JMCSS announces District Teachers of the Year

JMCSS announces District Teachers of the Year
One will win $1,000 and represent JMCSS at the regional level

JACKSON, TN — The Jackson-Madison County School System is proud to announce the 2025-2026 District Teachers of the Year, recognizing three outstanding educators for their commitment to excellence in teaching and student achievement. This annual initiative celebrates educators who make a lasting impact in Madison County and across Tennessee.

This year’s JMCSS honorees are:

• PreK-4th Grade: Laura Balcunas, Thelma Barker Elementary
• 5th-8th Grade: John Haley, West Bemis Middle School
• 9th-12th Grade: Donna Currie, Jackson Central-Merry High School

One of these three educators will go on to win $1,000 and represent JMCSS at the regional level in the Tennessee Teacher of the Year competition.

“These teachers exemplify dedication, passion, and leadership,” said Deputy Superintendent Dr. Vivian Williams. “Laura Balcunas, John Haley, and Donna Currie have gone above and beyond in shaping the future of our students, and we are incredibly proud to celebrate them.”

Each school and district selects a Teacher of the Year through a unique process. To qualify, candidates must have been teaching full-time for at least three years, demonstrate a track record of exceptional gains in student learning, and serve as effective school and community leaders. Districts nominate one educator from each grade band for regional consideration.

Superintendent Dr. Marlon King added, “Each of these recipients come highly recommended, and the Teacher of the Year committee members noted student growth and academic excellence among our grade band winners. We look forward to celebrating their continued success as one of them moves forward to represent us at the regional level. All of our nominees are paragons of achievement on their campuses.”

All 26 school-level Teachers of the Year will be honored at the annual JMCSS Teacher of the Year banquet in May, where the district will formally recognize their contributions to education.

“Selecting just three educators to represent JMCSS at the district level is an incredibly difficult but rewarding process. Every nominee has demonstrated a deep commitment to their students, and their impact extends far beyond the classroom,” Associate Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Spight said.

For a full list of campus-level Teachers of the Year, visit JMCSS.org. Congratulations to all our honorees, and thank you to our educators, families, and community members for supporting student achievement in Madison County!

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