Kathy, what is the “Teacher of the Month” program that I see posted on social media?

What is Teacher of the Month?

Welcome, dear readers, I am here today to answer this question: What IS the Teacher of the Month in Rutherford County?

Kenzi Keene of Farmers’ Insurance in Murfreesboro saw an opportunity to support the teachers in her daughters’ schools.  As an active member of the local school’s PTO (Parent Teacher Organization), she knew how hard teachers work. It saddened her at how little recognition teachers received for a job that is often overlooked. As a community leader, she began to brainstorm how to recognize teachers on a consistent basis.  She discussed this with other business and community leaders. As the program developed and grew, she has been happy to support educators for over 4 years!

How It Works: Nominations and Prizes

Each month, the community is invited to nominate a teacher within Rutherford County – county, city, or private schools.  Anyone can nominate a teacher easily on a FaceBook post. Then, on the second Wednesday of the month, the team does a FaceBook Live drawing for all to see in real-time or at their convenience.

The selected “Teacher of the Month” receives a bundle of prizes worth $400, including a pizza party for her students.

Community Impact: Beyond the Classroom

Our goal extends beyond rewarding individual teachers. We hope to create a ripple effect of positivity throughout the community. By highlighting the contributions of educators, we hope to inspire an appreciation for education.  Recognizing the role teachers play in the lives of children has provided excitement for everyone involved.

The team enjoys traveling to the school to dote on the teacher and students. From kindergartners to high schoolers, the kids enjoy the pizza and drinks delivered right to their desk. They all cheer for their teacher and share memories and hugs. It is always a good day to share in the celebration.

Getting Involved

Do you know an outstanding teacher who deserves to be celebrated? Nominate them today! Visit our FaceBook pages or reach out to share your stories and tell us why your nominee deserves to be the next “Teacher of the Month.”

February 2024