Weakley County Schools celebrates October Feature Teachers
PRESS RELEASE FROM WEAKLEY COUNTY SCHOOLS:
Weakley County Schools Celebrates October Feature Teachers
Weakley County Schools is proud to announce the “Feature Teachers” for October 2025! These amazing educators are being celebrated for the way they bring purpose, connection, and growth to life in their classrooms every day.
This month, we proudly honor Kristi Parsley from Sharon School, representing the Pre-K–5th grade band, and Natalie McConnell from Westview High School, representing the 6th–12th grade band. Both educators go above and beyond to create classrooms filled with curiosity, care, and a love for learning.
As part of the celebration, each teacher was surprised with cheers from colleagues and students before being awarded the 6-foot “Feature Teacher” trophy—a traveling symbol of excellence that is passed monthly to the next outstanding educator.
At Sharon School, Mrs. Kristi Parsley is known for making learning come alive. Her lessons encourage her students to think deeply, work together, and take pride in their progress. Recently, after reading Wangari Maathai: The Woman Who Planted Millions of Trees, Mrs. Parsley bought a tree for her class to plant—giving students the chance to experience the story’s message firsthand.Â
“Mrs. Kristi is consistently creating amazing lessons that allow students to take ownership of their learning while encouraging higher-level thinking and problem solving,” shared Dr. Michelle Clements, Principal of Sharon School. “She not only grows students academically but connects with them personally. From morning meetings to spontaneous moments of support, her care and compassion make an incredible impact on our school family.”
At Westview High School, Mrs. Natalie McConnell is being recognized for her initiative and dedication to professional growth—not only for herself but for others. After attending ACT Instructional Mastery workshops this summer, she didn’t just use what she learned in her own classroom—she shared it. Mrs. McConnell hosted an after-school session to help other English teachers across the district prepare for the updated ACT.Â
“Mrs. McConnell identified a need and took it upon herself to fill it,” said Delana Smith, Assistant Principal at Westview. “She invested her own time to deepen her understanding and then went above and beyond by sharing her knowledge with others. That kind of initiative shows how deeply she cares—not just about her students, but about helping all Weakley County students and teachers succeed.”
Betsi Foster, Assistant Director of Schools, praised both educators for embodying the district’s mission. “Mrs. Parsley and Mrs. McConnell are shining examples of what makes Weakley County Schools special,” Foster emphasized. “Mrs. Parsley’s creativity and compassion make learning joyful, and Mrs. McConnell’s leadership and willingness to share her knowledge lift everyone around her. Their work reflects the purpose, connection, and growth that drive our schools forward.”
The October Feature Teachers will be highlighted in upcoming district stories and across Weakley County Schools’ social media platforms. Their dedication serves as a reminder that great teaching not only changes classrooms—it strengthens communities.
Weakley County Schools is proud to celebrate educators who make a lasting difference every day.
For more information on Weakley County Schools, visit weakleyschools.com
For more local news, click here.
