24-25 Tennessee Teacher Of The Year

The Tennessee Department of Education announced Bryan Kerns, an educator from Kingsport City Schools as the 2024-25 Tennessee Teacher of the Year at the department’s 2024 Excellence in Education 65th Sapphire Anniversary Celebration.

Bryan Kerns, a fire management and math instructor at Dobyns-Bennett High School in Kingsport City Schools for the last 18 years, is viewed as a leader, mentor, and advocate in his school and community.

Kerns will represent Tennessee in the National Teacher of the Year competition and serve as an ambassador for education throughout the state for the 2024-25 school year.

To qualify for Tennessee Teacher of the Year, candidates must have been teaching full-time for at least three years, have a track record of exceptional gains in student learning, and be effective school and community leaders.

One local teacher was in the mix for this year’s teacher of the year award, Geri Poarch of Pulaski Elementary School, as a finalist Poarch serve on the department’s Teacher Advisory Council for the duration of the 2024-25 school year.