Tennessee Announces 2024-25 Tennessee Teacher of the Year

Kingsport City Schools Educator Takes Top State Teaching Honor

Nashville, TN-This evening, the Tennessee Department of Education announced Bryan Kerns, an educator from Kingsport City Schools known for his compassion and dedication to his students, as the 2024-25 Tennessee Teacher of the Year at the department's 2024 Excellence in Education 65th Sapphire Anniversary Celebration.

Bryan Kerns, a fire management and math instructor at Dobyns-Bennett High School in Kingsport City Schools for the last 18 years, is viewed as a leader, mentor, and advocate in his school and community. He championed the development of the Dobyns-Bennett Fire Program, which has helped over 30 young men and women enter careers in the fire and emergency services industry. Additionally, he serves as the President-elect of the Bays Mountain Park Association Board and is the Southern Blue Ridge Fire Learning Network Landscape Lead for the Unaka and Great Smoky Mountains Escarpment.

"Congratulations to all the educators who were honored at the 65th Sapphire Anniversary Celebration of the Teacher of the Year award, and I am especially excited to welcome Bryan Kerns as the 2024-25 Tennesse Teacher of the Year," said Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education. "For the past 65 years, our state has recognized awardees for serving as models on how to support and develop students for future success that goes beyond the classroom, and we look forward to continuing to elevate and honor our outstanding educators for years to come."

Kerns will represent Tennessee in the National Teacher of the Year competition and serve as an ambassador for education throughout the state for the 2024-25 school year. He follows the 2023-24 Tennessee Teacher of the Year and 2024 National Teacher of the Year, Missy Testerman, an ESL teacher at Rogersville Elementary School in Rogersville City School.

"Tennessee teachers continue to raise the bar as they serve and inspire the students they teach. Bryan is a shining example of the amazing teachers that we have in our state," said Missy Testerman, 2023-24 Tennessee Teacher of the Year and the 2024 National Teacher of the Year, Rogersville City School. "I am so honored to congratulate Bryan Kerns as the next Teacher of the Year. He will have an amazing opportunity to represent our Tennessee educators, families, and students. I commend his commitment to moving our state forward by helping to create an educational system that ensures that all Tennessee students succeed and are prepared for postsecondary education and the workforce. On behalf of all Tennessee educators, I offer my best wishes to Mr. Kerns for a fulfilling year of service as the 2024-25 Tennessee Teacher of the Year."

During the event, the department also recognized finalists named Teacher of the Year for the three grand divisions of the state.

Natalee Elkins, choral director Holston Middle School in Knox County Schools, was recognized as the grand division winner for East Tennessee. Kaity Castleman, 4th grade teacher at Hickory Creek Elementary School in Warren County Schools, was recognized as the grand division winner for Middle Tennessee. Jenny Kiesel, biology and AP environmental science teacher at Lakeland Preparatory School in Lakeland School System, was recognized as the grand division winner for West Tennessee.

Additionally, this year, the department announced the inaugural Novice Tennessee Teacher of the Year Awardees. The Novice Tennessee Teacher of the Year Award, to celebrate and recognize the wealth of excellent novice teachers in Tennessee. Winners from each CORE region and major municipals were recognized.

The Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents (TOSS) was the program sponsor for the event and is a dedicated supporter of the Tennessee Teacher of the Year program.

"The Tennessee Teacher of the Year banquet is more than just a ceremony-it's a tribute to the incredible educators who work tirelessly to inspire, teach, and guide our students toward success. TOSS is proud to sponsor the awards that recognize the hard work and dedication of these outstanding teachers," said Gary Lilly, Executive Director, Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents. "Their passion and commitment are the cornerstones of our educational system. Our superintendents know that the success of our schools depends on the passion and commitment of teachers like these, and we extend our deepest gratitude to all educators across the state. Congratulations to the Teachers of the Year-you embody the very best of what it means to be an educator!"

To qualify for Tennessee Teacher of the Year, 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. Districts were able to nominate one educator from each grade band. From over 260 applications, 27 regional semi-finalists were identified by a statewide selection committee, and nine finalists were selected from this group.

All nine finalists will also serve on the department's Teacher Advisory Council for the duration of the 2024-25 school year. This council acts as a working group of expert teachers to provide feedback and inform the work of the department throughout the school year. For information regarding the nine 2024-25 finalists, click here. 

To learn more about the Tennessee Teacher Advisory Council, click here. For more information on the Tennessee Teacher of the Year award, click here. For Tennessee Department of Education media inquiries, contact [email protected].

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