CHS Educator Named Geography Teacher of Year

Published April 18, 2017

A Centennial High School educator is this year’s Mullane Geography Teacher of the Year.

Cassie Bates received the award during a ceremony in Gatlinburg. This award is given each year to an educator who has shown superior achievement in the teaching of geography in grades 7-12. The award carries a $500 cash prize.

“It’s an honor to accept this award in the name of former exceptional teachers,” said Bates, who teachers AP Human Geography. “I’ve had the pleasure of being a teacher for eight years, the last three of them at Centennial.”

Bates was nominated by Ravenwood High School geography teacher Kristi Neuroth, who won the award in 2014. Neuroth says Bates is known for her ability to create captivating lessons.

“Cassie demonstrates the invaluable teaching skills of enthusiasm and ingenuity, both in and out of the classroom,” said Neuroth. “She expertly identifies and organizes opportunities for students to engage with geography content in the real world.”