We celebrate their leadership and commitment to students.

Meet the 25 outstanding teachers who are changing lives through their excellence in teaching in Metro Nashville Public Schools.

Click to watch a recap of this year's special event!

Brooke Adler

Martin Luther King, Jr. Magnet

INSTRUCTION

"I teach because it gives me hope to be engaged with our future leaders. They inspire me, they motivate me to be more empathetic, they challenge me to have patience, and so much more. I love my students!"

Courtney Antonello

H. G. Hill Middle

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"The most important lesson I have learned from my students is that there is power in truly listening. Every child has a unique story and strength, and when we honor that, we can both learn from one another."

Tony Berg

Wright Middle

LEADERSHIP

"I teach because I enjoy helping students to prepare for overcoming any obstacles in their future as well as developing a better understanding of math."

Deanna Boorsma

Meigs Middle Magnet

INSTRUCTION

"In my classroom, thriving students bring math to life by sharing their thinking, asking questions, and learning from one another. They engage in meaningful discourse, challenge ideas respectfully, and explain the ‘why’ behind their reasoning. Instead of simply memorizing information, they develop a deeper understanding that builds confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning."

Hudson Christian

Stratford STEM Magnet High

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"The moments that keep me going are often small but powerful: a student discovering a talent for working with others, an intern speaking up to defend a peer, or a parent sharing that their child feels truly included for the first time. Those moments affirm that even in difficult seasons, the work is worth every effort."

Christopher Collins

Hume-Fogg Magnet High

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"When we change the narrative from limitations to possibilities, we create a culture that increases expectations and collective purpose amongst the members of the community. This tells our students that they are worthy of the investment we put into them. It empowers my fellow teachers and staff to continue our work."

Sarah Diaz

Maplewood High

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"I teach because I believe that an education can transform a student's life and transport them to new places."

Abbie Gunkel

Charlotte Park Elementary

LEADERSHIP

"As a fourth-generation educator, teaching is in my roots, but it’s also deeply personal. I believe every child has the right to a free, high-quality education, and I’m passionate about creating a classroom where students feel safe to grow, take risks, and discover who they are. I teach because I believe in public education, and I truly believe that one caring adult can change a child’s life."

Manda Hackney

Tusculum Elementary

INSTRUCTION

"I am met daily with love and joy by the most precious and beautiful children. We make art, listen to music and look at books together. I help them unravel the mystery of our world while they use their hands and imaginations to express themselves. I am so fortunate to have my real dream job."

Heather Hall

East Nashville Magnet High

INSTRUCTION

"When things get challenging as a teacher, I turn to the letters my students have written me over the years. They remind me of the impact I’ve had and why I do this work. On tough days, those words of gratitude and encouragement help me refocus and keep going."

Samira Hardcastle

John F. Kennedy Middle

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"Thriving students in my classroom are those unafraid to think outside of the box. They question the boundaries of an assignment's guidelines and push limits for greater possibilities. These characteristics reflect a student who is comfortable enough to be creative in my art class."

Maegan Hickey

Cambridge Early Learning Center

INSTRUCTION

"The most important lesson I have learned from my students is the power of resilience and joy in learning. They remind me every day that curiosity, laughter, and small steps forward can overcome big challenges. Their ability to see the world with fresh eyes teaches me to be patient, flexible, and to celebrate progress!"

Joshua Latham

Republic High

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"Thriving students show growth mindset and collaboration — they support each other, give peer feedback, and celebrate small wins together. They take pride in their progress, knowing they are the first generation of our new band and are helping create something lasting and meaningful for our school and community."

Matthew Laurence

Hume-Fogg Magnet High

INSTRUCTION

"The most important lesson students have taught me is to always try to look at things from a different perspective. Diversity of thought is essential to a strong learning and local community. If we get too locked into our own thought patterns, we stop seeing all of the wonderful things around us."

Valerie McAnally

Cole Elementary

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"I love my school and its community. The students and families are so precious to me and I want them to succeed. When I see the joy of learning on my students faces or get an unexpected hug or note from a parent, I remember the purpose of my work."

Brittany McMurry-Harrington

Cockrill Elementary

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"I have learned that learning should never end. I am amazed at how much my students teach me. My students are excited to let me know what they have learned even after they have left the school. I have learned that each student has a purpose, and my job is to be one of those adults in their life to help them find it."

Jennifer Murray

Hume-Fogg Magnet High

INSTRUCTION

"Students who can be themselves learn how to thrive as themselves. My goal as a teacher is help students discover the excellence within themselves for a world that needs them."

