2 local educators in running for statewide Teacher of the Year
JACKSON, Tenn. — Two local teachers are among the best in the state, according to the Tennessee Department of Education. The department announced the finalists for the 2015-2016 Teacher of the Year Award on Friday. The three West Tennessee Finalists include local educators Pamela Copeland of Dresden Middle School and Cathy Whitehead of West Chester Elementary in Henderson, according to a release from the department. The other West Tennessee finalist is Tonya Hawkins of Arlington Elementary. The nine finalists consist of three from each Grand Division of the state. The Grand Division winners and the Teacher of the Year will be selected from this group and announced this fall, the release states. “Teachers are the biggest factor in the success of our students, and it is an honor to celebrate educators that are helping their students grow,” Education Commissioner Candice McQueen states in the release. “We celebrate these finalists but also the thousands of dedicated educators across the state.” The finalists also have the opportunity to join the Teacher Advisory Council, whose members offer insight, feedback and advice on issues that impact teachers across the state, according to the release.
