Wilson County Teacher Of The Year
For the 27th consecutive year, Wilson County Motors and CedarStone Bank are proud to honor the exceptional educators of Wilson County. These dedicated teachers invest countless hours into shaping the future, developing innovative teaching methods and philosophies that will continue to positively impact our community for years to come.
Teachers from both public and private schools throughout Wilson County were nominated by their peers as the “Teacher of the Year” at each respective school. On January 3, 2025, a special reception was held to recognize these outstanding educators, with past award winners also in attendance. A distinguished panel of faculty from Cumberland University’s Education Department will review the applications and select the overall winner of the 2025 Wilson County Teacher of the Year. The recipient was announced at the awards banquet.
W.P. Bone, III, of Wilson County Motors, shared, “We recognize the profound and lasting impact that teachers have on our children’s lives. It is vital that we acknowledge their unwavering dedication and the tremendous contributions they make to our community. The Teacher of the Year Program is our way of expressing the appreciation they truly deserve.”
Bob McDonald, President and CEO of CedarStone Bank, added, “I often reflect on the invaluable life lessons I learned from my teachers. Their dedication, patience, and hard work are crucial in preparing our future leaders and sustaining a thriving community. It’s an honor to see our incredible teachers celebrated and recognized for their hard work at the banquet.”
The winner was announced following the keynote address by Dr. Paul Stumb, President of Cumberland University. Each teacher received a plaque to commemorate their achievement, and the overall Teacher of the Year was awarded a personal check for $3,000, along with a $1,000 check for their school.
The 2025 Teacher of the Year Banquet took place at Cumberland University’s Baird Chapel on Friday, April 4, 2025. The following teachers were honored at this prestigious event:
As a Middle School Alternative Teacher, Leslie Tomlinson brings both passion and experience to their students. She has been teaching for 28 years and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and a Master’s of Education in Leadership and Supervision.
“My philosophy of teaching is to be a passionate advocate for each of my students while setting high expectations for their educational journey and their personal growth. Each day for the past 28 years I have tried to create a safe, respectful learning environment for the students that entered my classroom in Wilson County.”
Dalton Teel is a 3rd Grade Math and Science teacher at Byars-Dowdy Elementary School. He has been teaching for 6 years and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership.
“I believe by creating first-time experiences and fostering a strong culture of experiential learning we can unlock student interests and instill that individual love of learning inside each of them.”
“Through a culture of acceptance and maintaining high expectations, I’ve established a space for all the students to thrive academically and socially, in the classroom, the garden, the chicken coop, and their greater community.”
Jonathan Stricklin is a K–8th Grade, Computer Science teacher at Carroll-Oakland Elementary School. He has been teaching for 20 years and holds degrees in Business Administration, Marketing & Management and Business Education.
“I believe the purpose of my teaching is to inspire students by sparking a curiosity for learning and to encourage every student to dream without limits.”
“My contributions in teaching include inspiring with gratitude for the privilege to teach, empowering in a respectful classroom environment, and encouraging students to chase a career that they will enjoy every single day.”
Jessica Brooke Lipshie is a 4th Grade, Math and Science teacher at Castle Heights Elementary School. She has been teaching for 14 years and holds a Bachelors of Education.
“I believe that all students are capable of learning, therefore, I strive to love and serve the whole child, including, academically, socially and emotionally.”
“I have taught for 14 years in public schools where I have strived to love, grow, and support my students in as many ways as possible.”
Ashley Arledge is a 4th Grade Math and Science teacher at Coles Ferry Elementary School. She has been teaching for 11 years and holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and will soon have her master’s degree in School Counseling.
“My philosophy of teaching centers around building strong relationships with students and creating a supportive environment where all students are engaged in activities and love learning.”
“My contribution so far has been empowering students to see their full potential and pathways to reach their goals, while sprinkling a little fun here and there.”
Julie T. Smith teaches all subjects to 2nd graders at Elzie D. Patton Elementary School. She has been teaching for 9 years and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Education degree.
“My philosophy is to get kids to love coming to school and then I get them to love learning.”
“I have inspired students and staff to love and enjoy coming to school.”
Ashley Broomfield teaches all subjects to 1st graders at Friendship Christian School. She has been teaching for 21 years and holds a Bachelor of Science degree, Early Education K-8.