Meredith Musgrove

Paragon Mills Elementary

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"The greatest support my students and I receive from the Nashville community is their time. Our students love when community members visit our classrooms - whether to tutor, read, or mentor. These volunteers not only help our students grow academically but also make them feel seen, valued, and special."

Marti Profitt

Nashville School of the Arts

INSTRUCTION

"I teach because I care about the future. I am a visual arts teacher but my most important role is to help my students become thinkers, problem solvers, to have confidence in their abilities, and to be risk takers who can bring about meaningful change."

Likisha Rhodes

Cane Ridge High

LEADERSHIP

"When I reflect on the teachers of my past, I remember those who saw more in me than I could see in myself. Their consistency and resilience provided the stability I needed during uncertain times. I believe every student deserves that same opportunity—a teacher who believes in them, challenges them, and helps them see their own potential."

Alex Robinson

Overton High

LEADERSHIP

"Working with English Learners became a true passion early in my career. The students bring with them an enduring joy and necessary perspective that enriches our school to no end. I have found their spirit and perseverance brings me tremendous motivation on difficult days."

Zakeisha Appleton Smith

Tusculum Elementary

INSTRUCTION

"I teach because education is the pathway to opportunity and the key to the future. I enjoy preparing tomorrow’s leaders and believe curiosity is our superpower, every child deserves the chance to discover their unique gifts. The joy on my students’ faces when they learn something new reminds me that education changes lives, and I want to leave a legacy of love, inspiration, and lifelong learning."

Mary Alice Strickler

KIPP High

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"For me as an educator, the greatest impact comes when the community sees our work as shared work—when we move beyond celebration and toward collaborative investment in the academic and emotional success of every multilingual learner. That’s the kind of support that sustains both my teaching and my students’ dreams."

Debbie West

Waverly-Belmont Elementary

LEADERSHIP

"I teach because I know learning isn’t just about perfect answers; it’s about showing up, making mistakes, and growing together. And I teach because being a human in the classroom—imperfect, passionate, and present—matters just as much as the curriculum I am teaching everyday."

Courtney Williams

Martin Luther King, Jr. Magnet

INSTRUCTION

"The Nashville community makes the biggest impact through our incredible community partners and volunteers. They donate their time and energy through speaking to the study body and opening up their businesses for visits and internships. These experiences enrich our students lives and provide real-world perspectives that they might not otherwise encounter."

Brooke Adler

Martin Luther King, Jr. Magnet

INSTRUCTION

"I teach because it gives me hope to be engaged with our future leaders. They inspire me, they motivate me to be more empathetic, they challenge me to have patience, and so much more. I love my students!"

Courtney Antonello

H. G. Hill Middle

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"The most important lesson I have learned from my students is that there is power in truly listening. Every child has a unique story and strength, and when we honor that, we can both learn from one another."

Tony Berg

Wright Middle

LEADERSHIP

"I teach because I enjoy helping students to prepare for overcoming any obstacles in their future as well as developing a better understanding of math."

Deanna Boorsma

Meigs Middle Magnet

INSTRUCTION

"In my classroom, thriving students bring math to life by sharing their thinking, asking questions, and learning from one another. They engage in meaningful discourse, challenge ideas respectfully, and explain the ‘why’ behind their reasoning. Instead of simply memorizing information, they develop a deeper understanding that builds confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning."

Hudson Christian

Stratford STEM Magnet High

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"The moments that keep me going are often small but powerful: a student discovering a talent for working with others, an intern speaking up to defend a peer, or a parent sharing that their child feels truly included for the first time. Those moments affirm that even in difficult seasons, the work is worth every effort."

Christopher Collins

Hume-Fogg Magnet High

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"When we change the narrative from limitations to possibilities, we create a culture that increases expectations and collective purpose amongst the members of the community. This tells our students that they are worthy of the investment we put into them. It empowers my fellow teachers and staff to continue our work."

Sarah Diaz

Maplewood High

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"I teach because I believe that an education can transform a student's life and transport them to new places."

Abbie Gunkel

Charlotte Park Elementary

LEADERSHIP

"As a fourth-generation educator, teaching is in my roots, but it’s also deeply personal. I believe every child has the right to a free, high-quality education, and I’m passionate about creating a classroom where students feel safe to grow, take risks, and discover who they are. I teach because I believe in public education, and I truly believe that one caring adult can change a child’s life."

Manda Hackney

Tusculum Elementary

INSTRUCTION

"I am met daily with love and joy by the most precious and beautiful children. We make art, listen to music and look at books together. I help them unravel the mystery of our world while they use their hands and imaginations to express themselves. I am so fortunate to have my real dream job."

