KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — An East Tennessee teacher was recently named the National Teacher of the Year will head to Washington to meet with First Lady Jill Biden as a guest of honor during an event that will be a first for the White House.
The Council of Chief State School Officers announced Missy Testerman, the ESL program director at Rogersville City School, as the 2024 National Teacher of the Year.
This teacher recognition is the most prestigious in the country. As the National Teacher of the Year, Testerman will spend the next year serving as an ambassador and advocate for all teachers and students across the country.
On Wednesday, Testerman appeared on "CBS Mornings" and was surprised by the first lady with a unique invitation to the White House for a first-of-its-kind state dinner attended by top teachers from across the country.
“I’m a teacher, as you well know, and I’ve been teaching over 30 years, just like Missy has, and I always say teachers are our heroes and I wanted to be here today to celebrate Missy as I love celebrating teachers and I have a special announcement, Missy," Biden said.
The dinner is expected to be held on May 1 when the teachers come to Washington, according to the White House.
Starting in the spring, Testerman will also travel across the country to share her wisdom, engage in education advocacy, elevate issues educators face in the classroom and inspire others to join the profession.
"Congratulations to Rogersville Elementary's Missy Testerman on being named Tennessee's first National Teacher of the Year in more than 35 years," Gov. Bill Lee said. "Teaching is more than a career, it's a calling. I join all Tennesseans in thanking Missy for her dedication to students, preparing them to thrive in the classroom and beyond. We look forward to cheering her on as she engages with educators nationwide."
Testerman was named the 2023-24 Tennessee Teacher of the Year in August 2023. Since then, she was named one of four National Teacher of the Year finalists in January 2024 and went through an extensive interview process with CCSSO's selection committee.
“I am extremely proud of Missy on being named the 2024 National Teacher of the Year as she is beyond worthy of this highly prestigious award," Edwin Jarnagin, Director of Schools, Rogersville City Schools said. "Her dedication to the teaching profession and her students is truly exceptional and has shaped her reputation of being known as a leader and mentor to her colleagues. Missy exemplifies excellence in how she collaborates with our community and connects families across the rural Rogersville area to set students up for success. Rogersville City Schools and the community are immensely proud to celebrate her recognition as the National Teacher of the Year.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.