“I want to create a nurturing, inclusive, and engaging environment where children feel valued, safe, and loved while they are excited to explore, learn, and grow in all areas of life.”
“Since I began teaching, I hope I have had a meaningful impact on all my students by cultivating their confidence, showing them love, nurturing their curiosity, and helping them develop essential academic and social skills that lay the foundation for a lifelong learner.”
Kala Ealy teaches 4th Grade English Language Arts and Social Studies at Gladeville Elementary School. She has been teaching for 12 years and holds an Associate Degree of Science in Elementary Education and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an endorsement in Math.
“My philosophy of teaching is that every child can truly learn and grow IF they feel safe, loved and have a mentorship relationship built with the teacher that embodies trust and confidence.”
“My contribution to students over the years is instilling a love and passion for reading, and teaching them not only academic skills, but lifelong skills like kindness, honesty, and integrity by modeling that behavior..”
Jennifer Bamford is an 8th Grade ELA teacher at Gladeville Middle School. She has been teaching for 21 years and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, Master of Arts in Curriculum/Instruction, and Education Specialist degree in Instructional Leadership.
“Education should open doors, so each day is a new opportunity to give all students the academic and personal tools they need to unlock a successful future.”
“I have positively impacted the reading and writing skills and literacy confidence of nearly 2,000 of my own students, and countless others through collaboration with and training fellow teachers.”
Melissa Prince is a 10th Grade English II teacher at Green Hill High School. She has been teaching for 26 years and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a Master of Science in Education.
“I believe in the possibility to reach ALL students and to motivate them to improve their reading, writing, and communication skills by meeting them where they are and challenging them to reach their full potential.”
“I hope I have contributed to this world by showing students that they are capable of anything, they are worthy of love and kindness, and they can always use reading and writing as a way to grow and learn and understand themselves and the world around them.”
Jamie Wallmark teaches all subjects to 2nd graders at Jones Brummett Elementary School. She has been teaching for 14 years and holds a bachelor’s degree in Education and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction.
“I believe that every student can learn and has the right to learn, and it is my responsibility to do everything I can to support and help that student achieve their goals.”
“Since beginning my teaching career in 2011, I have had the privilege of instructing more than 280 students in my various classrooms and schools and come in contact with hundreds of students and many teachers and hopefully encouraged them or inspire them in some form through my teaching.”
Melissa Cole is a 3rd Grade Math and Science teacher at Lakeview Elementary School. She has been teaching for 14 years and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education.
“My philosophy of teaching is that a teacher should foster curiosity, creating a supportive learning environment, and encouraging critical thinking.”
“Each year I aim to build relationships with my students and nurture their love of learning and critical thinking as one of the steps to reaching their full potential, in and out of the classroom.”
Allen Davis is a 9th–12th Grade CTE Auto Maintenance teacher at Lebanon High School. He has been teaching for 14 years and has an Occupational License.
“I want my students to feel like they matter, are heard and feel safe. I want my students to be critical thinkers.”
“I have had many students receive industry certifications in my classroom. Several have graduated and are in the auto repair shops, post-secondary and shop foreman.”
Erin Clark is a Pre-K3 teacher at Mt. Juliet Christian Academy. She has been teaching for 7 years and holds a degree in Teaching and Learning and Interdisciplinary Studies.
“My philosophy of teaching is that my classroom is a safe and nurturing place where students are highly engaged with hands-on, multisensory activities.”
“I have been a mentor to new teachers and been many students’ first introduction to school and helped spark a love of learning.”
Elizabeth Elgin is a 1st Grade teacher at Mt. Juliet Elementary School. She has been teaching for 27 years and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Education.
“Teaching is not just about sharing knowledge; it is about cultivating growth, inspiring curiosity, and instilling confidence in learners where they can thrive and achieve their highest potential with the right environment, guidance and encouragement.”
“I have had the opportunity to ensure that my students get a strong start in their foundational years of education and that they leave with a feeling of love and confidence for the years ahead.”
Sergeant Major Jonathan W. Clark is a 9th–12th Grade Marine Corps JROTC teacher at Mt. Juliet High School. He has been teaching for 6 years and holds a degree in General Studies.
“My philosophy of teaching is to develop courageous character driven young adults who possess the attributes of personal responsibility and accountability in order to become model citizens in service to the United States.”
