She has been teaching for 16 years and has a Masters of Education.

Greatest Contribution and Accomplishment:"How do I help students learn? I show them that I love and care about them. I make my-self available to themI have found that one thing stays constant. That is that studentsneed to feel that their teachers care about them."

Philosophy:"They don't care what you know, until they know that you care."

"No matter if they become President or work as a cashier at Wal-Mart, if they are produc-tive, happy and healthy and are pleased with their accomplishments, then I am proud tohave been part of their journey as a teacher."

Mickie Stottlemire, Carroll-Oakland Elementary School

Deborah G. HowardTeacher of the Year 2013-2014 for Castle Heights Elementary School

Principal: Terry Trice

Deborah teaches 2nd grade.She has been teaching for 27 years, all in Wilson County.

Greatest Contribution and Accomplishment:"Each hour of the day, I am not only the conductor, but I am also the tuner of children.Just as in music, I listen and strive for the perfect learning notes and academic flow withineach lesson. I am the LID. I Love. I Inspire. I teach a child self-Discipline."

Philosophy:"My belief that a teacher's firm positive connection with students is without a doubt, afoundation on which their academic success is built, is my stance."

A former student, now in high school, wrote, "Ms. Howard made each of us feel that wehad a special talent or gift, and that doing well in school included not only in academics,but in respect for one another. Each of us thought we were 'the teacher's pet' because shemade each of us feel that good about ourselves."

Anita Gray, teacher of the year at Byars-Dowdy Elementary School, is pictured withPrincipal Lorie Blackburn.

Mickie Stottlemire, teacher of the year at Carroll-Oakland Elementary School, is pic-tured with past teacher of the year nominee Kerry Veurink.

Deborah G. Howard, teacher of the year at Castle Heights Elementary School, is pic-tured with Principal Terry Trice.


2013-2014 Wilson County Teacher of the Year FinalistsJamie Beaty

Teacher of the Year 2013-2014 for Coles Ferry Elementary SchoolMitzi Lundy

Teacher of the Year 2013-2014 for Elzie D. Patton Elementary School

Principal: Brian Hutto

Jamie teaches 2nd grade.She has been teaching 10 years.

Greatest Contribution and Accomplishment:"I strive each day to teach the 'whole child': academically, socially and emotionally. Myhope is to inspire life-long learners who care about others."

Philosophy:"Growth involves change. If something is not working, we try something different. Mystudents and families deserve a teacher who will continue to grow and learn."

Jamie's principal writes, "One week prior to school starting I had a teacher leave secondgradeWith very little time to interview, and knowing we needed a superstar to fill the po-sition, I called JamieShe handled the transition with professionalism and enthusiasm.The use of the term 'impressive' is fitting due to the fact that Jamie didn't just move to sec-ond grade, she has excelled as an educator."

Principal: Stan Moss

Mitzi teaches K-5 General MusicShe has taught for 17 years.Greatest Contribution and Accomplishment:"I guide students to sing, to read, to notate music, to improvise on mallet instruments, tolisten and analyze music of all genres, to understand music as it relates to history, and tomake connections between music and other subjects."Philosophy:"Every child is like a rosebud. Underneath all the unfurled petals is a beautiful flower.There are riches there that will reveal themselves slowly as that child develops physically,academically, emotionally and artistically."

"Some of my best moments as an educator are when I see a child take a chance and sing asolo, lead a vocal warm-up, or take a speaking part in a play. It really is like watching aflower bloom."

Mitzi Lundy, Elzie D. Patton Elementary School

Cheri DykasTeacher of the Year 2013-2014 for Friendship Christian School

Principal: Veronica Bender

Cheryl teaches 10th-12th Chemistry, Honors Chemistry I & II, A.P. Chemistry andHonors Microbiology.She has been teaching 15 years and holds a Masters of Arts in Teaching.

Greatest Contribution and Accomplishment:"My ultimate desire is that students leave my class with the ability to reason and thinkcritically, not only in the field of chemistry, but in all aspects of their lives."

Philosophy:"My basic goal in teaching chemistry is to help develop scientific thinking skills, by al-lowing students to think more critically and creatively, actively progressing their knowl-edge, while becoming more scientifically minded with the ability to carry anyinvestigation further."

