Dr. Larrie Reynolds, executive director of the Missionary Ridge Learning community, presents Sara Pratt with 2019 Hamilton County Teacher of the Year. (Photo courtesy of Tim Hensley/Hamilton County Schools)The Hamilton County Commission recognized three Teachers of the Year at its Feb. 26 agenda meeting.
Sara Pratt, a fourth-grade teacher at Apison Elementary; Michele Jones of Middle Valley Elementary School; and Kristen Robertson of Signal Mountain Middle/High, were recognized last month by Hamilton County Schools.
“You are among many of the unsung heroes on today’s campuses,” commissioners said of the teachers.
Robertson, who teaches ninth grade, said she was humbled by the recognition.
“Thank you so much. I am humbled and honored and I’d just like to say I am one among many who deserve to earn this honor,” she said of her ‘family” of teachers in Hamilton County schools. “We all work hard and I accept this for all of us.”
Joe Smith, Hamilton County Board of Education member representing District 3 congratulates Michele Jones for being selected 2019 Hamilton County Teacher of the Year. (Photo courtesy of Tim Hensley/Hamilton County Schools)
Dr. Shane Harwood, principal of Signal Mountain Middle/High and Dr. Robert Sharpe, executive director of the Rock Point Learning Community, presents Kristen Robertson with 2019 Hamilton County Teacher of the Year. (Photo courtesy of Tim Hensley/Hamilton County Schools)Each teacher was recognized by their respective commissioners and presented with a plague in front of the commission.
“She does a phenomenal job inspiring and educating our children,” said District 3 commissioner Greg Martin of Michele Jones.
He’s previously visited her fifth grade classroom at Middle Valley Elementary School, where she has a class pet – a rabbit.
“It’s a ministry that I get to love on kids, and I thank Hamilton County for the honor to be able to do that,” Jones said.
Chairwoman Sabrena Smedley, of District 7, invited administrators from Apison Elementary to recognize fourth-grade teacher Pratt.
Dr. Shane Harwood, principal of Signal Mountain Middle/High and Dr. Robert Sharpe, executive director of the Rock Point Learning Community, presents Kristen Robertson with 2019 Hamilton County Teacher of the Year. (Photo courtesy of Tim Hensley/Hamilton County Schools)Pratt has worked at Apison for only four years. She thanked her administrators for taking a chance on her as a recent graduate.
“We are thankful to be able to work everyday with such extraordinary teachers,” said Callie Stewart, an assistant principal at Apison. “[Pratt] exemplifies what it means to be a great teacher.”
The county’s three Teachers of the Year – one each for elementary, middle and high schools – will advance to the state level in the Teacher of the Year recognition for Tennessee.
Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger noted his gratitude for all educators in Hamilton County Wednesday.
“I tell young people all the time, other than my mother and father, the people who influenced my life the most were teachers, coaches and administrators,” he said. “I want to personally say thank you for what you do.”
Contact staff writer Meghan Mangrum at mmangrum@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6592. Follow her on Twitter @memangrum.