Missy Testerman
@Missytesterman
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2024 National Teacher of the Year •2023-24 Tennessee Teacher of the Year •Rogersville City School ESL Specialist+Program Director•Tweets are my own
Rogersville, TN
Joined January 2019
Choosing to not fully fund public schools in your state when you have funds on hand, as in $141M in reserve, is indeed a civil rights issue.
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I’m honored to have the opportunity as the 2024 National Teacher of the Year to uplift the voices of my students and my fellow educators! I invite you to follow me along my #NTOY24 journey. Learn more at
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Thank you, Rogersville City School, Rogersville, TN, for elevating my work as an educator. I am proud to represent you as the 2024 National Teacher of the Year! #NTOY24
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“You can’t underfund and starve a system and then say it doesn’t work.”. Say it a little louder for the state to the south of you, Governor Beshear.
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At times, I feel like I am living a dream. Thank you, @cccsso, @SarahBWessling, and @FLOTUS for making this opportunity possible for my fellow state teachers of the year and me. #NTOY24
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TN ranks 44th in per pupil spending. It would be nice to have leaders who recognize that public education is the bedrock of civilization and who commit to fully funding the one entity that supports all students who walk through its doors, even when resources are scarce.
An important story for Tennesseans:. "Last year, Arizona became the first state in the nation to offer universal school choice for all families. Now Critics worry that the state's new school choice program is a subsidy for the affluent." #tnedu .
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I was so honored to be inducted into the UTK Educators Hall of Honor tonight in Knoxville. Bob Kesling was a great emcee, and meeting legendary running back Leroy Thompson was an added bonus. Thanks to Dr. David Cihak for nominating me for this honor.
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It’s defeating to spend a whole career telling kids that life works best when we all play by the rules, only to have our legislature act like this. If a bill is solid, it passes without added arm-twisting. If this money is there, why hasn’t it been invested in our kids already?.
House Republicans rammed through a billion dollar voucher scam in 4hr+ committee hearing tonight, repeatedly violating House rules and disparaging TN’s public schools. The heist is afoot, TN taxpayers. Public education is not safe in this state w/ @GovBillLee and GOP in charge.
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I don’t know what’s worse: the clearly racist display of ignorance in my town last night, the county mayor’s laughable, moronic post about it, or the people trying to justify it today by invoking Bible verses on social media. None of those people speak for my family or me.
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Honored to accompany Rogersville City School’s girls’ Class A basketball state champions as they were honored by the TN Legislature on the House floor today. I was also honored by Rep. Gary Hicks and Sen. Jon Lundberg for being the #NTOY24. I’m proud to teach in a public school!
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If you do not follow Dan Wuori, you are missing out. As someone who loves the language development process, his videos and insight constantly amaze me. As an added bonus, you simply can not be in a bad mood after watching them.
“Cookie?” 🍪 . As children advance as language users, sometimes one or two words can take on the meaning of an entire sentence. In this case, it turns out that “cookie?” doesn’t mean “Would you like a cookie?” - but rather “Hey, do you see this cookie I’m about to eat?”
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Some of my students were able to meet @SecCardona today during a Zoom meeting. Like them, he has the superpower of being multilingual. He gave shoutouts to my students whose 2024 WIDA scores indicate English proficiency, and he let them guess his age. Hint: he’s not 78
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My school kiddos were back for 3 days before we were sent back home again today. As we were gathering materials and supplies to go home, one of my little guys told a friend, “I think I need a beer.” Most years, I would be appalled. In 2020, I tend to agree.
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Thank you to @selinawangtv and @arthurjonesii for covering this event. A special shout out goes to @FLOTUS and the amazing team at @CCSSO for their coordination prowess to make the evening possible for us.
For the first time, White House hosted a state dinner for teachers. These are lavish events normally reserved for heads of state.Missy Testerman, who has been teaching for >30 years, was honored as National Teacher of the Year, telling me "teaching moves the country forward" @GMA
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I’ve managed to stave off crying so many times during this process, but this video got me. Hearing my sweet colleagues talk about me and seeing our precious students and my friends react to the announcement is so special. Thanks, @TNedu! @CCSSO @trentut.
As we wrap up Teacher Appreciation Month, we're thrilled to highlight the 2024 NATIONAL Teacher of the Year, Missy Testerman! Missy is deeply committed to her students and community, serving as a leader, mentor and advocate! #TNSupportsTeachers
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THE Ohio Teacher of the Year, Mark Lowrie, and I had a great day on Capitol Hill. #NTOY24.
