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.

Lesley Baxter

Tulip Grove Elementary

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"Because of my students, I've learned to believe in possibilities, to look beyond current challenges, and to remember that every child deserves someone who sees the bright future ahead of them, even when they can't see it for themselves. Their resilience inspires me every day, and it's a lesson I'll carry with me forever."

Melisa Brown

Neely's Bend K-8

LEADERSHIP

"When community members and leaders build authentic relationships with schools, they gain firsthand insight into the instructional, staffing, and financial resources needed for students to thrive. When Nashville invests its time, resources, and voice in our schools, it is ultimately investing in the future of Nashville itself."

Chris Dickerson

Norman Binkley Elementary

LEADERSHIP

"The most important lesson my students have taught me is that where you begin does not determine where you can end. Growth rarely happens all at once; it shows up in small moments that build over time. Watching those moments accumulate makes the bigger breakthroughs even sweeter."

Natalie Elliot

Warner Arts Magnet Elementary

INSTRUCTION

"My students have taught me that when we intentionally build strong, supportive communities, we create an environment where everyone can learn, grow, and lift one another to greater success."

Stephanie Ellis

Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet

INSTRUCTION

"I know that future leaders of our community are sitting in my classroom, and it is my goal to help them develop the confidence in themselves and their abilities that they need to turn their ideas into solutions that will make an impact."

Briana Evans

Cambridge Early Learning Center

INSTRUCTION

"Knowing that the foundation we build in these early years can impact how children see themselves as learners keeps me going. My students’ growth, their joy, and the relationships we build together are what remind me that the challenging days are worth it."

Elmer Feliciano

McMurray Middle

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"I teach because music education changed my life. It gave me confidence, a sense of belonging, and opportunities I never imagined. Now, I get to help my students discover those same possibilities for themselves."

Lacey Galbraith

John Overton High

INSTRUCTION

"I teach because every day in the classroom is different, the work is important, and young people are never boring."

Brenda Gauss

Amqui Global Communications K-8 Magnet

INSTRUCTION

"My students remind me every day that relationships come before results, and that when students know you believe in them, they are much more willing to believe in themselves."

Magdi Girgis

Glencliff High

LEADERSHIP

"My goal is for students to leave my classroom not only better at mathematics, but also more confident, resilient, curious, and prepared to contribute to their families, school, and Nashville community."

Thelma Guzman Ardon

Hume-Fogg Magnet High

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"Perhaps the greatest lesson my students have taught me is never to underestimate a young person's voice. Their age does not make their ideas or feelings less important. When we give them a safe place to be themselves and truly listen to them, we learn just as much from them as they learn from us."

Dr. Jenna Hagengruber Neal

John Overton High

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"I believe that schooling is a community effort. Public schools are so special in that way; having community members who pour into our students for sporting and cluster events helps foster a spirit of ownership of public education and student success."

Ashley January-Reed

I.T. Creswell Arts Magnet Middle

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"My students have taught me to listen before making assumptions. There’s often more going on than we can see, and a little patience and understanding can make a big difference. They remind me that feeling seen and supported helps students take chances and grow."

Marlon Jones

William Henry Oliver Middle

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"As an Exceptional Education teacher, I have seen how students thrive when families, schools, and community members work together as a team. This collective support helps students feel valued, encourages accountability, and creates a network of encouragement that extends beyond the classroom."

Shasta Lee

McGavock High

INSTRUCTION

"The most important lesson I have learned from students is that every day is special. On the days where I feel like we are behind or that we need to rush through something, students remind me that it's ok to have a little fun and take a breather."

Ashley Lehenbauer

Apollo Middle

INSTRUCTION

"It's truly amazing what a room of middle schoolers can educate you on, but the most amazing thing you'll learn from my students is resilience and bravery. In a world that would see you challenged at every turn it takes a lot of bravery to make yourself vulnerable in a class of peers and in a subject where failure can be the biggest lesson."

