Each year, teachers in Lauderdale County nominate and vote for the teacher of the year in their respective school building. Teachers who are selected by their peers qualify for the TN Teacher of the Year. The TN Teacher of the Year program recognizes and honors outstanding teachers in Tennessee who care about children, devote their professional lives to enriching the lives of Lauderdale County students, and who demonstrate exceptional gains in student achievement. Requirements of the program identify teachers at specific grade bands: Grades Pre-Kindergarten through 4th, Grades 5th through 8th, and Grades 9th through 12th.
We would like to congratulate the 2023 Lauderdale County Teachers of the Year and thank them for their hard work and dedication to their students. LCS would like to also thank Mr. Stan York of Stan York Photography for capturing our honoree portraits.
Leslie Carter, Ripley Elementary School
Ms. Leslie Carter teaches 5th grade Math at Ripley Elementary School. She has taught for 16 years. Ms. Carter earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Memphis.
Bruce Davis, Halls High School
Mr. Bruce Davis teaches Structural Systems at Halls High School. He has taught for 13 years. Mr. Davis earned his teaching certification from the University of Tennessee – Martin after 25 years of service as a licensed contractor.
Megan Emerson, Ripley Elementary School
Mrs. Megan Emerson teaches 4th Grade Special Education/Inclusion at Ripley Elementary School. She has taught for 11 years. Ms. Emerson earned her associate’s degree from Dyersburg State Community College and her bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee - Martin.
Tonia Estes, Ripley Middle School
Ms. Tonia Estes teaches 8th grade Math at Ripley Middle School. She has taught for 14 years. Ms. Estes earned her bachelor’s degree from Tennessee State University and master’s degree from Stanford University. She received her teaching certification from the University of Tennessee – Martin. Ms. Estes is also the 5th through 8th grade Teacher of the Year for Lauderdale County Schools.
Valerie Jones, Ripley Primary School
Ms. Valerie Jones teaches Pre-Kindergarten at Ripley Primary School. She has taught for 15 years. Ms. Jones earned her bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Trevecca Nazarene University.
Jill Messer, Halls Elementary School
Mrs. Jill Messer teaches 1st grade at Halls Elementary School. She has taught for 20 years. Mrs. Messer earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee – Martin and her master’s degree from Trevecca Nazarene University. Mrs. Messer is also the Pre-K through 4th grade Teacher of the Year for Lauderdale County Schools.
April Oliver, Halls Elementary School
Mrs. April Oliver teaches K-2 Special Education at Halls Elementary School. She has taught for 18 years. Mrs. Oliver earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Memphis and her master’s degree from Walden University.
Dana Parmenter, Ripley High School
Mrs. Dana Parmenter teaches Chemistry I & II at Ripley High School. She has taught for 13 years. Mrs. Parmenter earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Tennessee – Martin. Mrs. Parmenter is also the 9th through 12th grade Teacher of the Year for Lauderdale County Schools.
Terry Smith, Halls Junior High School
Mr. Terry Smith teaches 7th grade Science at Halls Junior High School. He has taught for 19 years. Mr. Smith earned his bachelor’s degree from University of Arkansas – Pine Bluff.