“I have instructed over 1,200 students in leadership, citizenship, military subjects, life skills and promoting physical and mental fitness, while emphasizing additional credits in Government, Lifetime Wellness, Personal Finance, and Physical Education related to JROTC.”
Brittney Osburne is a 6th-8th Grade RTI (Response to Intervention) teacher at Mt. Juliet Middle School. She has been teaching for 11 years and holds a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, Interventionist K-12, and English as Second Language PreK-12.
“My philosophy of teaching is that all students need to feel valued, loved, and supported before true learning can take place. ”
“I work hard to create a welcoming and inclusive classroom and have taken an active role in supporting ESL students who are currently in my RTI classes as well as helped to lead new teachers in this role.”
Rachael Agnew is a K-2nd Grade Exceptional Education teacher at Rutland Elementary School. She has been teaching for 5½ years and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Liberal Studies, and a master’s degree in Teaching.
“I believe all students, no matter their cognitive level, are capable of learning and showing growth, and it is my responsibility to create an environment that allows them to become more independent, become better communicators, feel safe, and have positive social experiences. ”
“I have contributed to the success of students at various grade and ability levels, supported an inclusive environment in my school, and educated other general and special educators on how to better support students with disabilities behaviorally and academically. ”
Vicki Davis is a Kindergarten teacher at Sam Houston Elementary School. She has been teaching for 20 years and holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Special Education, as well as an Elementary Education Endorsement.
“I believe that every single student who enters my classroom is capable of learning, and I must find the way he/she learns best and capitalize on it.”
“I have taught hundreds of students of various ages, learning abilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds, and I hope they knew I treated them all with respect and pushed them to their highest potential no matter what background they came from.”
Ashlee Sexton is a K-8th Grade General Music and 6th-8th Grade Choir teacher at Southside Elementary School. She has been teaching for 19 years and holds a Bachelor of Associates degree in Music Education, and a Master of Art Degree in Education.
“I believe a student’s interest in my subject area begins with my interest in them as people; they need to know they are loved in order to learn.”
“I have seen thousands of students throughout my career and my hope is they all know they are loved, valued, have a purpose, and are life-long music lovers.”
Charisse Carter is a K-5th Grade ESL (English as Second Language) teacher at Springdale Elementary School. She has been teaching for 10 years and holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and a master’s Accounting degree with emphasis in Information Systems.
“My philosophy is all students, regardless of background or ethnicity, can learn from a dedicated teacher when they feel loved, acknowledge and seen. Our job is to meet each student where they are and take them to the next level and beyond.”
“I have made lifelong relationships with both my students and their families, and have instilled a positive, can-do attitude with a love of learning and opened their eyes to the possibilities that lay before them.”
Kimberly McPeak teaches all subjects to 1st & 3rd graders & is a K-5th Grade Reading and Math Interventionist teacher at Stoner Creek Elementary School. She has been teaching for 25 years, and she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education, and a Master of Education degree in Literacy.
“My philosophy focuses on building strong relationship with students, recognizing, and celebrating their unique qualities, supporting them through challenges with patience and love, and creating a safe environment where they feel valued, encouraged to take risks, and inspired to develop a passion for learning.”
“I have been a dedicated teacher committed to empowering students, fostering their growth and academic success, inspiring a life-long love of learning, increasing the literacy rates for future generations, and contributing to the growth of the same community that nurtured and grew me by mentoring and inspiring new teachers”
Erica Douglass is a 3rd Grade English Language Arts and Social Studies teacher at Tuckers Crossroads Elementary School. She has been teaching for 13 years, and she holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education PreK-3, and a master’s degree in English as a Second Language, PreK-12.
“I focus on igniting a passion for learning, fostering critical thinking skills, and creating an environment where students feel supported to explore, question, and develop, while viewing each student as a unique individual with distinct strengths and aspirations.”
“Through innovative teaching methods, dedicated mentorship, and a commitment to fostering critical thinking skills, I have strived to make a meaningful impact on more than 300 students’ educational experience and intellectual growth.”
April Downing is a 3rd Grade English Language Arts and Social Studies teacher at W.A. Wright Elementary School.. She has been teaching for 6 years and holds a bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
“I believe teachers can have one of the greatest influences in a child’s life—doing my best every day gives them a chance to be their best.”
“I have become the lead tutor for our building, and this helps give the most at-risk students a chance to avoid being retained with the 3rd grade promotion law.”
