News Summary
Allyson Rutherford, a teacher-librarian at Fairmount Elementary School, has been honored as one of nine finalists for the Tennessee Teacher of the Year award. Recognized for her impactful dedication to literacy and transformative teaching methods, Rutherford has significantly increased book checkouts at her school. Her accolades include Fairmount’s Teacher of the Year and District Teacher of the Year for PreK-4. As part of the Tennessee Teacher Advisory Council, she aims to influence educational policy and advocate for improvements in schools.
Bristol, Tennessee – Allyson Rutherford, a dedicated teacher-librarian at Fairmount Elementary School, has been named one of nine finalists for the prestigious 2025-26 Tennessee Teacher of the Year award. The Tennessee Department of Education announced these finalists on July 7, 2025, highlighting the impressive commitment and achievements of educators across the state.
Rutherford has served as an educator at Fairmount for over a decade, where she has become a passionate advocate for literacy among young students. Her innovative approach to teaching and learning has notably transformed the school’s library into a vibrant and engaging environment. This transformation has contributed to a remarkable 40 percent increase in book checkouts since she began her initiatives.
In recognition of her talent and dedication, Rutherford has previously been named Fairmount’s Teacher of the Year as well as the District Teacher of the Year for grades PreK-4 by Bristol Tennessee City Schools. These accolades showcase her remarkable impact on students’ educational experiences and her effectiveness as an educator.
Rutherford’s dynamic teaching style fosters an active learning environment where students not only read but also engage in meaningful discussions about the books they explore. This interactive methodology has resonated well with students, encouraging them to become more involved in their learning processes.
Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds recognized the finalists for their exceptional dedication to students and education, noting the important role that educators like Rutherford play in shaping the future. Together with the other nominees, Rutherford will serve on the Tennessee Teacher Advisory Council for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years. This council will provide a platform for these educators to influence state education policy and advocate for improvements in the educational system.
Rutherford holds a bachelor’s degree from East Tennessee State University and a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Throughout her approximate 20-year career in education, she has taken on various roles including classroom teacher, reading interventionist, and school librarian, allowing her to develop a well-rounded perspective on educational practices and student engagement.
The state winner of the Tennessee Teacher of the Year award will not only receive recognition for their outstanding work but will also represent Tennessee in the National Teacher of the Year competition. The announcement of the winners will take place at the Excellence in Education Tennessee Teacher of the Year Banquet in Nashville this August, celebrating the accomplishments of exceptional educators like Rutherford.
The Tennessee Teacher of the Year award is designed to recognize and honor remarkable educators across the state who have made significant contributions in their classrooms and communities. As education faces numerous challenges, the commitment and passion of teachers like Allyson Rutherford serve as an inspiring example of the positive impact that dedicated individuals can have on the lives of students.
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Additional Resources
- Johnson City Press: Bristol Educator in Running for Tenn Teacher of the Year
- Wikipedia: Education in Tennessee
- Herald Courier: K-12 Education News
- Google Search: Tennessee Teacher of the Year
- WJHL: Bristol BOE Approves Bonuses for Teachers & Staff
- Google Scholar: Teacher of the Year
- WCYB: Area School Teachers Honored
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Teacher
- Dignity Memorial: Linda Carson Obituary
- Google News: Outstanding Teacher Awards
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