Heather Hall

East Nashville Magnet High

INSTRUCTION

"When things get challenging as a teacher, I turn to the letters my students have written me over the years. They remind me of the impact I’ve had and why I do this work. On tough days, those words of gratitude and encouragement help me refocus and keep going."

Samira Hardcastle

John F. Kennedy Middle

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"Thriving students in my classroom are those unafraid to think outside of the box. They question the boundaries of an assignment's guidelines and push limits for greater possibilities. These characteristics reflect a student who is comfortable enough to be creative in my art class."

Maegan Hickey

Cambridge Early Learning Center

INSTRUCTION

"The most important lesson I have learned from my students is the power of resilience and joy in learning. They remind me every day that curiosity, laughter, and small steps forward can overcome big challenges. Their ability to see the world with fresh eyes teaches me to be patient, flexible, and to celebrate progress!"

Joshua Latham

Republic High

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"Thriving students show growth mindset and collaboration — they support each other, give peer feedback, and celebrate small wins together. They take pride in their progress, knowing they are the first generation of our new band and are helping create something lasting and meaningful for our school and community."

Matthew Laurence

Hume-Fogg Magnet High

INSTRUCTION

"The most important lesson students have taught me is to always try to look at things from a different perspective. Diversity of thought is essential to a strong learning and local community. If we get too locked into our own thought patterns, we stop seeing all of the wonderful things around us."

Valerie McAnally

Cole Elementary

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"I love my school and its community. The students and families are so precious to me and I want them to succeed. When I see the joy of learning on my students faces or get an unexpected hug or note from a parent, I remember the purpose of my work."

Brittany McMurry-Harrington

Cockrill Elementary

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"I have learned that learning should never end. I am amazed at how much my students teach me. My students are excited to let me know what they have learned even after they have left the school. I have learned that each student has a purpose, and my job is to be one of those adults in their life to help them find it."

Jennifer Murray

Hume-Fogg Magnet High

INSTRUCTION

"Students who can be themselves learn how to thrive as themselves. My goal as a teacher is help students discover the excellence within themselves for a world that needs them."

Meredith Musgrove

Paragon Mills Elementary

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"The greatest support my students and I receive from the Nashville community is their time. Our students love when community members visit our classrooms - whether to tutor, read, or mentor. These volunteers not only help our students grow academically but also make them feel seen, valued, and special."

Marti Profitt

Nashville School of the Arts

INSTRUCTION

"I teach because I care about the future. I am a visual arts teacher but my most important role is to help my students become thinkers, problem solvers, to have confidence in their abilities, and to be risk takers who can bring about meaningful change."

Likisha Rhodes

Cane Ridge High

LEADERSHIP

"When I reflect on the teachers of my past, I remember those who saw more in me than I could see in myself. Their consistency and resilience provided the stability I needed during uncertain times. I believe every student deserves that same opportunity—a teacher who believes in them, challenges them, and helps them see their own potential."

Alex Robinson

Overton High

LEADERSHIP

"Working with English Learners became a true passion early in my career. The students bring with them an enduring joy and necessary perspective that enriches our school to no end. I have found their spirit and perseverance brings me tremendous motivation on difficult days."

Zakeisha Appleton Smith

Tusculum Elementary

INSTRUCTION

"I teach because education is the pathway to opportunity and the key to the future. I enjoy preparing tomorrow’s leaders and believe curiosity is our superpower, every child deserves the chance to discover their unique gifts. The joy on my students’ faces when they learn something new reminds me that education changes lives, and I want to leave a legacy of love, inspiration, and lifelong learning."

Mary Alice Strickler

KIPP High

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"For me as an educator, the greatest impact comes when the community sees our work as shared work—when we move beyond celebration and toward collaborative investment in the academic and emotional success of every multilingual learner. That’s the kind of support that sustains both my teaching and my students’ dreams."

Debbie West

Waverly-Belmont Elementary

LEADERSHIP

"I teach because I know learning isn’t just about perfect answers; it’s about showing up, making mistakes, and growing together. And I teach because being a human in the classroom—imperfect, passionate, and present—matters just as much as the curriculum I am teaching everyday."

Courtney Williams

Martin Luther King, Jr. Magnet

INSTRUCTION

"The Nashville community makes the biggest impact through our incredible community partners and volunteers. They donate their time and energy through speaking to the study body and opening up their businesses for visits and internships. These experiences enrich our students lives and provide real-world perspectives that they might not otherwise encounter."

The Blue Ribbon Teacher Awards is a partnership between the Nashville Public Education Foundation and Metro Nashville Public Schools created to recognize top teaching talent in our public schools.

Thank you to our program sponsors