Tennessee Announces 2015-16 Teacher of the Year

NASHVILLE – A Chester County teacher known for her leadership skills and the ability to tailor her instruction to students’ needs was named the 2015-16 Tennessee Teacher of the Year.

Cathy Whitehead is a third-grade teacher at West Chester Elementary in Henderson, Tennessee.  She has served in multiple leadership positions in her district and regularly leads professional development for her peers. Whitehead received the state’s top teaching honor during the annual Teacher of the Year banquet on Thursday night.

“The Teacher of the Year Awards is an opportunity to recognize instructional leaders across the state as well as an opportunity to highlight effective and innovative instructional practices,“ Education Commissioner Candice McQueen said.

Whitehead’s peers applaud her for creative thinking, attention to detail, and a sense of urgency in her classroom, drawing from her years of experience at a management firm prior to teaching.

“She teaches all of us to look for the best, work hard, smile often, and do our best for students every day,” West Chester Elementary Principal Amy Wooley said.

A leader in her school community, colleagues report consistently seeking Whitehead’s opinion to improve their own practices to individualize instruction for all students. A reputation Whitehead has earned from delivering high-quality personalized instruction, including project-based opportunities for advanced students.

“Every student can learn, and every student can grow; the potential is there. It’s up to us to help them see it,” Whitehead said.

During Thursday’s banquet, the department also recognized finalists who earned Teacher of the Year for each Grand Division. Whitehead was recognized as the Grand Division winner for West Tennessee.

Kyle Prince, an Algebra II teacher at Central Magnet School in Rutherford County, was recognized as the Grand Division winner for Middle Tennessee. While teaching, he is pursuing his Ph.D. in math education at Middle Tennessee State University. Prince was also recognized for receiving a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics from the National Science Foundation.

Adam Moss, a fifth-grade math teacher at Arnold Memorial Elementary in Cleveland City Schools, was recognized as the Grand Division winner for East Tennessee. Moss serves on his school’s leadership team and prioritizes relationship building to strengthen his classroom.

The nine Teacher of the Year regional winners and state finalists will serve on the Teacher Advisory Council during the 2015-16 school year. The three Grand Division winners will continue their term during the 2016-17 school year.