News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
White County Middle School Teacher Teresa Buckner is one of nine finalists for Tennessee Teacher of the Year.
Buckner said being selected is an honor, but believes all teachers should be recognized for their hard work during the Covid shutdown.
“It is very exciting,” Buckner said. “Not only for me, but for our county. I feel special and honored to be teacher of the year, but I think every teacher is teacher of the year this year.”
White County Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said quality of teaching in the district is impressive. Buckner is one of four White County teachers to be selected in the top nine in the past five years.
“That is pretty impressive for a school system our size, really for any school system,” Dronebarger said. “We have great representation. I think that is reflective for the amount of talent we have and the caliber of folks working in White County.”
The nine finalist have the opportunity to serve on Tennessee Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn’s Teacher Advisory Council for the duration of the 2020-21. Buckner said she will accept the invitation.
“I really think it is an opportunity for not just me, but all the teachers in my county or even in the Upper Cumberland and middle Tennessee to have a voice and help make a difference,” Buckner said.
Districts nominated three educators representing each of the three grade bands. Out of over 200 applications, 27 regional semifinalists were identified, and the nine finalists were selected from a CORE region selection committee and state-level selection committee.
The final winner will represent Tennessee in the National Teacher of the Year competition and serve as an ambassador for education in the state throughout the 2020-21 school year.
Buckner completed her undergraduate studies at Arizona State and currently teaches 8th grade science at White County Middle School.
