We speak to East Tennessee teacher named 2024 National Teacher of the Year finalist

GREENVILLE, Tenn.—-Missy Testerman says she always knew she wanted to be an educator and has never second guessed if being a teacher was right for her.

Testerman has taught for more than 30 years and has made sure to advocate for her English as a Second Language students.

Currently she’s teaching 21 students from second to eighth grade.

Testerman was one of 55 teachers, from every state including the U.S. territories, who applied.

Now, she is one of the four teachers named as a finalist.

Testerman says this has been an overall humbling experience.

“When I think I was one of the 4 chosen out of that group, it’s hard for me to understand why because each of them are incredible and each of them would be a national teacher of the year,” Testerman said.

The results for this competition will be announced in late spring of this year.

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