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A Rogersville Elementary teacher is among the nine finalists for the 2023-24 Tennessee Teacher of the Year award picked by the Tennessee Department of Education.

Melissa Testerman of Rogersville Elementary School is among the nine finalists who represent each of the eight Center of Regional Excellence areas in the state, as well as the Shelby County Municipal area.

“I want to congratulate all the finalists and certainly want to congratulate Mrs. Melissa (Missy) Testerman on her designation as a Tennessee Teacher of the Year finalist,” said State Rep. Gary Hicks. “Several years ago my daughter, Caroline, was fortunate enough to have Mrs. Testerman as her 2nd grade teacher. I witnessed firsthand how she pours her heart and soul into her students and her profession. Missy is a shining example of how dedicated and passionate our teachers are not only at Rogersville City School, but across the State of Tennessee! Congrats to Mrs. Testerman on a job well done!”

The 2023-24 Tennessee Teacher of the Year, and three winners for each grand division, will be selected from this group and announced during the Excellence in Education Tennessee Teacher of the Year Banquet this fall. 

“Across the state, our educators are working tirelessly to ensure every Tennessee student excels in both their classrooms and communities,” said Interim Commissioner Sam Pearcy. “They dedicate countless hours each day teaching, mentoring, inspiring, and motivating their students; they cultivate a love of learning and invest in their students’ academic and future success. I am honored to recognize these hard working and committed Tennessee educators.”

“Teachers are an integral part of our society. They help to foster innovation, creativity, critical thinking, and leadership among our students,” said Dr. Melissa Collins, 2022-23 Tennessee Teacher of the Year, John P. Freeman Optional School, Memphis-Shelby County Schools. “As a Tennessee teacher, I am proud to work alongside remarkable educators who help nurture Tennessee students. Congratulations to the regional finalists! The state of Tennessee is proud of you!”

Nominations of up to three educators representing each of the three grade bands were accepted from the state’s school districts. The Tennessee Teacher of the Year and Grand Division winners will be selected after interview rounds with each finalist.

Finalists will have the opportunity to serve on the department’s Tennessee Teacher Advisory Council for the duration of the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years. The council is composed of expert teachers who engage with the department and other state agencies throughout the academic year.

The Tennessee Teacher of the Year awardee will represent Tennessee in the National Teacher of the Year competition and serve as an ambassador for education in the state throughout the 2023-24 school year. To qualify, candidates must have been teaching full-time for at least three years, have a track record of exceptional gains in student learning, and be effective school and community leaders.