Tennessee named Jenna Burke as its 2026-27 Teacher of the Year in an Oct. 1 event in Nashville. She teaches at Sycamore Elementary School, which is part of the Collierville Schools district roughly 30 miles southeast of Memphis.
Burke is teaches science, technology, engineering and mathematics — or STEM for short. She is known for creating hands-on, real-world STEM learning experiences and finding ways to challenge students to think critically and work together, according to a July 23 post by the school announcing her as a finalist.
"She continuously integrates innovative practices to ensure students are not just learners, but creators and collaborators," Sycamore Elementary Principal Julie Manhein said in the post. "Her positive impact extends
into our school culture as well as the entire Sycamore community."
The post also highlighted how Burke encourages students to embrace challenges and mistakes as part of the learning process, calling them "FLOPS," or Fantastic Learning Opportunities.
"Some of the most inspiring moments in the STEM lab are when students, convinced of potential success, fail during a design challenge," Burke said in the post. "Listening to them reflect bolsters my belief that thinking critically and collaboratively, and learning from failure, are not innate abilities but skills that must be intentionally developed."
Burke will represent Tennessee in the 2027 National Teacher of the Year competition, which is run by the Council of Chief State School Officers. The national winner is typically announced in April or May.
Tennessee honors top teachers, school staff, leaders
The event, dubbed the Tennessee Excellence in Educators Banquet, was held at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center the night of Oct. 1. Several more statewide award winners were unveiled during the banquet, hosted by the Tennessee Department of Education. Holly Logan, who was awarded a prestigious $25,000 national Milken Educator Award for 2026, was also honored. She is a teacher at Westwood Elementary School in Manchester, which is part of the Manchester City Schools district.
"Our students' success is made possible by education leaders who consistently demonstrate dedication, vision, and commitment to excellence," Tennessee Commissioner of Education Lizzette Reynolds said in a news release after the event. "I am inspired by the outstanding leaders across Tennessee who work tirelessly to support students, empower educators, and strengthen their communities. Thank you for your leadership and service, and for always putting students first."
Here's a look at who won Tennessee's top education awards:
- Supervisor of the Year: Elizabeth Kaylor, elementary supervisor for Bradley County Schools
- Principal of the Year: Heather Tinch, Burks Elementary School (Putnam County Schools)
- Aspiring Educator Award: Ashlyn Carter, Roane County High School (Roane County Schools)
- RISE Award: Mandalyn Goins, classroom associate at Antioch High School (Metro Nashville Public Schools) and Christina Leas, food service supervisor at Newport Grammar School (Newport City Schools)
The education department also named several award winners from West, Middle and East Tennessee, also known as the state's grand divisions, along with finalists for Tennessee's Novice Teacher of the Year award. You can find the full list of honorees and more information on each category at TN.gov/education/news.
Rachel Wegner covers education and children's issues for The Tennessean. Got a story you think she should hear? Reach her via email at RAwegner@tennessean.com. You can also find her on X or Bluesky under the handle RachelAnnWegner.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee names Collierville STEM teacher as Teacher of the Year
