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Just before Thanksgiving, Tullahoma City Schools announced six district-level awards, unveiling the four Teacher of the Year winners, the Principal of the Year, and Supervisor of the Year.

“The TCS Board of Education is thrilled to honor and celebrate our incredible Teachers of the Year at our Jan. 21 Board of Education meeting,” said TCS Board of Education Chairman Kim Uselton. “We look forward to recognizing them for their invaluable impact on Tullahoma City Schools and our community.”

TCS had four elementary teachers nominated for the district’s Elementary Teacher of the Year. Those finalists were Kyle Nagle from Bel-Aire, Natalie Damron from East Lincoln Elementary School, Courtney Holt from Jack T. Farrar Elementary School, and Erin Martin from Robert E. Lee Elementary School.

Voting for district winners at each grade band (elementary, middle, and high school) was conducted this month. District supervisors, administrators, and last year’s District Teachers of the Year helped select the 2025 recipients. After the votes were tallied, the winner was announced, and Erin Martin is the 2024-25 TCS Elementary Teacher of the Year.

“I was surprised and honored to be the Elementary Teacher of the Year,” Martin said. “As an early childhood educator, I love teaching kids to read and to see their growth throughout the year. My favorite part of teaching is the relationships I build with students, families and coworkers. The hugs and smiles from former students when I see them in the hallway or around town is the sweetest reward.”   

Robert E. Lee Elementary School had one more award, as Clarice Cox was named the TCS Novice Teacher of the Year. This is the second time the district has announced a Novice Teacher of the Year after the Tennessee Department of Education added the award this past March. To be nominated, a Novice Teacher of the Year candidate must be a full-time, certified, in good standing, pre-K through 12th-grade teacher in a state-accredited public or charter school in Tennessee. Additionally, teachers must spend the majority of the school day in direct instruction to students and also must have completed more than 10 months and less than 30 months in Tennessee public or charter school classrooms.

“Being named the TCS Novice Teacher of the Year is an incredible honor and means so much to me. This award validates that my hard work and dedication to student growth and success are making a difference, and it inspires me to keep refining my skills as an educator,” Cox said. “My favorite part about being a teacher is bringing joy into the lives of children. Teaching allows for community building and knowledge building to take place each day. Seeing students grasp a concept and dive deeper naturally is so rewarding to witness. There is simply no better job than impacting the lives of children through the God-given gifts I have been provided.”

Two candidates were nominated for the district’s Middle School Teacher of the Year. Those finalists were Angela Tinnon from East Middle School and Jim Dougherty from West Middle School. Following voting, this year’s TCS Middle School Teacher of the Year is Jim Dougherty.

“I am very excited and proud to be named the TCS Middle School Teacher of the Year,” Dougherty said. “In my many years of teaching, I have seen so many great educators and coaches who have been wonderful mentors and role models for me. I love teaching history. I became a teacher, hoping to positively impact our youth. My favorite part of my job is being around the students and building relationships with students and all the adults I have been fortunate to work with over the years. It is a hard job. But, the people make it extremely rewarding.”

Three finalists were contenders for the district’s High School Teacher of the Year. Judy Stewart and Angela Pendergraff were candidates from Tullahoma High School, while Jonathan Wood was nominated for his work with both THS and Tullahoma Virtual Academy. After voting, Angela Pendergraff was named the TCS High School Teacher of the Year.

“Being named the TCS High School Teacher of the Year is an honor and represents not just my recognition but educators as a whole who strive to make a difference in the lives of our students,” Pendergraff said. “The most rewarding part of being a teacher is witnessing those “aha” moments when the lightbulb turns on for my students, and everything starts to click. Seeing their faces light up with understanding and excitement is an incredible reminder of why I chose this profession. Being part of their journey as they discover their potential and develop confidence in their abilities is truly the heart of what makes teaching so fulfilling.”

TCS also awarded two additional district-wide honors last month, the Principal of the Year and Supervisor of the Year. These honors are earned by demonstrating super abilities in managing and motivating students and faculties, evoking high standards, demonstrating a commitment to excellence, implementing innovative programs, and having a track record of exceptional gains in student learning. TCS Career Technical Education director Jessie Kinsey was named the district’s Supervisor of the Year.

“Being named TCS Supervisor of the Year is incredibly humbling. When I consider the fantastic team I work alongside at TCS, this is a tremendous honor,” Kinsey said. “CTE teachers have played an essential role in boosting Early Post Secondary Opportunities for students, so I want to credit them for going the extra mile for our students. Being TCS CTE Director is a powerful and moving position because I am blessed with the opportunity to play a key role in helping students discover their passion for their career choice after high school. Seeing this career passion light turn on for our middle and high school students is comparable to an elementary teacher’s feeling when they witness a child learning to read for the first time. I want to thank TCS Director of Schools Dr. Catherine Stephens and the TCS School Board for being such amazing cheerleaders for all students and their support of CTE student opportunities.”

Robert E. Lee Elementary School Principal Mary Gilbert was named the TCS Principal of the Year.

“This honor is only possible thanks to the incredible support from our district, staff, parents and community, all united by a shared commitment to putting students first,” Gilbert said. “This is a reflection of the dedication, teamwork and collective effort of everyone who works tirelessly to support our students and their continued success. It’s humbling to be an educator for 42 years, and I’ve been able to follow my passion for our students, providing opportunities that nurture the whole child.

“Watching our students grow, overcome challenges, and fulfill their dreams is the most rewarding part of this role. Equally fulfilling is supporting our staff and teachers as they grow in their profession and building strong partnerships with parents and the community. The hugs, smiles, and proud ‘I did it!’ moments from students bring so much joy and remind me why this work matters. Seeing former students now as parents and working with multiple generations is fun and truly inspiring.”

The TCS Board of Education will honor all building-level and district-level award winners at its Jan. 21 meeting. The Board meeting begins at 5 p.m. and takes place at the TCS Administration Building, located at 510 S Jackson St.

“The teachers and administrators in our district are topnotch, and getting to celebrate them is something I look forward to every year,” Dr. Stephens said. “All educators join this profession to make a positive, profound difference in the lives of students, and they work tirelessly toward that goal. Moments like this, to celebrate and honor teachers and administrators, is always a joy! Across Tullahoma City Schools, we have some outstanding individuals to recognize, and I am excited for the January board meeting.”