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WCS Teachers of the Year

Published February 12, 2009

Williamson County Schools honored the 2008-2009 Teachers of the Year February 3 during a special ceremony in Franklin. Each school selected a building-level teacher of the year, with each educator receiving a certificate at the event. Then the top teacher from the elementary, middle, and high school levels were honored.

This year's elementary level Teacher of the Year is Scales Elementary School Music teacher Gail Merritt Congdon, who admits she was surprised to hear her name. "I feel very humbled," said Congdon. "I'm excited about it

and I'm proud to represent my school, but this was very unexpected."

Heritage Middle School Language Arts teacher Phyllis Hasken was chosen as the middle school level Teacher of the Year. According to Hasken, her favorite part about teaching is the time she spends with her students. "It's the little things," says Hasken. "It's the children's hearts, their smiles and their thirst for learning."

The high school level Teacher of the Year is Independence High School Science teacher Alicia Justice. For Justice, winning this award was a bit overwhelming. "It's shocking because all of the teachers I work with are outstanding teachers," says Justice. "It's very humbling."

Congratulations to all of the 2008-2009 Williamson County Schools' Teachers of the Year.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHERS

  • Jim Watson, Bethesda
  • Phil Willoughby, Chapman's Retreat
  • Michelle Poston, College Grove
  • Cathy Esworthy, Crockett
  • Catherine Johnson, Edmondson
  • Stephanie Giudicy, Fairview
  • Melissa Myers, Grassland
  • Sara Gildemeister, Heritage
  • Polly Barber, Hillsboro
  • Lisa Arnold, Hunters Bend
  • Joseph Whinery, Kenrose
  • Julia Stephens, Lipscomb
  • Carolyn Allen, Longview
  • Sandra Nichols, Nolensville
  • Terry Rogers, Oak View
  • Shelia McKinney, Pinewood
  • Gail Merritt Congdon, Scales
  • Lisa Burke, Sunset
  • Kimmy Campbel, lTrinity
  • Jim Heacock, Walnut Grove
  • Virginia Hornbeck, Westwood
  • Shannon Bradley, Winstead

MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHERS

  • Brian Bishop, Brentwood
  • Elizabeth Reid, Fairview
  • Andrea Story, Grassland
  • Phyllis Hasken, Heritage
  • Elizabeth Pittsley, Hillsboro
  • Lisa LaFontaine, Page
  • Brandon Barkley, Sunset
  • Jennifer Varden, Woodland

HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS

  • Wes Adams, Brentwood
  • Jennifer Beasley, Centennial
  • Ray Smith, Fairview
  • Gary Tanksley, Franklin
  • Alicia Justice, Independence
  • Jennifer Baltimore, Middle College
  • Margaret Marotta, Ravenwood