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MCS announces 2025 Teachers of the Year
Tuesday, February 3, 2026


Murfreesboro City Schools (MCS) is proud to announce the 2025 Teachers of the Year and Novice Teacher of the Year. These outstanding educators are nominated by their peers and have been recognized for their dedication to student success, innovative teaching practices and commitment to excellence in education.

“These teachers exemplify the passion and professionalism that make Murfreesboro City Schools exceptional,” said Dr. Trey Duke, Director of Schools. “Their commitment to creating engaging and impactful learning experiences for every child is inspiring. We are honored to celebrate their achievements and the positive influence they have on our students and community.”

School-Level Honorees
Black Fox
Lori Johnson
Lori Cantrell
Novice: Rebecca Hemans

Bradley
Rachel Rogers
Dana Stem
Novice: Kobe Timberlake

Cason Lane Academy (CLA)
Tessa Person
Suzanne St. John
Novice: Derek Johnstone

Cason Lane Pre-K
Anna Beth Phillips

Discovery School
Bridgett Wright
Amy Jackson

Erma Siegel
Morgan Clemmons
Brittany Jackson
Novice: Aislan Hay

Hobgood
Kristin Brown
Jesus Alvarez-Lopez
Novice: Ariel Davie

John Pittard
Dr. Shirelle Ford-Jackson
Mrs. Victoria Morse
Novice: Tatum Dotson

Mitchell-Neilson (MN)
Amy Oliver
Emily Crook
Novice: Madison Byrd

Northfield
Ryan Palombo
Jill Kennamer
Novice: Morgan Clay

Overall Creek
Emma Arnette
Kara Bergeron
Novice: Maggie Smith

Reeves-Rogers
Johanna Ingles
Amanda Robinson

Salem
Taylor Modesitt
Sarah Primm
Novice: Kate Edmonson

Scales
Kayla Embry
Stephanie Graves
Novice: Joelie Young

The District Teachers of the Year are:
Jesus Alvarez-Lopez, ESL at Hobgood Elementary
Amy Jackson, Gifted Specialist at Discovery School

The District Novice Teacher of the Year is:
Maggie Smith, 5th grade teacher at Overall Creek Elementary

Murfreesboro City Schools congratulates these educators for their exceptional contributions to teaching and learning. Their dedication ensures that every child has the opportunity to thrive academically and personally.

The Tennessee Teacher of the Year program honors excellence in Pre-K through 12th grade. Candidates must be fulltime certified public-school teachers with at least three years of experience, a record of significant student learning gains and demonstrated leadership both in and beyond the classroom. Novice Teachers have taught between 10 months and three years.


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