Tennessee Names 2008 Teacher of the Year

Tuesday, October 16, 2007 | 07:00pm

Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Education today announced Hamilton County Schools English teacher Pamela Rector is the 2008 Tennessee Teacher of the Year. Ms. Rector received the award Monday evening at the department’s annual Teacher of the Year awards banquet. The nine regional finalists and three grand division runners up were also honored. Ms. Rector is now also a candidate for the National Teacher of the Year award.

“Governor Bredesen recently spoke to business leaders about the importance of the classroom teacher, noting their supreme influence on student success,” Education Commissioner Lana Seivers said. “I know he would be pleased with the quality of teachers we honor here tonight. I congratulate Pamela Rector on earning this award and thank the many teachers who tirelessly work for Tennessee students every day.”

Pamela Rector has 32 years experience in Tennessee public schools, most recently teaching senior English, Advanced Placement Literature and Composition and applied methods at Red Bank High School in Hamilton County. Her colleagues say her passion for teaching her subject inspires students and fellow teachers. Ms. Rector holds high expectations for students while working with their individual strengths and weaknesses.

“Each year, we have the pleasure of recognizing one teacher who exemplifies excellence, dedication and a talent for working with students,” said Susan Bunch, Assistant Commissioner for Teaching and Learning. “Excellent teachers not only inspire students; they rekindle the creative fire in their colleagues which raises the entire learning environment to a higher level. To maintain this excellence after 32 years is truly an achievement.”

The following Teacher of the Year finalists were named Grand Division winners:

Teacher	School	System	Division
Pamela Rector	Red Bank High School	Hamilton County	East TN
Sue Gilmore	MLK Magnet High School	Metro Nashville Public Schools	Middle TN
Kay Hart	Scotts Hill High School	Henderson County	West TN

Tennessee’s Teacher of the Year Award Program is sponsored by the Niswonger Foundation, a Greeneville-based organization that provides student scholarships and resources for school systems in Tennessee. Each Grand Division Winner receives a $5,000 monetary award and each finalist receives $1,000. In addition, the SMARTer Kids Foundation will award the Teacher of the Year with an educational technology package valued at over $14,000.

For more information, contact Rachel Woods at (615) 253-1960 or Rachel.Woods@state.tn.us.

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