The Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) announced Dr. Brandi De La Cruz, a mathematics teacher at Collierville High School, as the 2025–26 Tennessee Teacher of the Year.¶
Profiled by the Tennessee Firefly back in July, Dr. De La Cruz was one of nine finalists recognized earlier this year for excellence in education. She will now represent Tennessee in the National Teacher of the Year competition.¶
TDOE Commissioner of Education Lizzette Reynolds congratulated Dr. De La Cruz during the announcement on Friday.¶
“Congratulations to all the educators who were honored at this year’s celebration. I am especially excited to welcome Dr. Brandi De La Cruz as the 2025–26 Tennessee Teacher of the Year,” Reynolds said. “Dr. De La Cruz is an exceptional educator who understands how important a strong foundation in math is for our students, both in and beyond the classroom. Her thoughtful approach inspires students and builds critical skills they need to succeed now and in the future.”¶
A Nontraditional Path to Teaching¶
Dr. De La Cruz did not originally plan to become an educator. After earning a business administration degree from Mississippi Valley State University and working in retail management, she transitioned into teaching following an unexpected opportunity.¶
“I was managing a Finish Line store and unhappy I had to work Thanksgiving,” she recalled in our July interview. “The very next day, a teacher walked in and mentioned how desperate her school was for a math teacher. I thought, why not?”¶
By the following Monday, she was teaching high school seniors in Little Rock, Arkansas, most of whom she says had previously failed math. “That experience changed everything,” she said. She later earned a Ph.D. in education from the University of Mississippi, where she studied how the COVID-19 pandemic affected student learning.¶
Classroom Philosophy and Student Connection¶
Dr. De La Cruz currently teaches Algebra II and dual enrollment Calculus at Collierville High School. She is known for a classroom environment focused on belonging and confidence.¶
“I wasn’t a strong math student myself,” she admitted. “My best friend’s teacher even gave me a sympathy C. That honesty helps me connect with kids who struggle.”¶
To build relationships, she begins each school year by sharing personal details and asking students to write her a private letter. “Some share grief. Others share anxiety. That’s how we become a family,” she said. “Once they know I care, they listen.”¶
Her guiding motto is simple: “Every child can do math.”¶
Impact Beyond the Classroom¶
Former students have credited Dr. De La Cruz with inspiring their own careers in education. “One student came back as a student teacher and said, ‘I’m becoming a math teacher because of you,’” she said. “That was one of the proudest moments of my career.”¶
She also advocates for expanding career and technical education opportunities through stronger business partnerships, especially in rural and underserved communities. “We shouldn’t push every student toward two- or four-year colleges,” she said. “Some are meant to be welders, mechanics, or restaurant managers, and they need math, too.”¶
Outside of her classroom, Dr. De La Cruz founded a morale committee at Collierville High to support new teachers. “Teaching isn’t a solo sport,” she said. “Use your people. Veteran teachers want to help. And don’t give up.”¶
Dr. De La Cruz succeeds last year’s Teacher of the Year, Dobyns Bennet High School fire science teacher Bryan Kerns. ¶
“Being named Teacher of the Year is a remarkable achievement and reflects the profound impact you’ve made on your students and community,” said Kerns.“Dr. De La Cruz will continue to share the Volunteer spirit with educators from across the country and represent Tennessee teachers, families, and students. Congratulations to Dr. Brandi De La Cruz, the 2025-26 Tennessee Teacher of the Year.” ¶
Additional Recognitions¶
The Tennessee Department of Education recognized another educator previously profiled by The Tennessee Firefly, Ginger Colvett, as the Middle Tennessee Grand Division winner at Friday’s event.¶