"I think my biggest attribute in how students learn in my classroom lies in my enthusiasmwhich is both unique and contagious to them. I am extremely passionate about my chosenprofession, both as an instructor and as a life-long learner."

Cheri Dykas, Friendship Christian School

Jamie Beaty, teacher of the year at Coles Ferry Elementary School, is pictured withPrincipal Brian Hutto.

Mitzi Lundy, teacher of the year at Elzie D. Patton Elementary School, is pictured withPrincipal Stan Moss.

Cheri Dykas, teacher of the year at Friendship Christian School, is pictured with Prin-cipal Veronica Bender.


2013-2014 Wilson County Teacher of the Year FinalistsDebbie Yankura

Teacher of the Year 2013-2014 for Gladeville Elementary SchoolKatie Ingram

Teacher of the Year 2013-2014 for Lakeview Elementary School

Principal: Monica Hopkins

Debbie teaches 5th Grade Science.She has been teaching for 8 years.

Greatest Contribution and Accomplishment:Teaching is more than test scores, pay and promotions. It is about loving children and en-couraging them to be the very best they can bein everything!

Philosophy:"Finding new and exciting ways to make learning fun is paramount to me. I attend work-shops that extend above and beyond my required hours to ensure my students get the mostout of every day."

"Each morning, I get to wake up, work with wonderful people, and experience the truejoy of being a part of the child's educational journey. What a privilege!"

Debbie Yankura, Gladeville Elementary School

Principal: Tracey Burge

Katie teaches 3rd-5th CDC.She has taught for 5 years.

Greatest Contribution and Accomplishment:"I take great pride in knowing my students inside and out. It is my mission each year toget to know my parents on a personal level. After all, they trust me not only with theirchild's education, but with their child's everyday wellbeing. Getting to know my studentsand their parents is my greatest quality as a teacher."

Philosophy:"My challenge each day is to remain consistent."

Her principal writes, "Many of her students not only experience academic difficulty, but amajority of them face physical handicaps and health issues. Katie adjusts to the needs ofeach child and works diligently to ensure that they have the best possible environment tosucceed to their fullest potential."

Joseph B. MurphyTeacher of the Year 2013-2014 for Lebanon High School

Principal: Myra SloanJoseph teaches 9th-12th grade as a Career Technical Graduation Coach & Mentor.He has taught for 14 years and holds a Masters of Science degree.Greatest Contribution and Accomplishment:"...I was asked to develop a mentoring program....The goal was to let every incoming at-risk ninth grader know that from the minute they entered high school, there was someoneready to help them become successful, regardless of their past or current situations thathad been influencing their young life toward failure."Philosophy:"All students have intrinsic value regardless of their status or position and possess aunique ability to learn and succeed."

"homelessness has continued to plague our society. It is not uncommon for me to takethem to Goodwill or the Community Help Center to find clothing to wear to school Something as simple as appropriate clothing, often means the difference between a studentstaying in school versus running away."

Joseph B. Murphy, Lebanon High School

.Debbie Yankura, teacher of the year at Gladeville Elementary School, is pictured withPrincipal Monica Hopkins.

Katie Ingram, teacher of the year at Lakeview Elementary School, is pictured with Prin-cipal Tracey Burge.

Joseph B. Murphy, teacher of the year at Lebanon High School, is pictured with Princi-pal Myra Sloan.


2013-2014 Wilson County Teacher of the Year FinalistsShaun L. Caven

Teacher of the Year 2013-2014 for MAPAcademyEric Alspaugh

Teacher of the Year 2013-2014 for McClain Christian Academy

Principal: Rick MillerShaun teaches grades 6-12 in Special Education.He has been teaching for 11 years, originally earning his degree and Masters of Arts in Ed-ucation from Cumberland UniversityGreatest Contribution and Accomplishment:"There are times when students just need to talk and have someone listen to them, thenthere are times when they need advice and I am there to help. Sometimes they need some-one to give them a kind word to build their self-esteem. Then there are times they needtough love, discipline and structure to shape their life"Philosophy:"Rather than overload students, I strive to make sure they really learn one piece of infor-mation daily, to ensure they understand and are retaining information."