Erinn McGee

John B. Whitsitt Elementary

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"I teach because I believe every child deserves someone who sees their potential, believes in them before they believe in themselves, and reminds them that their future is full of endless possibilities."

Kirsten McGlone

Apollo Middle

INSTRUCTION

"I teach because I can't imagine doing anything else. There is no other profession that will allow me to combine my love for music and my love for children."

Darcy Muller

Cane Ridge High

INSTRUCTION

"The most important lesson I have learned from my students is to care deeply about the world. My students have taught me the possibilities of a kinder and more caring society. I am hopeful because I truly believe my students will change the world for the better."

Frank Norris

Meigs Magnet Middle

LEADERSHIP

"My students have taught me to listen more carefully, pay attention to what the evidence is showing, adjust when something is not working, and never underestimate what they can accomplish when they are given the right combination of challenge, support, and opportunity."

Rebecca Pearson

Norman Binkley Elementary

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"Teaching music is not just my career; it is my passion. After 30 years, I am still excited to open my classroom door each day because I know that music has the power to change lives, and I am blessed to be a part of that journey for my students."

Christopher Reid

J.T. Moore Middle

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"I teach because every child deserves the opportunity to explore their strengths, overcome challenges, and work toward the goals they set for their future. Different does not mean less."

Jesi Seifert

Stratford STEM Magnet High

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"My motivation is charged by positive student outcomes and how excited my students are by their success. Student interest and enthusiasm for the opportunities provided are the entire reason I teach."

Dr. Deerre'll Taylor

Cane Ridge High

INSTRUCTION

"My students constantly remind me that every student has a special power, it just needs to be unlocked by the right person. With patience, love, and true commitment to the entire child—on goods days and not so good days, I can be that right person."

Hannah Younker

Haywood Elementary

LEADERSHIP

"I believe it is the right of all children to access literacy and numeracy skills that allow them to unlock whatever their future goals are."

Lesley Baxter

Tulip Grove Elementary

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"Because of my students, I've learned to believe in possibilities, to look beyond current challenges, and to remember that every child deserves someone who sees the bright future ahead of them, even when they can't see it for themselves. Their resilience inspires me every day, and it's a lesson I'll carry with me forever."

Melisa Brown

Neely's Bend K-8

LEADERSHIP

"When community members and leaders build authentic relationships with schools, they gain firsthand insight into the instructional, staffing, and financial resources needed for students to thrive. When Nashville invests its time, resources, and voice in our schools, it is ultimately investing in the future of Nashville itself."

Chris Dickerson

Norman Binkley Elementary

LEADERSHIP

"The most important lesson my students have taught me is that where you begin does not determine where you can end. Growth rarely happens all at once; it shows up in small moments that build over time. Watching those moments accumulate makes the bigger breakthroughs even sweeter."

Natalie Elliot

Warner Arts Magnet Elementary

INSTRUCTION

"My students have taught me that when we intentionally build strong, supportive communities, we create an environment where everyone can learn, grow, and lift one another to greater success."

Stephanie Ellis

Martin Luther King, Jr. Magnet

INSTRUCTION

"I know that future leaders of our community are sitting in my classroom, and it is my goal to help them develop the confidence in themselves and their abilities that they need to turn their ideas into solutions that will make an impact."

Briana Evans

Cambridge Early Learning Center

INSTRUCTION

"Knowing that the foundation we build in these early years can impact how children see themselves as learners keeps me going. My students’ growth, their joy, and the relationships we build together are what remind me that the challenging days are worth it."

Elmer Feliciano

McMurray Middle

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"I teach because music education changed my life. It gave me confidence, a sense of belonging, and opportunities I never imagined. Now, I get to help my students discover those same possibilities for themselves."

Lacey Galbraith

John Overton High

INSTRUCTION

"I teach because every day in the classroom is different, the work is important, and young people are never boring."