So much happened today! Capitol Hill meetings with National TOY @Missytesterman, lunch at Howard Univ. w/former student @azariajacksonn , incredible teacher Ted Talks and dinner with @celinafabrizio Jen Candor and my 2 students who are here to cover the State Dinner! @GLHSLions
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Congresswoman Jahana Hayes offered inspiring words. She is the 2016 National Teacher of the Year, and she is a fierce advocate for America’s public schools, teachers, and students.
The teachers are here for @CCSSO Washington Week!. Congratulations 2024 NTOY Missy Testerman and all the State Teachers of the Year. Leading, inspiring, advocating on behalf of teachers & students everywhere. 🍎✏️📚
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As a teacher, nothing makes me happier than to see my “kids” grow up and advocate for their communities. I am so proud of Sierra for being confident to share her opinion. Opinion: Arming teachers puts kids at higher risk - Main Street Media of TN
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I wouldn’t describe it as Heaven, but 1988 was my senior year of high school. It’s the last and only time that TN had a National Teacher of the Year before now: Mr. Terry Weeks. He taught geography/ history @ Central Middle School in M’boro. Thanks for paving the way, Mr. Weeks.
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This precious video illustrates part of what English Learners encounter while acquiring their new language. A slide can be a baseball move or it can be a piece of playground equipment. There are over 6,000 homonyms in our language.
Slide! ⚾️ . Earlier this week I wrote about the role of reading in helping young children develop a rich and varied vocabulary. One of the more challenging things about language is that individual words can mean different things in different contexts. Your toddler may
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My sweet Papaw used to say, “Mark this down right here and right now that this is a baddddd idea.” We used to giggle about it . The older I get, the more I find myself saying that in my head.
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President Biden took my family and me back to see this wall during our White House visit. I was touched by how he could tell us about each letter and which state it came from. Many of the letters were from.children, and he beamed with pride as he shared them with us.
🧵: Something a lot of folks don’t know about @JoeBiden is that he read mail from everyday Americans throughout every week of his presidency. I was responsible for sourcing a lot of those letters and settling up amplification streams with my phenomenal team in OPC (@DearPOTUS46).
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The best thing about serving on the TN Teacher Advisory Council is being able to work with passionate, devoted educators from across the state. On June 11th, we will learn the names of the 9 TN Teacher of the Year finalists who will serve on TAC with us next year.
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I am a proud graduate of public schools, and one of the greatest honors of my life is being a teacher in a Tennessee public school. My school, Rogersville City School, is a special place that has been serving students for over 100 years.
Please join us in celebrating "I ❤️ Public Schools Day!" Like this post if you attended a public school, share if your family attends public schools, and comment to shoutout the public school where you work! 🏫 #LovePublicSchools #Tennessee #GreatPublicSchools
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Teacher friends: Free registration is now open for the 2024 Smithsonian National Education Summit! 🎉 Join us online or in-person in D.C. for over 40 sessions spotlighting interdisciplinary connections. To view the session line-up, visit.#SmithsonianEdu.
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Excellent 🧵about states figuring out how much vouchers actually cost. This would be a terrible fiscal move for TN, period. It’s hard not to consider this bill to just be a heist of public funds by the same people who have claimed there was no $$$ to better support public schools.
Some numbers from @tosstn1975 on other states that have instituted vouchers and actual vs. budgeted costs.
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I was gone to a conference last week. Today, one of my kiddos told me that he was so glad I was back. I hugged him and told him I was also glad. He then said, “I’m mainly happy you’re back because that prostitute you got for our room did some stuff wrong.” (*Substitute 😂).
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Tonight, for the first time in ten years, I don’t have a kid living in Knoxville. So grateful for the experiences and opportunities the University of Tennessee made possible for both of them. @UTKnoxville
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I am so excited to participate in this very important conversation centering on building teacher resiliency. Thank you to @deansforimpact for including me in this collaborative.
We’re thrilled to have @Missytesterman #NTOY24 join our Leadership Collaborative Convening next week to share her perspective on supporting the preparation and development of educators and building their resiliency. @CCSSO
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I appreciated the opportunity to weigh in on this topic. Classroom teachers play an integral role in English Language Learners’ academic success. Thankful to work with excellent teachers who support my students in their journey to English proficiency.
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It was my honor to deliver today’s keynote at the 2024 Smithsonian National Education Summit. Thank you to @SmithsonianEdu for the opportunity! @ccsso.
