Category Archives: Education

TN educator Missy Testerman named 2024 National Teacher of the Year

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Congratulations to ESL educator Missy Testermann of Tennessee, who has been named the 2024 National Teacher of the Year. 

Missy teaches in rural Rogersville, Tennessee, where she has worked for over three decades. She taught first and second grade for many years, but currently works was a Second Language Specialist and Program Director.

Missy earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Reading Education from East Tennessee State University (ETSU). In addition, she earned her English as a Second Language license through Freed-Hardeman University. Missy uses this training in her rural Appalachian community, where she builds bridges between cultures between both families who have been in the area for centuries and newer immigrants. Through a curriculum focused on a study of Americans from diverse backgrounds, this exceptional educator allows students to better understand that people are inherently the same and that they all belong. 

View the six-minute YouTube video below of Missy’s appearance on CBS Mornings, where she was interviewed by Gayle King.

 

Taniece Thompson-Smith recognized as the 2024 Texas State Teacher of the Year

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Taniece Thompson-Smith, an elementary school teacher from Abilene, Texas, has been named her state’s 2024 Teacher of the Year. Photo Credit Abilene ISD

It is always my pleasure to share the news that an exceptional educator has earned accolades for her work in the classroom. Today, I share the story of Taniece Thompson-Smith, an elementary school teacher from Texas who has been named her state’s 2024 Teacher of the Year.

Taniece teaches science and social sciences to fifth graders at Stafford Elementary School in Abilene. She has taught there for three years. Because she is the spouse of a military serviceman, Taniece has moved frequently, and so she has taught in numerous states throughout the country, and also in Jamaica and Japan. In all, her career as an educator spans 14 years.

The honored educator is a big believer in the power of education. “Education is a powerful equalizer; it’s not what you teach, it’s how you teach,” asserts Taniece. “Never underestimate the power of connections,” she declares. “We can’t teach our students to care about education until we show them that we care about them. Learning and growing together is a beautiful thing!” she continues.

In addition to her work with students, Taniece serves her campus in a variety of other ways, including leading district-level professional development workshops, acting as a mentor and speaker for 75 middle and high school girls, and presenting at the 2023 Annual Meeting of the Clay Minerals Society International Organization.

Taniece earned her Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Brooklyn College in New York in 2002. She also earned her graduate-level teacher certification from Rider University in New Jersey in 2008 and a Master’s degree in Teaching with a Concentration in Multicultural and Social Justice Education from California State University in Fresno, California, in 2015.

In addition to her recognition as Texas State Teacher of the Year, Taniece earned similar honors from Stafford Elementary, Abilene Independent School District (ISD), and the Region 14 Education Service Center.

 

Taylar Flaming earns 2024 Horizon Award from Kansas State Dept. of Education

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Elementary school teacher Taylar Flaming has earned a 2024 Kansas Horizon Award from the Kansas State Department of Education. She is pictured here at center, with Superintendent Cory Gibson  at left and Starside Elementary School Principal Jan Hicks at right. Photo Credit: Starside Elementary School

I always enjoy sharing news about outstanding teachers who have earned recognition for their work in the classroom. Today, I shine a spotlight on Taylar Flaming, an elementary school teacher from Kansas. She is one of 32 teachers who has been recognized with a 2024 Kansas Horizon Award from the Kansas State Department of Education.

Taylar teaches third grade at Starside Elementary School in De Soto. “Taylar is a great team player at Starside,” declared Jan Hicks, the school’s principal. “She seems to have an old soul and be so knowledgeable beyond her years. She is fantastic with students, parents and staff members,” Hicks continued. “She has a minor is special education from Pitt State. Because of this, I made her a SPED classroom. She has done a remarkable job working with the equipment necessary for her students and helping them be successful,” Hicks concluded.

Taylar earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Pittsburg State University.

The Horizon Award is a program developed by the Kansas State Department of Education that honors and recognizes exemplary first-year teachers. Four elementary and four secondary classroom teachers may be selected for the award from each of four regions for a total of 32 teachers throughout the state of Kansas.

Congratulations, Taylar!

MD teacher Edwin Perez garners 2024 Latinx Educator of the Year Award

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Spanish teacher Edwin Perez of Maryland has garnered a 2024 Latinx Educator Award. Photo Credit: Maryland State Education Association

There are many outstanding educators throughout our country who have been honored for their work in the classroom. One of these is Edwin Perez, a teacher from Baltimore, Maryland. He has garnered the 2024 Latinx Educator of the Year Award from the Latinx Education Collaborative (LEC).

Edwin teaches at Parkville High School, where he has worked for three years. He instructs courses in Advanced Placement Spanish Language & Culture; Spanish IV Honors; and Spanish IV Honors for Heritage Speakers. Before teaching at Parkville, he taught in Baltimore City for seven years.

The honored educator received his award during the Latinx Educator Awards Reception held in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 8. This year, 116 educators from around the country were nominated. According to LEC community engagement director Ivan Ramirez, this is not Edwin’s first nomination for the award. “People see his impact year after year and continue to nominate him,” Ramírez remarked. “Edwin excels at embodying the Latinx Educator Values and has proven to be a leader in education.”

In addition to his work with students, Edwin serves as the Chair of the Minority Affairs Committee of TABCO (Teachers Association of Baltimore County). As an educational leader, Edwin takes his role very seriously. “My concept of leadership has evolved,” he says. “I learned that leadership is more than just a job. It is more than an assignment. It is greater than a title. It is for life. I see that successful leadership is not just a top-down approach—it must be collaborative and inclusive,” he continues. “And I have learned that training, empowerment, collaboration, opportunity, and representation are key to the success of minority leaders,” he concludes.

Edwin, who is a graduate of Baltimore public schools, earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music from Florida State University in 2003.