Missy Testerman, ESL program director at Rogersville City School (RCS), has garnered national recognition as one of the four finalists for the prestigious 2024 National Teacher of the Year Award. In August 2023, Ms. Testerman was named the 2023-24 Tennessee Teacher of the Year by the Tennessee Department of Education. This honor highlights her unwavering dedication to excellence in education and her profound impact on her students and community.
With over three decades of teaching experience under her belt, Missy Testerman stands out as a beacon of inspiration and leadership in her school and beyond. Her journey to becoming a finalist for this prestigious award is a testament to her tireless commitment to her students’ success and her innovative approaches to teaching.
In her role as an English as a Second Language (ESL) instructor and program director, Testerman has not only facilitated language acquisition but has also fostered a sense of belonging and understanding among students from diverse cultural backgrounds. She has been instrumental in bridging the gap between longstanding community members and newer immigrants, creating a nurturing environment where all students feel valued and supported.
The 2024 Tennessee Teacher of the Year’s impact extends far beyond the confines of her classroom. She serves as the President of the Rogersville Education Association and actively participates in various school and community initiatives, including the Readers are Leaders Program and serving as the Summer Camps Coordinator for Rogersville City Schools. Her leadership roles and involvement in extracurricular activities underscore her commitment to holistic education and student development.
Upon receiving news of her nomination, Testerman expressed her gratitude for her colleagues and students, acknowledging their role in her success. “I have the privilege of teaching every day with the best coworkers who give their best for our students every day”, she remarked. “They are all amazing educators, and I am honored to get to teach with them. I am also thankful for RCS’ students who make every single day a joy for me.”
Testerman’s nomination has been met with praise and admiration from her peers and superiors alike. Edwin Jarnagin, Director of Schools at Rogersville City Schools, hailed her as a rare educator whose influence extends far beyond the classroom. “Ms. Testerman’s dedication to the teaching profession is exceptional in the truest sense of the word”, he remarked. “Her enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to shaping minds have left an indelible mark on all who know her.”
Alongside Missy Testerman, three other outstanding educators have been named as finalists for the 2024 National Teacher of the Year Award: Catherine Walker from Alaska, Christy Todd from Georgia and Joseph (Joe) Nappi from New Jersey. These finalists represent the epitome of excellence in teaching and serve as shining examples of the profound impact educators can have on the lives of their students and communities.
As the selection process progresses, Testerman and her fellow finalists will undergo interviews with the National Teacher of the Year Program’s Selection Committee, with the ultimate recipient set to be announced later in the spring. Regardless of the outcome, Testerman’s nomination is a testament to her remarkable contributions to education, and her legacy as a dedicated educator will continue to inspire generations to come.
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