Such a powerful message from the 2024 NTOY,@Missytesterman. Thank you for reminding us the importance of an inclusive education experience for all students. @smithsonian @CCSSO
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My friend, Mark Lowrie, the 2024 Ohio Teacher of the Year, has spent all week at Space Camp with the State Teachers of the Year. His students have been nominated for 22 student Emmys, and his flight was cancelled to attend the ceremony so we threw him one of our own! So proud!
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My 2024 State Teachers of the Year cohort friends share what makes a great teacher, and they’d know because they are great teachers! I am so thankful for the opportunity to learn from them.
The @CCSSO '24 State Teachers of the Year share what qualities they think make a great teacher. Which qualities do you prioritize in your practice? Which ones do you find challenging in practice? Let's celebrate our strengths & set new goals together for the next school yr!
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In case you missed it, here is the link to my letter to teachers in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week. Teachers do all the little things that are really the big things. @CCSSO. Google Teacher Appreciation Week 2024: An open letter to educators
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Please enjoy these words of wisdom from my fellow state teachers of the year during this week of Teacher Appreciation❤️. @ccsso . 2024 State Teachers of the Year on Making a Difference - YouTube
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Real men (and women) don’t just walk out when things get hard.
In Tennessee’s school voucher debate, focus now shifts to the House Finance subcommittee. Multiple sources tell me that there is concern among advocates that the bill does not have the votes to pass. So fallback is to convince opponents to “take a walk” during the vote so that it.
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I was honored to get to share space with fellow EL and literacy teachers today at the Literacy Association of TN’s East TN Literacy Leadership Workshop. TN teachers who invest their time into helping our students create their futures are rockstars.
Got to meet and hear the one and only @Missytesterman today. I was so inspired by her humbleness, encouragement, passion, and just how truly genuine she is. I’m so proud she is representing not only teachers, but the state of TN! #highexpectationsforALL
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I am proud of Representative Gary Hicks for introducing this bill that will provide pathways for promotion for thousands of TN 4th grade students. Additionally, this bill will allow students to receive support to continue making academic progress.
Tennessee bill to ease reading law’s retention policy for 4th graders clears first #tnleg hurdle
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Three months ago, I lost my sweet dad to complications of relapsed #AML. He did his part to make things better for other patients by participating in a clinical study trial. Miss him so much, but am thankful for the extra 3 years the study drug gave him.
🔴⚫️ Today is AML World Awareness Day! Join us as we unite around the world 🌍 to educate and raise awareness of #acutemyeloidleukemia. Let’s use this day to start a new era of hope for all those diagnosed with #AML #KnowAML #leusm #BloodCancer #hematology 🔴⚫️
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I was a little overwhelmed to see this today. I am so thankful for the opportunity to collaborate with these rockstar educators from all across our country. I will always be incredibly humbled and honored to be Tennessee’s 2023-24 Teacher of the Year. #NTOY24
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I am proud of Hawkins County’s Director of Schools, Matt Hixson, for his honest reflection of struggles that school systems across this state face. $2B per year in ADDITIONAL funding would go a long way in remedying some of these challenges. It is obvious the funds are there.
WATCH — TN SUPERINTENDENTS SAY DON’T REJECT BILLIONS IN FEDERAL FUNDS: “Schools’ roofs are caving in… Memphis schools are 100 years old — this is 🇺🇸, if there’s💰to replace these dollars we’d ask they be in ADDITION. Our students deserve it.” . (cc: @CSexton25 @TNGOP)
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Sometimes you can just tell when a kid is destined to become a motivational writer.
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It’s important work ensuring that future K-12 educators come out of Ed Prep prepared to teach. The Deans for Impact Leadership Collaborative audience was composed of dedicated college of education deans who ensure that happens. TN was well-represented. Also, Go Vols! ⚾️🧡⚾️.
Pictured: #NTOY24 @Missytesterman and Tennessee #edprep deans & leaders at our Leadership Collaborative Convening. @CCSSO .Grateful to Testerman for a powerful keynote and fireside chat on the impact of preparation in influencing the trajectory of a teacher's career.
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Rogersville City School enjoyed a visit today from author @TNABCMAN. Students learned about TN History, the book-writing process, and enjoyed a book rap. This visit was made possible by our rockstar librarian, Mrs. Kari Fields.
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Working with @KenEhrmann and @Albrecht_NYSTOY on the @PowerEDUup podcast was both fun and thought-provoking. This podcast is definitely one that conveys real-world teaching experiences in an authentic manner. @ccsso #NTOY2024.
Amazing opportunity & conversation w/ @CCSSO National Teacher of the Year @Missytesterman. Passion, grace, and high quality pedagogy. We talk about rigor, high expectations, & how to motivate students to be their best selves. #NTOY24. Subscribe at
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@robints This is absolutely classless. You are showing exactly what your soul looks like. I feel sorry for the people in your district because I know you don’t represent the fine folks they are I hope they vote you out as soon as they can.
