The Tennessee Department of Education has announced nine educators as finalists for the 2025-26 Tennessee Teacher of the Year award. The finalists were selected from across the state, representing each of the eight Centers of Regional Excellence (CORE) areas, as well as the Shelby County-Municipal region.
One overall Teacher of the Year and three Grand Division winners—representing West, Middle, and East Tennessee—will be selected from the group. Winners will be announced during the Excellence in Education Tennessee Teacher of the Year Banquet scheduled for August.
Chrissy Rose (Anderson County Schools, Laurel Elementary)
Allyson Rutherford (Bristol City Schools)
Brandi De La Cruz (Collierville High School, Collierville Schools)
Sarah Glenn (Austin Peay Elementary, Tipton County Schools)
Caitlin Tucker (Sharon School, Weakley County Schools)
Ginger Colvett (Poplar Grove Elementary School, Franklin Special School District)
Jamie Bedingfield (Giles County High School, Giles County Schools)
Dorian Loeffler (Dibrell Elementary School, Warren County Schools)
Ashley Mosley (Jasper Elementary School, Marion County Schools)
“These finalists demonstrate an unwavering commitment to guiding students toward their full potential,” said Lizzette Reynolds, Tennessee Commissioner of Education. “Their leadership and dedication to education are truly inspiring, and we are proud to recognize them for their outstanding service to our communities.”
Bryan Kerns, the 2024-25 Tennessee Teacher of the Year, congratulated the finalists and emphasized the significance of their selection. “Being named a finalist highlights each teacher’s meaningful impact on their students and communities,” Kerns said. “They represent the best of our state’s educators, and their influence will be felt both in Tennessee and across the country.”
Educators were nominated by school districts from three grade bands—elementary, middle, and high school. Finalists will now take part in interview rounds as the final step in the selection process.
In addition to being considered for the top honor, all nine finalists will have the opportunity to serve on the department’s Tennessee Teacher Advisory Council for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 academic years. Council members work closely with the Department of Education and other agencies to provide input on key education initiatives.
The teacher chosen as the 2025-26 Tennessee Teacher of the Year will also serve as the state’s representative in the National Teacher of the Year competition and act as an education ambassador for Tennessee throughout the year. Candidates must have a minimum of three years of full-time teaching experience, a demonstrated ability to improve student outcomes, and a record of leadership in their schools and communities.
