For the first time in 35 years, a Tennessee teacher is the National Teacher of the Year.
The Council of Chief State School Officers awarded Rogersville City Schools K-8 English as a second language (ESL) teacher Missy Testerman the honor, recognizing her dedication to students and community. She’ll spend the next year serving as an ambassador and advocate for teachers and students across the nation.
“Teaching is more than a career, it’s a calling. I join all Tennesseans in thanking Missy for her dedication to students, preparing them to thrive in the classroom and beyond. We look forward to cheering her on as she engages with educators nationwide,” said Governor Bill Lee.
Testerman served Rogersville for three decades as a first and second-grade teacher before utilizing the state’s Grow Your Own initiative to receive an ESL endorsement. She’s now the district’s ESL program director, teaching students who don’t speak English as their first language and supporting them in all academic areas. Testerman has also served as the President of the Rogersville Education Association, the district’s Summer Camps Coordinator, and participated as a member of the state’s School Letter Grades Working Group last year.
“I am extremely proud to have Tennessee represented on the national stage with Missy Testerman being named the 2024 National Teacher of the Year,” said Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds. “Missy is deeply committed to her students and community, serving as a leader, mentor and advocate, and I am thrilled she will be able to take her expertise nationwide and impact thousands of educators over the next year.”
Testerman’s journey to Teacher of the Year began last August when the state named her the 2023/2024 Tennessee Teacher of the year. The Council of Chief State School Officers then named her a Teacher of the Year finalist in January.
That led to an extensive interview process with the council to showcase her experience and dedication to teaching.
“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,” said Rogersville City Schools Director Edwin Jarnagin. “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. Missy exemplifies excellence in how she collaborates with our community and connects families across the rural Rogersville area to set students up for success. Rogersville City Schools and the community are immensely proud to celebrate her recognition as the National Teacher of the Year.”
Missy plans to use her year of service as National Teacher of the Year to empower teachers to advocate for students and fellow educators by using their voices and sharing their experiences with those outside of the classroom.
