Kingsport Times News. April 17, 2024.
Editorial: Congratulations to National Teacher of the Year Missy Testerman
For the past 72 years, the Council of Chief State School Officers has announced a new cohort of State Teachers of the Year, and from that select group comes the National Teacher of the Year.
That honor falls to Northeast Tennessee this year and Missy Testerman, who has worked at Rogersville City Schools for 31 years, currently as program director and instructor for English as a Second Language.
Next month, she will be recognized at the White House and then travel the country to share her wisdom, elevate issues teachers face, and inspire others to join the profession. She already has met with first lady Jill Biden.
Testerman serves as president of the Rogersville Education Association, is an RCS Teacher Leadership team member, participates in the Readers are Leaders Program, and is the RCS Summer Camps coordinator.
She is a graduate of the East Tennessee State University Normal School and holds a bachelor of arts in elementary education and a master of arts in reading education.
“There is often a misconception in education that we can love kids into achievement,” Testerman said. “Make no mistake. Loving and caring for our students is important, but it is not enough. If we love them we must teach them in a way that gives them the skills they need and allows them to meet high expectations and have a future. Teachers know and understand this. Classrooms across the country are led by passionate and talented teachers who have the power to use their voices to speak for the voiceless — our students. I’m honored to have the opportunity as National Teacher of the Year to uplift the voices of my students and my fellow educators.”
As the 2024 ambassador for students and teachers nationwide, Testerman plans to spend her year of service empowering teachers to advocate for their students by using their voices to share their experiences.
“I’m just excited as National Teacher of the Year to be able to elevate the good things that are happening in our public schools with teachers who have made pathways for our students to succeed every single day,” Testerman said. “I want to empower teachers, to be advocates for their students and their careers.”
Edwin Jarnagin, Rogersville director of schools, said Testerman is dedicated to the community.
“I am extremely proud of Missy on being named the 2024 National Teacher of the Year as she is beyond worthy of this highly prestigious award,” Jarnagin said. “Her dedication to the teaching profession and her students is truly exceptional and has shaped her reputation of being known as a leader and mentor to her colleagues.”
“With a rallying call to action for her fellow teachers, Missy’s message of advocating for inclusivity and success for all students meets the moment we’re in as a country,” the selection committee said in a statement. “We believe her knowledge of both the issues and the people involved in education policy and practice will lead to better outcomes for students, and we know Missy’s voice will resonate with every teacher she meets as she serves as the 2024 National Teacher of the Year.”
Congratulations Missy Testerman for exceptional dedication to the teaching profession. With more than 4 million teachers in the U.S., she brings great honor to Hawkins County and the state of Tennessee.
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