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An excellent article written by student reporters who were present at the White House dinner. They did a fantastic job. Teachers Are Honored at the White House | Kid Reporters' Notebook | Scholastic Inc.
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My friend, Cat Walker, the 2024 Alaska Teacher of the Year. ❤️.
Cat (@BioEngWalker) empowers her students for success by providing them with choice, voice and connections to their communities. #NTOY24 @AlaskaDEED
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Welcome to the Teacher Advisory Council, TN TOY finalists! I can’t wait to learn from all of you.
Congratulations to the nine statewide finalists for the 2024-25 Tennessee Teacher of the Year, who represent each area of the state. Let's celebrate these dedicated education leaders! Read more:
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The TN State Board of Education members are devoted to doing what’s best for students. I am thankful for their attentiveness as we discussed pertinent educational issues, including the 3rd/4th grade retention law. As a Tennessee teacher, I have full confidence in this board.
The Board appreciated a thoughtful discussion after our 2024 February Workshop with the @TNedu Teacher Advisory Council. Thank you for spending the day with us!
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RCS’ Moana performance was outstanding. In many small communities like mine, there isn’t a theater group for kids. This is another example of enrichment activities made possible by public schools and teachers like Beth Jarnagin and @Jennifer_Ewing.
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Thanks to Google for hosting the #NTOY24 cohort at their beautiful facility in CA. Google employees, also called Googlers, were so welcoming and hospitable. Google continues to create technological advances that benefit teachers and students. @CCSSO.
A big thank you to #NTOY2024 educators and @CCSSO for bringing educational brilliance to our HQ earlier this week 🎉 Your passion and dedication left us inspired. Grateful for the chance to celebrate together!
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These State Teachers of the Year friends of mine inspire me with their greatness. I am thankful to learn from them.
The @CCSSO 2024 State Teachers of the Year to shared with us what keeps them motivated. Now, we want to hear from you: What keeps you inspired and driven? Share your thoughts!
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Christy Todd, the 2024 Georgia Teacher of the Year, is not only a talented teacher. She also has a heart of gold and has a passion for inclusivity ❤️.
Meet Christy Todd (@2024GaTOTY), a music technology teacher at Rising Starr Middle School and the 2024 Georgia Teacher of the Year! #NTOY24 @georgiadeptofed
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I am proud of my school, Rogersville City School. Our school is a Reward School, and our district is an Exemplary District. Our students and teachers work hard every day to make learning happen. Congratulations to all of the other schools and districts on these lists.
Today, we announced the school and district designations for the 2022-23 school year, highlighting the highest-performing schools and districts for student achievement and growth! 🎉 Learn more: #AcceleratingTN
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Joe Nappi, the 2024 New Jersey Teacher of the Year, is devoted to equity for all students and all people. As Joe says, “What you do matters!” ❤️.
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My kids the last time TN beat Bama vs my kids tonight 🤣
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Public schools offer so many outlets for kids to find “their” niche or talent, whether it be academics, sports, or the arts. I got to witness that last night at SMS’ annual musical where several RCS students performed in The Little Mermaid. The entire cast did a fantastic job.
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I am still amazed by this whole experience. So grateful for the opportunity to dine at the White House @CCSSO. Teachers of the Year honored by Biden at White House dinner: You're the reason 'we have hope about the future' - ABC News
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This article outlines how states leveraged ESSER funds to make positive impacts on student achievement. I added an ESL endorsement via the TN Grow Your Own program made possible by ESSER funds.@CCSSO.
States are making strides in supporting EL students: increased teacher workforce, summer programs, and enhanced teacher training. Discover more in our latest blog #StatesLeading #ESSERImpact
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I am so thankful to have received the vaccine. I hope all of you will choose to take it as soon as you have the opportunity to do so. ❤️
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My sweet dad had AML and did his part to help other patients by participating in a clinical study trial for a drug that is now approved. So many things that we are all doing now during the COVID outbreak are things that AML patients must do every single day just to survive. #AML.
TODAY is #AML World Awareness Day! Join us as we unite around the world 🌍 to raise awareness of AML! Let’s use this day to start a new era of hope for people diagnosed with AML! ❤️🖤 #KnowAML #leusm #BloodCancer
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Xander is a student reporter who was present at the White House dinner. Great writing, Xander! . Behind the Scenes at the State Dinner for Teachers | Kid Reporters' Notebook | Scholastic Inc.
