Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Michelle Bettis, the Technology Integration Coach for the Office of Innovation. Mrs. Bettis designs with schools, teachers, students, and stakeholders to bring innovative learning to all students, regardless of circumstances.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Sam Dawood, an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher at East Ridge Elementary. Mr. Dawood is being recognized for his dedication to students and families with diverse cultural backgrounds.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Warisa Jarrett, an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher at Ooltewah High School. Mrs. Jarrett, who has taught in Hamilton County Schools for over 20 years, is being recognized for her positive impact on students learning the English language.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Michelle “Missy” Greene, a 5th grade math teacher at CSLA. Ms. Greene, who has taught in the district for over 20 years, is being recognized for her commitment to the success of students through math and beyond.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Amanda Edens, a 5th grade ELA and SS teacher at East Side Elementary. Mrs. Edens, who has taught for eleven years, is being recognized for her kind demeanor toward all of her students.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Erin Kirby, the Induction Specialist for Hamilton County Schools. Mrs. Kirby welcomes all the teachers new to our district through New Teacher Orientations. She then continues to coordinate their induction supports such as our mentoring program, New Teacher Academy and Networks, COMP classroom management and Whole Teacher=Well Teacher.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Maria Reap, the department head for the exceptional education department at Hixson High School and teacher of CALMM classes for the district. Mrs. Reap, who has been with Hamilton County Schools since 2012, ensures exceptional education students have the accommodations they need to succeed in school.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlights are Heather Barker and Scheloe Woodson, 5th grade teachers at Bess T. Shepherd. The pair were nominated because of their willingness to go the extra mile to support their students.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Taylor Blanks, an educational assistant for North Hamilton County Elementary School.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Emily Warren, a 5th grade teacher at Red Bank Elementary.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Sandra Lawrence, a Pre-K teacher at Wolftever Creek Elementary. Mrs. Lawrence, who has worked with Hamilton County Schools for 20 years, is being recognized for her commitment to ensuring every student succeeds in their first year of schooling.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Diane Kulbis, a 1st grade HCS at Home teacher at Westview Elementary. Mrs. Kulbis, who has been an educator for 21 years, is being recognized for instilling a love of learning in her students.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Desiree Oliver, a 6th grade exceptional education teacher and case manager at Tyner Middle Academy. Ms. Oliver, who is a second year teacher with Hamilton County Schools, works to ensure exceptional education students have a positive educational experience.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Matthew Hicks, a third grade teacher at Soddy Elementary School. Mr. Hicks was nominated for his commitment to ensuring all parents and students in his class are on track and stay informed.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Becky Collier, secretary at East Hamilton Middle School. Ms. Collier, who has worked with Hamilton County Schools for the last eighteen years, provides support and care for each member of the East Hamilton Middle School family.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Kylie Taylor, an 11th grade English teacher at Ooltewah High School. Ms. Taylor was nominated for her commitment to ensuring that all of her students' needs are met.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Kari Matthews, an exceptional education teacher at East Ridge High School. Ms. Matthews was nominated for her passion of understanding and caring for her students.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Donovan Davis, a school counselor at Middle Valley Elementary School. Mr. Davis was nominated for his calm presence and fun personality which encourages students.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Katie Dupree, a first grade teacher at Brown Academy. Ms. Dupree was nominated for her love for students and passion for teaching.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlights are Dabney Brock and Colby Henderson-Black, 5th grade teachers at Normal Park Museum Magnet.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlights are Lori Whitney and Jamie Brock, gifted teachers at Signal Mountain Middle/High School. The pair were nominated because of their willingness to go the extra mile to support their students and their families.

Today’s #HCSHeroes spotlight is Jade Watts, a music teacher at Daisy Elementary. Ms. Watts is an enthusiastic teacher who has focused on providing her students joy while learning during the pandemic.

Today’s #HCSHeroes spotlight is Nicole Spence, an exceptional education teacher at DuPont Elementary.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Zack Dolberry, a physical education teacher at Ooltewah Elementary and Wallace A. Smith Elementary

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Keeley Stewart, a teacher at East Lake Elementary

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Susan Page, a third grade teacher at Harrison Elementary. This is Mrs. Page’s first year in Hamilton County Schools, and she took on the challenging task of serving as an HCS at Home teacher.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Mildred Chandler, a first grade teacher at Soddy Daisy Elementary. Although Mrs. Chandler has been teaching for 41 years, she has adapted quickly to the new world of virtual learning.

Today’s #HCSHeroes spotlight is Cassidy Pendergraph, a kindergarten teacher at Apison Elementary. Although she is new to teaching, Ms. Pendergraph has gone above and beyond for her students during the pandemic and parents are taking notice.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Jennifer White, outreach facilitator for the North River Learning Community. Mrs. White is responsible for engaging and supporting families whose children attend schools in the North River Learning Community.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Dyea Tumlin, library media specialist at Tyner Middle Academy.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Sarah Rivkin, a first grade teacher at Brown Academy.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Kelly Coffelt, principal at Hamilton County Virtual School (HCVS).

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Chris Williamson, a visual art and theatre teacher at Tyner Middle Academy. Mr. Williamson, who also serves as department chair, has been at Tyner Middle for 17 years and is a beloved teacher on campus.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Hillery Davis, a kindergarten teacher at Harrison Elementary. Ms. Davis, who is in her tenth year with Hamilton County Schools, was nominated by a parent for making a difference for her child during a difficult school year.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Sarah Moran, a kindergarten teacher at North Hamilton County Elementary School. Ms. Moran was nominated because of how she’s supported kindergarten families during remote learning.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Josh Edens and Dana Turney, comprehensive development teachers at Orchard Knob Middle School. Mr. Edens and Mrs. Turney have worked together to ensure our students with the highest needs are supported this school year.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Tammy Alger, a clerical assistant at Wolftever Creek Elementary School. Mrs. Alger has gone above and beyond to ensure families and students have what they need to succeed this school year.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Kelsey Miles, a math teacher at Sale Creek High School. Ms. Miles, who also serves as a basketball coach, has been a leader at her school by supporting her colleagues with transitioning to blended learning this year.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Wendy Lyness, an in-school suspension supervisor at Signal Mountain Middle/High School. In addition to covering her normal duties, this semester Mrs. Lyness is also taking on the supervision of an art class while the teacher works remotely.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Peter Schmurr, a coding teacher at Tyner Academy. Mr. Schmurr joined the school this year to add a coding pathway for students in the EPB Institute of Information Technology and Networking.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Jennifer Newberg, lead special education teacher at Allen Elementary.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Jamelie Johns, assistant principal at Nolan Elementary

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlights are Deanne Henderson, secretary at Lookout Valley Middle/High School, and Rhonda Shown, attendance clerk at Lookout Valley Middle/High School.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is the staff at DuPont Elementary School.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Erin Glenn, Future Ready Institutes Coach for Tyner Academy.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlights are Beverly Stone and Starla Terry, school nurses at Middle Valley Elementary.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is Heather Kuffrey, secretary at Harrison Elementary.

Today’s #HCSHeroes Spotlight is David Vanzant, Fab Lab Instructor at STEM School Chattanooga.

Heroes are not always people who do spectacular deeds but instead are often simply everyday individuals who determine to take an opportunity to act and make a difference. Janie Frick, a family partnership specialist at East Brainerd Elementary, is one of those special people choosing to make a difference. She is honored with an I Am Hamilton shirt and recognized as an HCS Hero.