Hardeman County educator named TN Rural Education Teacher of the Year

BOLIVAR, Tenn. — A lucky educator in one county receives a big honor.

Mrs. Deana Sain has been named the 2025 Tennessee Rural Education Teacher of the Year. Sain was 1 of 60 nominees for the Tennessee Rural Education Teacher of the Year.

She will represent TNREA at the National Rural Education Association conference in the fall.

“When the kids come here, we do two-hour projects together with our TN state standards. Fourth through eighth grade come to my building, we have them as young as second grade. But it’s just a way to get them outside of the classroom, and do some hands on STEM learning,” said Sain.

Successful rural schools play a vital role in the economic development of Tennessee’s communities. Helping students access opportunities to prepare them for college and careers can attract jobs regionally and statewide.

By doing this, rural schools can create a talent pipeline for current students to stay in their communities and be tomorrow’s teachers and leaders.

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