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Please take the time to read Rebecka’s blog post. She is the kindest soul, and her devotion to students and the teaching profession is inspiring. I am honored to call her my friend, and I am thankful that this journey enabled me to have her in my life. ❤️.
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@JasonZacharyTN So, you want Knox Co held harmless, but it's a bad idea that's ok for Nashville and Memphis? Your explanation clearly makes me think of "it is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak up and remove all doubt." I would probably just hush, if I were you.
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“A man dies when he refuses to stand up for that which is right. A man dies when he refuses to stand up for justice. A man dies when he refuses to take a stand for that which is true.”. Thankful every day for the wisdom, words, and life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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I love the excitement that our school’s book vending machine generates in our youngest readers, and I especially love a sweet girl who gifts her book choice to her baby brother. ❤️
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I am so proud of our Teacher Advisory Team, and I am so impressed by the principled decision-making of the TN Board of Education. Putting students’ best interests first is always the right decision, and I feel like the @SBEd_TN continually does that.
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@TeachMrReed I got kicked off of Zoom during a lesson. When I rejoined, one of my second grade ELL’s had renamed herself by adding the word ‘host’ at the end of her name. She had also sent the other kids a chat msg announcing “I am host.” In all honesty, that made my day.
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As I look at my empty classroom this afternoon, I pray that today wasn’t my students’ last day of second grade. If it was, I hope that they have happy memories of this year and that it’s those memories that they recall one day and not those of a pandemic.
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Today was our school’s Dress Like a Teacher day as part of our Homecoming Week activities. I loved my little “twins.”
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Today marked the end of an era at RCS. Officer Chris Pinkston, who has served as our SRO for almost 13 years, is leaving to take a job with the state. We love him, we are proud of him, and we will miss him. We wish you well, Chris, and you’ll always be one of us!
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@JasonZacharyTN I'm pretty sure you've got criticism headed your way. I'm embarrassed of you, and I admired you until today.
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It was my honor to be back on ETSU’s campus last week. ETSU’s Clemmer College of Education and Human Development continues to be a leader in producing quality teachers for our area and beyond. #BucsGoBeyond.
ETSU welcomed Missy Testerman, Tennessee Teacher of the Year and National Teacher of the Year finalist. Missy is a graduate of ETSU, and spoke to educator preparation faculty and staff on a range of topics. Congratulations, @Missytesterman! . #BucsGoBeyond
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So proud of the Rogersville City School Lady Warriors! State champs! Way to go, ladies! Also, our coaches are both moms of toddlers and one of them is expecting a baby this month. Girl power! 💪🏻
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East TN State’s Ed prep program prepares many of the teachers who teach in NE TN. Dr. Scarborough is committed to ensuring they are ready for the challenges of the classroom on Day 1.
#NTOY24 @Missytesterman and Janna Scarborough, Dean of @ETSUCCOE, Testerman’s alma mater, discuss how to bring different parts of the #edu system together to strengthen teachers’ preparedness, resilience, and success. @etsu @CCSSO
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I was honored to speak at the 12th annual East TN Literacy Conference today. I also loved getting the chance to meet @docspeaks and hear his inspiring story that celebrates the opportunities that public schools give students.
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I spent the past 2 days in data meetings seeing all of the growth that our students have made, and today I was able to join Santa and his elf as we greeted RCS students at drop off on the last day before break. I am so grateful for colleagues who love our kids as much as I do.
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I’ve always wondered what it felt like to hear MLK speak in real time, and I have always wondered how people today would have treated him. Thanks to the TN legislature, I got both those questions answered. Still speechless at those young men’s words & the uncloaking of the TN leg.
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I’ve struggled with laryngitis all week. Today, one of my students told me he hoped I felt better. I said that I would. He then assured me that if I die this weekend, he will tell the substitute that I promised that my class can move seats on Monday.
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Other than our fantastic summer camp staff and our hard-working students, our daily Mystery Guests are the best part of.summer camp. I am grateful that our community members choose to invest their time to show our RCS students why academic skills are relevant in the real world.
The 2023-24 Teacher of the Year, Missy Testerman, is known for building enthusiasm in Rogersville City Schools' summer camps by hosting members of the community to offer insight on how they use math and reading skills in their professions to show real-world connections.
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During a game called “Bang” yesterday, I told my students there was a movie called Chitty Chitty Bang Bang when I was their age & pulled up the theme song. One of them went home and swapped /ch/ in Chitty with /sh/, but her mom says she’s gleefully belted it out all day.
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A real-time fact checker who hits a huge gong when someone lies would be ideal tonight.
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