Brenda Gauss

Amqui Global Communications K-8 Magnet

INSTRUCTION

"My students remind me every day that relationships come before results, and that when students know you believe in them, they are much more willing to believe in themselves."

Magdi Girgis

Glencliff High

LEADERSHIP

"My goal is for students to leave my classroom not only better at mathematics, but also more confident, resilient, curious, and prepared to contribute to their families, school, and Nashville community."

Thelma Guzman Ardon

Hume-Fogg Magnet High

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"Perhaps the greatest lesson my students have taught me is never to underestimate a young person's voice. Their age does not make their ideas or feelings less important. When we give them a safe place to be themselves and truly listen to them, we learn just as much from them as they learn from us."

Dr. Jenna Hagengruber Neal

John Overton High

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"I believe that schooling is a community effort. Public schools are so special in that way; having community members who pour into our students for sporting and cluster events helps foster a spirit of ownership of public education and student success."

Ashley January-Reed

I.T. Creswell Arts Magnet Middle

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"My students have taught me to listen before making assumptions. There’s often more going on than we can see, and a little patience and understanding can make a big difference. They remind me that feeling seen and supported helps students take chances and grow."

Marlon Jones

William Henry Oliver Middle

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"As an Exceptional Education teacher, I have seen how students thrive when families, schools, and community members work together as a team. This collective support helps students feel valued, encourages accountability, and creates a network of encouragement that extends beyond the classroom."

Shasta Lee

McGavock High

INSTRUCTION

"The most important lesson I have learned from students is that every day is special. On the days where I feel like we are behind or that we need to rush through something, students remind me that it's ok to have a little fun and take a breather."

Ashley Lehenbauer

Apollo Middle

INSTRUCTION

"It's truly amazing what a room of middle schoolers can educate you on, but the most amazing thing you'll learn from my students is resilience and bravery. In a world that would see you challenged at every turn it takes a lot of bravery to make yourself vulnerable in a class of peers and in a subject where failure can be the biggest lesson."

Erinn McGee

John B. Whitsitt Elementary

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"I teach because I believe every child deserves someone who sees their potential, believes in them before they believe in themselves, and reminds them that their future is full of endless possibilities."

Kirsten McGlone

Apollo Middle

INSTRUCTION

"I teach because I can't imagine doing anything else. There is no other profession that will allow me to combine my love for music and my love for children."

Darcy Muller

Cane Ridge High

INSTRUCTION

"The most important lesson I have learned from my students is to care deeply about the world. My students have taught me the possibilities of a kinder and more caring society. I am hopeful because I truly believe my students will change the world for the better."

Frank Norris

Meigs Magnet Middle

LEADERSHIP

"My students have taught me to listen more carefully, pay attention to what the evidence is showing, adjust when something is not working, and never underestimate what they can accomplish when they are given the right combination of challenge, support, and opportunity."

Rebecca Pearson

Norman Binkley Elementary

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"Teaching music is not just my career; it is my passion. After 30 years, I am still excited to open my classroom door each day because I know that music has the power to change lives, and I am blessed to be a part of that journey for my students."

Christopher Reid

J.T. Moore Middle

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"I teach because every child deserves the opportunity to explore their strengths, overcome challenges, and work toward the goals they set for their future. Different does not mean less."

Jesi Seifert

Stratford STEM Magnet High

STUDENT SUCCESS AND OPPORTUNITY

"My motivation is charged by positive student outcomes and how excited my students are by their success. Student interest and enthusiasm for the opportunities provided are the entire reason I teach."

Dr. Deerre'll Taylor

Cane Ridge High

INSTRUCTION

"My students constantly remind me that every student has a special power, it just needs to be unlocked by the right person. With patience, love, and true commitment to the entire child—on goods days and not so good days, I can be that right person."

Hannah Younker

Haywood Elementary

LEADERSHIP

"I believe it is the right of all children to access literacy and numeracy skills that allow them to unlock whatever their future goals are."

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