Schools Select Teachers of the Year

Every year, each school in Benton County selects a Teacher of the Year. The seven professionals selected for that recognition this year each bring something special to the school that he or she serves.
At Holladay School, science teacher Traci Eason was selected as their Teacher of the Year. She teaches students in third, fourth, and fifth grades. Said Eason, “Science offers so many opportunities for me to challenge the students to think outside the box. Science is all around them, and I love teaching them about it!”
Camden Elementary School chose speech and language pathologist Jeanette Brandon as its 2018 Teacher of the Year. Said Brandon, “I work so that students are able to be better communicators. Communication is so important in all aspects of life, whether it is verbal, sign language, or alternative augmentative communication.”
As its Teacher of the Year, Briarwood chose fourth grade teacher Chelsea Gaskin, who team-teaches with Jo Burrus. Said Gaskin, “In a world of ‘I can’t,’ I work hard to instill in my students that ‘Yes, you can!’”
Kelly Jones was selected as Camden Junior High School’s Teacher of the Year. Jones teaches seventh grade math, and is loved by fellow teachers and students for her dedication to her profession.
The Camden Central High School Teacher of the Year is Sarah Comuzie. Said Comuzie, “Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story. I try every day to be that caring adult. It is what keeps me coming back – the chance to change just one!”
At the Senator Frank P. Lashlee Career and Technical Center, Jill Jones was chosen as Teacher of the Year. She teaches family and consumer science to students in grades 9-12, working to ensure that they have real-life skills they can use long after graduation. Said Principal Randy Shannon, “Jill is a dedicated teacher who spends countless hours developing ways to actively involve her students in the curriculum. We are proud to have her working at the Career and Technical Center.”
Big Sandy School chose high school social studies teacher Kevin Brewer as its Teacher of the Year. Said Brewer, “I work to cultivate positive, respectful relationships with my students. I love learning, and helping others to begin to love it as well is the legacy I hope to leave this school.”
Throughout Tennessee schools, the Teacher of the Year program recognizes and honors outstanding teachers. It celebrates teachers who care about young people, who devote their professional lives to enriching the lives of Tennessee students, and who demonstrate exceptional gains in student achievement.
The main goal of such recognition is to promote effective teaching practices by recognizing and rewarding outstanding teachers. Thank you, Benton County Teachers of the Year, for your hard work and commitment to your students!