The DeKalb County School System has announced the 2024-25 Teachers of the Year at the building level of the five schools in the county. These educators were chosen by their peers and are as follows:
Dekalb County High School is proud to announce Dylan Kleparek as the 2024-25 Teacher of the Year. Coach K as he is known was selected by his peers after many years as a dedicated science teacher and soccer coach.
DeKalb Middle School announced Ms. Kristen Lynch as its 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year. The school said, “She is so deserving and we are thankful to have her as part of our faculty.”
DeKalb West announced Mrs. Cathleen Humphrey as its 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Humphrey is a major asset to DWS with over 15 years at DWS. She has served in many roles and always does a phenomenal job at every task she is faced with. She goes above and beyond for the students and staff of DWS.
Smithville Elementary School recognized Ms. Allyson Trapp as its 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year. Ms. Allyson is a first-grade teacher at SES and was selected by her peers for this honor.
Northside Elementary announced Mrs. Amanda Goodwin as its 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Goodwin exemplifies excellence through her dedication and unwavering commitment to her students.
“Our district’s Teacher of the Year program recognizes and honors outstanding teachers in DeKalb County. We applaud teachers who care about our children, who devote their professional lives to enriching the lives of DeKalb students, and who demonstrate exceptional gains in student achievement. We are not just exceptionally proud of our Teachers of the Year, but we are also grateful for all of our educators in DeKalb County,” said DeKalb School Director Patrick Cripps.
Teachers of the Year are selected competitively through five cycles: Building, System, Field Service Core Center Region, Grand Division and State; and from three categories (levels of teaching); Grades Pre-K-4, 5-8, 9-12.
Teachers selected at each cycle receive local recognition and awards underwritten by local sources. State recognition/awards include a banquet honoring the nine State Teacher of the Year finalists and certificates of appreciation from the governor. In addition, the state finalists and the State Teacher of the Year receive cash awards.
The Tennessee Teacher of the Year Program is designed to promote effective teaching practices by recognizing and rewarding outstanding teachers, while encouraging others to join the teaching profession.
