An amazing team player is how Ackerman Elementary teacher Jean Maree McCulloch is described. McCulloch was recently named the 2024 District Teacher of the Year and the 2024 Teacher of the Year for Ackerman Elementary.
Her colleagues describe her as a “calming encouragement” to her students and that she lets them know that they’re not just a test score, they’re loved. McCulloch teaches sixth grade Writing and Science and is one of the collaborators for the sixth grade Chattanooga trip.
“Mrs. McCulloch truly embodies what it means to be an exceptional teacher and fully deserves the recognition as Teacher of the Year.”
Principal Samantha Kelly has been named this year’s District administrator of the year for another great year at Ackerman Elementary. This year, the elementary school had several grades that were number one in the state. This accomplishment speaks to the leaderships of Kelly and her dedication to the staff, teachers and students at Ackerman Elementary.
Ackerman Elementary’s Paraprofessional of the year is Felicia Love. Love works as an interventionist assistant and an assistant for PreK. Love’s colleagues said that she loves all of her children and she’s a kind person that always finds the positive in each situation.
“Mrs. Love is amazing in the classroom. She is willing to do whatever is needed to help her students and classroom teacher succeed. She plans fun activities to keep students engaged, and she puts her heart and soul into everything she does.”
French Camp Elementary- Stacy Telano and Jerry Jackson
French Camp’s Teacher of the Year is Stacy Telano. Telano teaches fifth and sixth reading, ELA and Social Studies. Principal Amber Vowell said Telano “gives 100% to this school by providing the instruction needed to not only prepare her students for the state test, but she also prepares them for their secondary education as well as teaching life lessons which will help them throughout their futures. Each day, Mrs. Telano provides encouragement and support to her students and teaches them to be responsible citizens at FCE.”
Vowell went on to say, “She expects each student to strive for excellence no matter what his/her level is in the classroom. She expects them to push for greatness academically and behaviorally. This is why the students leave our school and love to revisit Mrs. Telano to get a hug or some type of encouragement. Her students know they are loved and supported even when they leave elementary school.”
Telano is a team player, and participates in all of the fun dress up days at French Camp Elementary. Vowell said that her colleagues respect Telano and will go to Telano for support and advice.
“Overall, Mrs. Telano is a model at FCE for her students, the faculty, and the staff. She is an A+ teacher! We are thankful to have her at FCE!”
French Camp’s paraprofessional of the year is Geraldine “Gerry” Jackson. “Mrs. Gerry can be defined as a person with integrity and a genuine love for the students and staff at FCE. She has a loving attitude that consistently overflows to everyone she sees. Each day, her smile shines for all to see and makes each day a better day at FCE. We appreciate all she does at our school,” Vowell said.
Weir Elementary School- Stephanie Howard and Charlotte Miller
This year’s teacher of the year for Weir Elementary is Stephanie Howard. Howard, who’s set to retire at the end of this year, has taught PreK at Weir Elementary for over 20 years.
Charlotte Miller is this year’s paraprofessional of the year. New to the Weir Elementary team, Miller has left her mark not only on the staff but the students as well.
