Nashville, TN – Sevier County elementary school teacher Dr. Cheryl Deaton was named Tennessee Teacher of the Year Thursday night during the Annual Teacher of the Year banquet. Grand division winners, Mr. Davis Falvey of West Tennessee and Dr. Dianne Sawyer of Middle Tennessee, were also recognized.
“Teachers are at the heart of motivating our student’s academic achievement and success,” Education Commissioner Bruce Opie said. “This award represents the commitment to their students and classrooms. I want to congratulate Dr. Deaton, Mr. Falvey and Dr. Sawyer on rising to the challenge of the teaching profession.”
Dr. Deaton has dedicated 34 years to the teaching profession and currently teaches fourth grade at Pigeon Forge Primary in Sevierville. She was named Sevier County Teacher of the Year in 2010 and is recognized as a community leader inside and outside of the classroom. Her colleagues describe her personality and ability to engage her students as exciting, intriguing, challenging, and authentic.
“Each year, we have the pleasure of recognizing our outstanding teachers who exemplify excellence, dedication and a talent for working with students,” said Joseph Fisher, Assistant Commissioner for the Division of College and Career Readiness. “Excellent teachers inspire the same motivation in their students, colleagues and school community. It is a great honor to recognize these hardworking professionals.”
Mr. Falvey has six years teaching experience and is currently teaching seventh grade at Snowden School in Memphis. Dr. Sawyer has 26 years teaching experience in Tennessee schools and currently teaches 11th grade at Tullahoma High School in Tullahoma.
Tennessee’s Teacher of the Year Award Program and Banquet is sponsored by the Niswonger Foundation, a Greenville-based organization that provided student scholarships and resources for school systems in Tennessee. Each of the finalists receives a cash award courtesy of the Niswonger Foundation. For more information about the Niswonger Foundation, visit http://www.niswongerfoundation.org/.
