KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – In a heartwarming celebration of excellence in education, nearly 200 teachers were recognized at the annual Knox County Schools Teacher of the Year banquet on Tuesday night. The event, held at the Hilton Knoxville, spotlighted educators from every district school, showcasing their dedication to shaping young minds and fostering a positive learning environment.
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the district-wide Teacher of the Year winners, who were selected based on nominations from their peers and the Tennessee Department of Education’s guidelines. The winners for each grade band were:
- Pre-K to 4th Grade: Ellen Monroe, a speech-language therapist at Inskip Elementary School, was recognized for her exceptional work with young students.
- 5th to 8th Grade: Emily Butterfield, an eighth-grade science teacher at Bearden Middle School, earned the honor for her innovative and engaging teaching methods.
- 9th to 12th Grade: Keith Leonard, an English Language Arts teacher at Fulton High School, was celebrated for his impactful lessons and dedication to his students’ success.
In addition to the district-wide winners, a long list of other educators was acknowledged for their contributions in various regions across Knox County. The honorees were recognized for their commitment to excellence in education, inspiring their students to strive for success both inside and outside the classroom.
The banquet, an annual tradition, is a testament to the dedication and hard work of Knox County’s educators. Each teacher recognized is a vital part of the district’s success, and the celebration serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering a supportive and enriching environment for both students and teachers.
For many of the recipients, the recognition came as the result of years of unwavering commitment to their students’ academic growth and personal development. These teachers serve as role models and leaders in their communities, working tirelessly to ensure their students’ futures are filled with promise.
The event concluded with an uplifting message of gratitude for the teachers’ continued dedication and hard work, highlighting the crucial role they play in the community and the future of education in Knox County.
For a full list of the teachers honored at the event, see below:
Region 1: Monet Crow, Megan Edman, Sherin Linsley, Diane Boles, Hillary Hudson, Sarah Campbell, Stephanie Ott, Cody Sipe, Tracy Best, and many others.
Region 2: Stacie Dougherty, Nyla Hopwood, Robyn Bayne, Angela Childers, Kelly Schippers, Jennie Williams, Chelsea Gillis, and others.
Region 3: Heather Davenport, Laura Snapp, Lindsey Harrell, Melina McMahan, Britney McCarter, Lisa Brown, and more.
Region 4: Andrew Crowe, Rebecca Petroskey, Kayla Jadwin, Amy Renfro, Tracey Walker, Paula Holland, Carla Wilkerson, and others.
Region 5: Hannah Bond, Erin Dunleavy, Kelsey Cupp, Earlene Romero, Karleigh Brockman, Ashley Lynch, and many others.
The Knox County Schools Teacher of the Year banquet continues to be a shining example of the dedication, passion, and excellence that teachers bring to the classroom every day.
