TPAC is proud to honor excellence in education with our Teacher of the Year award. Each year, we accept applications from teachers who participate in our education programs and connect their students to the arts. The award includes a $1,000 grant for the recipient’s school and is presented in the spring.
Read what TPAC’s exceptional Teacher of the Year recipients for the past two years have to say about the impact of arts integration for their students.
2022-23 TPAC Teacher of the Year – Sanchel Hall of Sumner Academy
“Our students have attended TPAC Season for Young People performances and used the provided materials to deepen their appreciation and comprehension. I have witnessed the power of the arts in helping children build resilience, confidence, and empathy, and our biggest win is having multiple students say that they have found themselves on the stage!”
Sanchel Hall pictured above with TPAC education staff members, Treysia Jackson and Susan Sanders, and below with her proud students!
Past Recipients
| Joyce Platz | Sumner Academy | 2021-22 |
| Stephanie Higgs | Crockett Elementary School | 2020-21 |
| Joy Patton | Renaissance High School | 2019-20 |
| Adam Prouty | Warner Elementary Arts Magnet | 2018-19 |
| Miya Robertson | Gower Elementary School | 2017-18 |
| Caroline Sharp | William Henry Oliver Middle School | 2016-17 |
| Allison Brazzel | Glencliff High School | 2015-16 |
| April Gunter | Oakland High School | 2014-15 |
| Nelda Sturgeon | Robertson Academy | 2013-14 |
| Debbie Shannon | Lighthouse Christian School | 2012-13 |
| Lauri Kaye Burns | Spring Hill High School | 2011-12 |
| Kenneth King | Hume-Fogg High School | 2010-11 |
| William Mann | Seigel High School | 2009-10 |
| Meghen Sanders | Stratford High School | 2008-09 |
| Rita Read | East Robertson High School | 2007-08 |
| Elaine Hoffert | Northeast High School | 2006-07 |
| Kim Howard | Merrol Hyde Magnet School | 2005-06 |
| Paul E. Smethers | Beech High School | 2004-05 |
| Dr. Pat Clark | Alcoa High School | 2003-04 |
| John Shuler | Jones Paideia Magnet School | 2002-03 |
| Lynn Colvin | Springfield High School | 2001-02 |
| Lois McGonigal | Blackman High School | 2000-01 |
| Natalie Camp | Sequatchie County High School | 1999-00 |
| Josie McCamish | Riverdale and Smyrna High Schools, Gifted Education | 1998-99 |
| Sandra Joyner | Franklin High School | 1997-98 |
| Jaque Scarborough | Beech High School | 1996-97 |
| Vicki Keith | Santa Fe School | 1995-96 |
| Marva Nettles | Page Middle School | 1994-95 |