Kristina L. Hobbs is a 6th–8th Grade Reading Specialist at Walter J. Baird Middle School. She has been teaching for 21 years and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
“I believe all students should have an equal and equitable opportunity to be educated in a classroom that is culturally compatible where safety is insured, and a student’s feelings of self-confidence and importance are encouraged.”
“Rivaling only the impact I have had as a Teacher Coach and Mentor; my greatest contribution has been my ability to encourage students to believe in themselves as much as I believe in them which is a built-in motivator for student achievement and growth.”
Mrs. Tammy Tucker is a Kindergarten teacher at Watertown Elementary School. She has been teaching for 22½ years. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, and has a license in Elementary Education K-8 with a Special Education Modification.
“Teaching is not about the grades and the subjects you teach; it is about the relationships that you build with the students, their families, and the community.”
“When I see a former student in the community and that student smiles and wants to give me a hug, I know that I made a difference in that one student because I taught them to be kind to others.”
Paige Allmond is a 9th-12th Grade Contained Special Education (CDC) teacher at Watertown High School. She has been teaching for 5 years, and he holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutrition and Food Science, a Master of Arts in Education, and a Master’s of Educational School Counseling.
“I believe in meeting the needs of all students by providing an inclusive environment where students can achieve their goals and reach their maximum potential by using an experiential learning approach and real word skills to build independence. ”
“Providing a safe, warm, and welcoming environment for all students to feel accepted, encouraging them to believe in themselves, open to try new things, and learn new things so that they can grow mentally, emotionally, and socially.”
Kimberly Stone is a 6th Grade ELA and 6th-8th Grade Response to Intervention teacher at Watertown Middle School. She has been teaching for 23 years and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in PreK-8 Education, and a Master of Education degree in Administration and Supervision with a Concentration in Library Science.
“The purpose of teaching and learning is to nurture each child’s potential by building strong relationships with many students and parents, using knowledge of the student to help them succeed, and make my classroom a safe and fun space where students want to come very day to learn.”
“To help students become lifelong readers by finding the one book that hooked them on reading is one I hold dear to my heart, however, my favorite contribution has been working with students who have struggled with school year after year and giving them the tools and confidence to keep trying, learning, and overcoming their challenges.”
Jennifer Crockett is a K-5th Grade STEM teacher at West Elementary School. She has been teaching for 7½ years. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration, and a Master of Art degree in Education.
“Providing knowledge obtained through hands on application, study, and practice.”
“I think my biggest contribution would be how I have taken a very new discipline added to the Wilson County Elementary Schools (designated STEM Class) and grown it from $200 budget for 850+ students, to a class that offers, robotics, 3D printing, pneumatic/hydraulic kits, snap circuit kits and an entire STEM lab for the whole school to use.”
Tara Palmer is a 7th Grade English Language Arts teacher at West Wilson Middle School. She has been teaching for 11 years and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Education.
“I believe that by creating a safe environment, that all students can learn.”
“As an educator, my contribution has been to facilitate a learning environment that allows students a safe place to explore their learning and achieve their highest potential; and by engaging countless hours of after-school activities, grading and lesson planning, to ensure that this goal is obtainable to all my students.”
Jessica Agee is a 12th Grade English 4 teacher at Wilson Central High School. She has been teaching for 12½ years and holds a bachelor’s degree.
“My personal teaching philosophy is to see my students for who they are, see them for who they want to be, and see them for who they can become.”
“My contribution is putting my calling, passion, empathy, time, and personal and professional investments into our future generation of adults who will one day lead the world.”
Amy Richards is a Adult Learning (GED/HiSET/High School Equivalency) teacher at Wilson County Adult High School. She has been teaching for 16 years and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree.
“The heart of teaching is connecting with each student, both personally and academically, while empowering them with the confidence to pursue their dreams.”
“I have supported countless students in transforming not only their lives, but also the lives of their families by helping them access the power of education and achieve their goals.”
Sarah Savannah Howard is a 6th-8th Grade English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher at Winfree Bryant Middle School. She has been teaching for 6 years and has an English and Secondary Education, English as a Second Language Endorsement, and Education Leadership.
“My students are unique, and they all bring something special into my classroom; my responsibility is to set high expectations with reinforcements to share this with others in a safe, supportive space.”
“My contribution since I began teaching is shaping not only academic success but also shaping resilient characters and lifelong learners. ”