"Each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmos-phere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically and socially. Itis my desire, as an educator, to help students by providing an environment that is safe, sup-ports risk-taking, and invites the sharing of ideas."

Shaun L. Caven, MAP Academy

Director: Joel WalshEric teaches 6th-12th grade Math.He has been teaching for 7 years and holds a Masters of Education degree.

Greatest Contribution and Accomplishment:"Teaching and guiding young people has always been in my heart."

Philosophy:"If students see you care for them in and out of the classroom, a relationship forms thatleads to mutual respect and common goals."

"Recognition comes from students and parents saying I am making a difference, that Imake Math fun and understandable. This is my reward."

Eric Alspaugh, McClain Christian Academy

Shaun L. Caven, teacher of the year at MAP Academy, is pictured with Principal RickMiller.

Eric Alspaugh, teacher of the year at McClain Christian Academy, is pictured withHeadmaster JoelWalsh.

Kathy Posey, teacher of the year at Mt. Juliet Christian Academy, is pictured with In-terim Headmaster Mike Lee.

Kathy PoseyTeacher of the Year 2013-2014 for Mt. Juliet Christian Academy

Principal: Mike Lee

Kathy teaches Kindergarten and 1st grade split class.She has been teaching for 15 years and holds a Masters of Arts in Curriculum and Instruc-tion.

Greatest Contribution and Accomplishment:"...I want to teach the children how to be a productive citizen in their world. I believe thatwe need to teach children the importance of how to give back to their church, school andcommunity."

Philosophy:"I enjoy using technology in my classroom, but I also enjoy allowing the students the op-portunity to use their hands for creating and learning. I believe it takes a balance of tech-nology, pencil/paper and hands on activities to make a well-rounded child who has theability to succeed in society."

Kathy's principal says, "Developing a good rapport with students, parents and colleagues isvital to creating a positive learning environment Kathy does this successfully year after year."


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2013-2014 Wilson County Teacher of the Year FinalistsMary Kay Kelton

Teacher of the Year 2013-2014 for Mt. Juliet High SchoolTiffany McNeese

Teacher of the Year 2013-2014 for Mt. Juliet Middle School

Principal: Mel Brown

Mary Kay teaches 9th-12th grade Spanish.She has taught 9 years.

Greatest Contribution and Accomplishment:A parent of a former student writes, " Ms. Kelton has been a great inspiration to ourdaughter. My daughter's confidence flourished while taking Ms. Kelton's class. My childdescribes Ms. Kelton as, 'always smiling and happy to be teaching us.' Ms. Kelton's posi-tive and helpful attitude fosters student/teacher relationships that produce confident andsuccessful students."

Philosophy:"I try to usepersonalization and creativity in everything that I teach. Student interest isusually directly proportional to student success."

Mary Kay's principal writes,"Ms.. Kelton has an exceptionally broad understanding ofand models effective teaching strategies every day."

Principal: Tim Bell

Tiffany teaches 6th grade Language Arts.She has been teaching for 13 years and has a Masters of Arts in Education.

Greatest Contribution and Accomplishment:There are various roles that I have been given or have taken onWhether it be taking onthe role as team leader, organizing and running school fundraisers, or leading a profes-sional development session I feel I am always up for the task.I am not the one who sitsback and waits for things to get done."

Philosophy:"Allowing my students to be creative and have choices has allowed them to become en-gaged within their learning, which in turn leads to success."

"The passion, love, and dedication that I put forth as a teacher, is what I was born with.It's who I am and what my heart desires."

Tiffany McNeese, Mt. Juliet Middle School

Jessica DavisTeacher of the Year 2013-2014 for Rutland Elementary School

Principal: Cathy York

Jessica teaches 3rd grade.She has been teaching 7 years and holds a Masters Degree from Cumberland University.

Greatest Contribution andAccomplishment:"I tell my students every day, 'There is power in struggle.' I want them to understand thatthey can learn so much from their mistakes and persevering through challenging tasks."

Philosophy:"My goal as a teacher is to help children grow academically, personally, and socially, as Ipartner with their families and the community to produce lifelong learners."

Jessica's principal praises, "Jessica is a leader in our school and is always willing to trynew strategies. Many teachers have requested to observe in her classroom. When teach-ers leave, they are abuzz with new strategies they want to try in their own classroom."

