The Putnam County School System has named the 2023-24 Teachers of the Year (TOY).

Elementary – Alicia UpChurch, Cane Creek Elementary School

Middle – Margie Cavender, Prescott South Middle School

Secondary – Lucinda Queen, VITAL e-Learning School

“These three educators have proven themselves to be outstanding, forward-thinking and dedicated teachers who love students and work tirelessly to see them engaged, inspired and achieve,” said Corby King, PCSS Director of Schools. “Congratulations on being named the PCSS District Teacher of the Year. Well deserved.”

Every year, a teacher from each grade band is chosen as the PCSS District Teacher of the Year. Upchurch, Cavender and Queen will serve as the voice for their grade band at the district level for the 2023-24 school year and are now in the running to potentially be named 2023-24 Tennessee Teacher of the Year.

To be considered for the honor of Tennessee Teacher of the Year, a candidate must be a full-time, certified, in good standing, pre-K–12 teacher in a state-accredited Tennessee public school at each stage of the recognition process (local, regional, grand division, state, and national levels). They must also spend the majority of the school day in direct instruction to students, have a minimum of three years of experience as a teacher in Tennessee public schools, and have a track record of exceptional gains in student achievement.

The Tennessee Teacher of the Year (TOY) program recognizes and honors outstanding teachers in Tennessee. The goals of the program are to:

● Promote effective teaching practices by recognizing and rewarding outstanding teachers.

● Encourage participation by every school in the state so that all Tennessee teachers may be

recognized and rewarded.

● Build a network of local and state corporate sponsors.

● Provide a network for teachers to share effective practices.

● Encourage a sense of professionalism in teaching.

● Encourage greater participation in building strong community-school partnerships.