Hamilton County Commission recognizes school district's Teachers of the Year

Dr. Larrie Reynolds, executive director of the Missionary Ridge Learning community, congratulates Sara Pratt.
Dr. Larrie Reynolds, executive director of the Missionary Ridge Learning community, congratulates Sara Pratt.

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.

photo Dr. Larrie Reynolds, executive director of the Missionary Ridge Learning community, congratulates Sara Pratt.
photo Joe Smith, Hamilton County Board of Education member representing District 3, congratulates Michele Jones.
photo Dr. Shane Harwood, principal of Signal Mountain Middle/High, and Dr. Robert Sharpe, executive director of the Rock Point Learning Community, recognize Kristen Robertson.

"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 the Hamilton County Schools system. "We all work hard and I accept this for all of us."

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.

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.

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