Beverly Boss teaches a multi-age class of girls Monday at the Chattanooga Charter School of Excellence, at 5600 Brainerd Road.

Beverly Boss, a kindergarten and first grade teacher at Chattanooga Charter School of Excellence, was named a finalist in the Tennessee Charter Schools Association Teacher of the Year Award.

Officials with the association surprised Boss, one of three finalists, today at the school, which opened this fall as Hamilton County's third public charter school.

Boss formerly taught at Chattanooga Valley Elementary in Walker County, Ga., East Ridge Elementary and in Mississippi schools.

Chattanooga Charter School of Excellence Headmistress Jennifer Huskins said parents nominated teachers for the award. After narrowing down the nominations, 44 were asked to submit essays explaining why they teach, along with letters of support from administrators and other individuals.

The association will announce its teacher of the year at a May gala in Nashville.