Weakley County teacher empowering students to find their voice
PRESS RELEASE FROM WEAKLEY COUNTY SCHOOLS:
How Caitlin Tucker Empowers All Students to Find Their Voice
When Sharon School Speech-Language Pathologist Caitlin Tucker heard her name announced as the 2025 West Grand Division Teacher of the Year, the applause wasn’t just for her—it was for the students, colleagues, and entire school community she supports every day.
“It’s truly humbling,” Tucker said. “I’m lucky to work alongside such dedicated teachers and staff. This recognition reflects what’s possible when we come together to make sure every student is seen, heard, and supported.”
“Caitlin represents the best of what teaching is about—meeting students where they are and helping them reach their full potential,” said Weakley County Director of Schools Jeff Cupples. “Her recognition reminds us that great teachers come in many forms, and all of them are essential.”
A Weakley County Schools veteran with nine years of service, Tucker traces her career back to her mother, a preschool special education teacher with a background in communication disorders. Inspired to blend education with communication sciences, Tucker earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of Tennessee at Martin and a master’s in Speech-Language Pathology at Western Kentucky University.
While graduate school introduced her to a variety of settings, it was the school environment that stole her heart. “The moment I worked with children in an educational setting, I knew this was where I belonged,” she recalled.
Since then, she has served students across all grade levels and with a wide range of communication needs. Her specialty in augmentative and alternative communication creates the opportunity for even non-speaking students to have tools—like communication boards or speech-generating devices—to share their voices.
“There’s really no such thing as a ‘typical day,’” Tucker said with a laugh. “One moment I may be in a classroom working alongside a teacher, and the next I’m on the playground helping a student communicate during play. The beauty of this job is meeting kids exactly where they are.”
Tucker’s approach has had ripple effects across Sharon School. After researching sensory regulation strategies in 2023, she spearheaded a school-wide initiative called “Regulation before Expectation,” designed to help students be ready to engage in learning by meeting their sensory needs first. Some students, for example, struggle to focus when they feel restless, anxious, or overwhelmed. Caitlin gives them a moment to move, stretch, or use a sensory tool, helping them settle in so they can fully participate in class.
The results have been remarkable: discipline incidents have dropped 60 percent and reading proficiency scores for grades 3–8 have been steadily rising since implementing sensory regulation breaks.
“Caitlin has truly helped change the way our entire school approaches learning,” shared Sharon Principal, Dr. Michelle Clements. “She’s not only helping students communicate—she’s giving them the foundation to succeed academically and socially. That’s the kind of innovation that deserves statewide recognition.”
“Caitlin’s work goes above and beyond,” added Assistant Director of Schools Betsi Foster. “With more students than ever needing individualized support, she has led the way in helping every child succeed. This recognition celebrates not only her skill as an SLP but her leadership and heart for students.”
Her recognition comes at a time when demand for speech services is growing in Weakley County and beyond. Speech-language Pathologists like Caitlin don’t just support speaking and language skills—they also help students read, build confidence, and develop social skills, giving every child a stronger foundation to succeed in school and in life.
For Tucker, the award is less about her own achievements and more about what it represents. She hopes it will elevate awareness of the profession and encourage others to pursue careers in speech-language pathology.
“I want people to see that every child deserves to be heard,” Tucker said. “Sometimes that means giving them words on a device, sometimes it’s teaching strategies, sometimes it’s just listening differently. But every voice matters.”
Cupples agreed. “This award isn’t just for Caitlin—it’s for every student who has found their voice because of her dedication.”
As she prepares to represent West Tennessee educators on the Commissioner’s Teacher Advisory Council, Tucker says she’s ready to keep advocating. “My message is simple,” she said. “All students are capable of learning if we give them the right tools. I want to make sure every child has that chance.”
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