Mary Kay Kelton, teacher of the year at Mt. Juliet High School, is pictured with Princi-pal Mel Brown.

Tiffany McNeese, teacher of the year at Mt. Juliet Middle School, is pictured with Prin-cipal Tim Bell.

Jessica Davis, teacher of the year at Rutland Elementary School, is pictured with Prin-cipal Cathy York.


2013-2014 Wilson County Teacher of the Year FinalistsApril Burress

Teacher of the Year 2013-2014 for Sam Houston Elementary SchoolLisa S. Baines

Teacher of the Year 2013-2014 for Southside Elementary School

Principal: Julie BeasleyApril is a Guidance Counselor Pre-k to 5th grade.She has been teaching for 7 years and holds a Masters of Education in Guidance andCounseling.Greatest Contribution and Accomplishment:April's assistant principal writes, "The primary reason for the respect Mrs. Burress re-ceives is due to the respect she models for students with the welcoming environment shecreates where students feel safe to express their feelings and opinions about the worldaround them."Philosophy:"I feel very fortunate to be a school counselor where I can help students from all back-grounds reach their highest potential in the classroom and beyond."

"Each day, some students attend school carrying unseen burdens that compromise theirability to do their best in the classroomI strive to help students emotionally so they areready to focus and do their best academically."

April Burress, Sam Houston Elementary School

Principal: Richard Smallwood

Lisa teaches 2nd grade.She has been teaching 19 1/2 years and holds a Masters of Education in Administrationand Supervision.

Greatest Contribution and Accomplishment:"That knowledge is power becomes evident when students take active leadership in pro-tecting our environment, to teach their families and apply it to their homes."

Philosophy:"My role is to provide a high quality education in a loving and nurturing environmentwhere students can grow and learn based on the way they learn best."

A friend writes of Lisa, "Lisa teaches with a heart and style that that makes her studentseager to learn. When you walk into her classroom, you smile because it is inviting, happy,organized, warm and the environment shows a positive, wonderful balance."

Jennifer Moore MarshallTeacher of the Year 2013-2014 for Stoner Creek Elementary School

Principal: Christine Miller

Jennifer teaches Kindergarten.She has been teaching 15 years and holds a Masters of Science in Reading.

Greatest Contribution and Accomplishment:"My students have stuffed goody bags and made art projects for local senior citizens, do-nated stuffed animals for the police department, and made cards for veterans and soldiers.My students understand they are part of a community in which they play a contributingrole."

Philosophy:"Teachers have the opportunity to impact the lives of everyone they encounter. I have em-braced that role since the beginning of my career and strive each day to be the best rolemodel I can be for my colleagues, my students and their families."

Parents of a former students write, "Ms. Marshall engages students in deep, meaningfulways, making learning relevant. We are thankful to have had her in our sons' lives. Herintegrity, positive influence, and motivational skills have made a great impression on us asparents, and on our two children."

April Burress, teacher of the year at Sam Houston Elementary School, is pictured withPrincipal Julie Beasley.

Lisa S. Baines, teacher of the year at Southside Elementary School, is pictured with As-sistant Principal Clint Dennison.

Jennifer Moore Marshall, teacher of the year at Stoner Creek Elementary School, ispictured with Principal Christine Miller.


2013-2014 Wilson County Teacher of the Year FinalistsTara Mitchell

Teacher of theYear 2013-2014 for Tuckers Crossroads Elementary SchoolDanette Henderson Baskin

Teacher of the Year 2013-2014 for W.A. Wright Elementary School

Principal: Susie Breedwell

Tara teaches 3rd grade.She has been teaching 13 years.

Greatest Contribution and Accomplishment:"The part of my job that is the most fun is finding ways to make learning relevant, engag-ing and memorable. I have learned over the years that students learn best when they arenot just a captive audience, but active participants."Philosophy:"Teachers have to be creative when facilitating student learning and in the teaching strate-gies they use every day."

Tara's principal writes, "Tara's fort is making learning relevant for the students. Shevery easily moves through disciplines when teaching a subject, touching on all pertinenttopics that would grab her students."

