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 2024 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. DeMarris Manns of DeMarris Manns Photography for capturing our honoree portraits.
Teachers of the Year
Bethany Blessinger, Ripley High School
Ms. Bethany Blessinger has taught for 24 years, with 22 of those years in Lauderdale County and a year in Georgia and Alabama, respectively. She currently serves as the Librarian at Ripley High School as well as various leadership roles. Bethany received her Bachelor of Science degree from Athens State University with a focus in Language Arts Education (7-12). She has also received her Master’s in Psychology from the University of Tennessee - Martin and a Masters add on certificate in Library Science from the University of Memphis.
Melissa Goforth, Ripley Middle School
In her seventh year of teaching, Ms. Melissa Goforth teaches 7th grade Math at Ripley Middle School. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in University Studies with a concentration in Education from the University of Tennessee - Martin. She has also earned a Master of Business Administration from Bethel University and a Master of Education in Interdisciplinary Teaching from the University of Tennessee - Martin.
Jessica Henson, Halls Elementary School
Ms. Jessica Henson is a 5th and 6th grade Special Education Teacher at Halls Elementary School. She has taught for twelve years. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Sociology and a Master of Education in Elementary Education from the University of Tennessee - Martin. Additionally, she has received her Special Education Interventionist endorsement from the University of Tennessee.
Lauren Massongill, Ripley Elementary School
Ms. Lauren Massongill has taught at Ripley Elementary School for four years. During her time at Ripley Elementary, Lauren has taught 3rd through 5th grade self-contained classes. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from Union University, with a major in Special Education.
Kelly Noel, Halls High School
Ms. Kelly Noel earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Master of Education degrees from the University of Tennessee - Martin. After a career in city government, she transitioned into education. Kelly is in her fifth year at Halls High School, where she serves as the Business and Marketing teacher. Kelly was also selected as Lauderdale County Schools’ Secondary Level Teacher of the Year.
Lesley Olds, Ripley Primary School
Ms. Lesley Olds is completing her 32nd year of teaching, presently serving as the Librarian and Computer Science teacher at Ripley Primary School. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Lambuth University and a Master of Science in Information Science from the University of Tennessee - Knoxville. Lesley was also selected as Lauderdale County Schools’ Elementary Level Teacher of the Year.
Melissa Terry, Ed.D; Ripley Elementary School
Following a twenty-year career in Emergency Medical Services, Dr. Melissa Terry transitioned in education and is currently in her tenth year of teaching. She serves as a 5th grade Math teacher at Ripley Elementary School. Dr. Terry has received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Master of Science in Instruction and Curriculum Leadership from the University of Memphis. Additionally, she has received a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University and a Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership with an emphasis in Digital Transformation from Capella University.
Bailey Turner, Halls Elementary School
Ms. Bailey Turner obtained a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Memphis and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Lipscomb University. She has taught for 14 years and currently teaches Kindergarten English-Language Arts.
Charity Weller, Halls Junior High School
Ms. Charity Weller has taught for 14 years, teaching at Ripley Elementary School and currently teaching 7th grade English-Language Arts at Halls Junior High School. She was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Tennessee - Martin. Charity was also selected as Lauderdale County Schools’ Middle Level Teacher of the Year.
Principal of the Year
Jessica Newman, Ripley Elementary School
Following a career as a Registered Nurse, Ms. Jessica Newman transitioned into the field of education. She began her career at Ripley Primary School as a Physical Education teacher before later transitioning into school administration. She served as both the Curriculum Coordinator and the Assistant Principal for Ripley Primary School. In 2022, Ms. Jessica assumed the role of Principal of Ripley Elementary School. Ms. Jessica received her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from the University of Memphis and her Master of Science in Educational Leadership from the University of Tennessee, Martin.
Supervisor of the Year
Latonya Jackson, Director of Secondary and Career Technical Education
Ms. Latonya Jackson received an Associate of Science degree in Elementary Education from Dyersburg State Community College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Education with a major in Human Development and Learning from the University of Memphis. She also received a Master of Education in School Counseling from the University of West Alabama and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Trevecca-Nazarene University. Following her tenure at Brighton Middle School as a teacher and counselor, Ms. Latonya served as Principal of Ripley Middle School. She also served as the Principal of Haywood High School before returning to Lauderdale County to serve in her current role as the Director of Secondary and Career-Technical Education.