Chattanooga, Tenn. (August 30, 2022) – Hamilton County Schools (HCS) STEM School Teacher Kristin Burrus has been selected as a finalist for the East Tennessee division of Tennessee Teacher of the Year Award.
In order to qualify for this prestigious award, candidates must have at least three years of full-time teaching, an outstanding record of their exceptional gains throughout student learning, and serve as an effective leader in both their school and their community.
To be nominated for Teacher of the Year is an honor showcasing what it means to be an educator in the public school system. In highlighting the significance of the nominations, Tennessee Education Commissioner, Penny Schwinn said, “Educators are the backbone of Tennessee schools and communities, and have continued to demonstrate their dedication, professionalism, and unmatched passion to educating our students.”
Finalists for the award are showcased for their dedication to educating students both in and outside of classrooms, and they are also given the opportunity to serve on Commissioner Schwinn’s Tennessee Teacher Advisory Council for the duration of the 2022-2023 school year.
“It is an absolute honor to have one of own Hamilton County Schools teachers be nominated for such an award,” said Dr. Justin Robertson, Hamilton County Schools, Superintendent. “I want to congratulate and thank Kristin Burrus on her hard work, dedication, and service to the students each year. Hamilton County Schools strives to provide every student with personalized supports, and Ms. Burrus is an excellent example of the great teachers within our district.”
Ms. Burrus is the lead educator for the STEM School’s Global Center for Digital Innovation, which opened last fall. She works collaboratively with every educator in the building as she assists teachers from multiple disciplines in designing project based learning digital fabrication units tied to content learning standards.
“Kristin’s influence does not stop at our school,” said Tony Donen, Principal of the STEM School. “Her influence and dedication to support teachers across our district has implemented over 30 fabrication labs for students, which is has lead to HCS having more fabrication labs in the educational setting that anywhere else in the world. We are proud to have her at the STEM School and know she will continue her work to ensure all children thrive.”
The Tennessee Teacher of the Year awardee will be representing the state of Tennessee during the National Teacher of the Year competition as well as serve as an ambassador for education throughout the 2022-’23 school year.