Principal: Jill GilesDanette is a 2nd grade teacher.She has been teaching for 15 years.Greatest Contribution and Accomplishment:I relish in my student's happiness, cry with their sadness, and carry the burden andheartache of those who are hurting from unstable homes, disabilities, or lack of love andhappiness. For these reasons, I am happily in my 15th year of education."Philosophy:"Every student, not matter what background or level, or competency, will be afforded theopportunity to learn in my classroom."

" 'Holding the rope' has nothing to do with academics. I used it as a metaphor to showthem to strive forward with their fullest potentials and make good choices. I always toldmy students if they were hanging from a cliffand the only thing between them falling anda piece of rope and a friend they chose, who would that friend be? If their chosen personwould have rope burns, and still not let them go, then they picked the right friend."

Danette Henderson Baskin,W.A.Wright Elementary School

Angie BruceTeacher of the Year 2013-2014 for Walter J. Baird Middle School

Principal: Pam Sampson

Angie teaches 6th grade Math.She has been teaching 9 years.

Greatest Contribution and Accomplishment:Referencing a former field trip, "It was not only a great opportunity for students but forparents and community members to understand the direction education is headed."

Philosophy:"In the classroom I exhibit many of the same expectations as I do in coaching. Hard work,an environment that we all respect each other, and perseverance in getting the job done,whatever the job."

"I believe strongly that being a mentor to young students and making them believe inthemselves and their abilities is key to their success!"

Angie Bruce,Walter J. Baird Middle School

Tara Mitchell, teacher of the year at Tuckers Crossroads Elementary School, is picturedwith Principal Susie Breedwell.

Danette Henderson Baskin, teacher of the year atW.A.Wright Elementary School, ispictured with Principal Jill Giles.

Angie Bruce, teacher of the year atWalter J. Baird Middle School, is pictured withPrincipal Pam Sampson.


2013-2014 Wilson County Teacher of the Year FinalistsShannon Queen

Teacher of the Year 2013-2014 for Watertown Elementary SchoolSteven Howerton

Teacher of the Year 2013-2014 for Watertown High School

Principal: Anita ChristianShannon teaches 8th grade American History.She has been teaching for 6 years.Greatest Contribution and Accomplishment:"Middle school students can be tough customers and let's be honest, history textbooks arenot on anyone's list of recommended reading. That's where creativity comes to playWesing The Bill of Rights to the tune of 12 Days of Christmas and to get them to buy in, Idisplay brain scans that show how music triggers memory...Creativity is the cure for bor-ing."Philosophy:"I take it as a personal challenge to change students' attitudes toward history...Developinga personal connection is the key to getting students interested."

Shannon's assistant principal praises her, writing, "Shannon has a sterling reputationamong our teachers and staff, many of whom frequently comment on her positive contri-bution to student learning. She willingly pitches in when asked to help and regularly goesabove and beyond our expectations."

Principal: Jeff LuttrellSteven teaches 9th-12th gradeAgriculture.He has been teaching for 11 years and holds a Masters of Science.Greatest Contribution andAccomplishment:"My students have fully restored at least 15 tractors and built 25 trailers, among completion ofvarious other in-school and on-site mechanical projects ... Skills used in these projects have suc-cessfully allowed my students to establish careers as masons, electricians, mechanics, repairmen, plumbers, welders, farmers, framers and general construction workers."Philosophy:"I teach not for the pay or the hardships, but because I am given the chance to change lives forthe good, to educate and elevate the minds and hearts of my students, and to show them successcomes in all shapes and sizes both in the classroom and in the community."

Steven's principal writes, "Steve's positive attitude, enthusiasm and passion for teaching his stu-dents are reflected on a daily basisHis flexibility in working with students, parents, teachersand administration has earned him an enviable reputation as an excellent teacher who trulycares about people. Steve gives generously of his valuable time and often works hours beyondthe school day."

Jennifer TerhuneTeacher of the Year 2013-2014 for West Elementary School

Principal: Becky Siever

Jennifer teaches K-5 Music.She has been teaching 23 years.

Greatest Contribution and Accomplishment:"A parent told me that she heard her daughter singing one of our science songs in thebathroom. When she asked her about it, her daughter said the song, "was stuck in herhead." Good, that was exactly what I was aiming for!"

Philosophy:"I want my students to be able to comprehend music as an art form and as a method ofcommunication. I want them to be passionate about music for the rest of their lives. Theirfuture is in my hands."

"Over the past several years , I have been focused on integrating my music standards asmuch as possible across the curriculum. Many of my fellow music teachers disagree withmy philosophy which has my students singing science songs and doing raps about geomet-ric shapes."

Jennifer Terhune,West Elementary School

Shannon Queen, teacher of the year atWatertown Elementary School, is pictured withAssistant Principal Michael Pigg.

Steven Howerton, teacher of the year atWatertown High School, is pictured with Princi-pal Jeff Luttrell.

Jennifer Terhune, teacher of the year atWest Elementary School, is pictured with Prin-cipal Becky Siever.


Melissa RobinsonTeacher of theYear 2013-2014 forWestWilsonMiddle School

MaryBeth BoswellTeacher of the Year 2013-2014 for Wilson Central High School

Principal: Wendell Marlowe

Melissa teaches grades 6-8 Library as a Media Specialist.She has been teaching 16 years with a Masters of Administration in Library Science.

Greatest Contribution and Accomplishment:"The students here matter to me, and not for their scores or standardized tests. I wantthem to be successful people long after they have left middle school, and I know this isoften where those habits of success are built."

Philosophy:"I have found that the key to student success is not found in the brain, but in the heart."

"I am a proud product of the world-class education that Wilson County offers, and there-fore it means the world to have the opportunity to influence the current students."

Melissa Robinson,WestWilson Middle School

Principal: Pat Suddarth

MaryBeth teaches 9th-12th grade Biology.She has been teaching for 6 years and holds a Masters of Arts in Education degree.

Greatest Contribution and Accomplishment:"My students know when they walk in my room each day they will learn something new,they will be challenged, and that I care about the type of day that they have had. I love mystudents more than they will ever know"

Philosophy:"My goal each semester is to push students beyond what they thought they could achieveand to see that they can achieve more."

MaryBeth's student Chelsea writes, "You may have heard, in former years, that teachershave helped to ignite the flame that students need more than anything to prosper. This istrue of many teachers, however, Ms. Boswell has helped dozens of students ignite theirflames and fan them throughout their four years at Wilson Central High School."

Melissa ReynoldsTeacher of the Year 2013-2014 for Winfree Bryant Middle School

Principal: Becky Kegley

Melissa teaches 7th grade Science.She has been teaching 12 years.

Greatest Contribution and Accomplishment:"Often, middle school students walk into a classroom jaded by past experiences, insecuri-ties, and perhaps even failures in school. My goal is to rekindle that level of curiosity weall experience in childhood."

Philosophy:"In order to connect with and teach the ever-changing middle school child, I must be will-ing to invest, engage, reflect and adapt. Lessons must be creative, unexpected, hands-on,implement real-life applications, not to mention exciting and energetic. Teaching is morethan communicating standards and checking off a 'to-do' list."

"At the heart of all I do is one intent: I desire to open student's minds to the love of learn-ing as I share my passion for science."

Melissa Reynolds,Winfree Bryant Middle School

Melissa Robinson, teacher of the year atWestWilson Middle School, is pictured withPrincipalWendell Marlowe.

Marybeth Boswell, teacher of the year atWilson Central High School, is pictured withAssistant Principal CarmenValkyrie.

Melissa Reynolds, teacher of the year atWinfree Bryant Middle School, is pictured withPrincipal Becky Kegley.

2013-2014 Wilson County Teacher of the Year Finalists


A great time was had by all!

better education

Simply

Congratulations to Joseph B. Murphy,CareerTechnical GraduationCoach/Mentor at Lebanon High School for beingselected as the 201314Wilson CountyTeacher of theYear.

Presenting the award is CedarStone BankPresident Bob McDonald (far left) andW.P.Bone, III (far right) ofWilson CountyMotors.

There is no more important job than the education of our children; our future depends on it. Thatswhy we are proud to sponsor theWilson CountyTeacher of theYear celebration each year. For 16years we have honored outstanding educators inWilson County and we salute the 28 candidates forthe 201314 school year. We congratulate you all!

2014


Teacher of the Year 2014

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