3 teachers of the year honored

The Hamilton County Education Council, together with the Bowers Automotive Group, Chattanoga Arrea Federal Credit Union and the Hamilton County School Foundation, recognized 2025 school teachers during a ceremony on Thursday.

Sally Warm, first -class teacher at Red Bank Elementary; Jamie Petty, sixth grade teacher at Nordic Park Museum Magnet Upper; And Candice Clark-Smith, welding instructor at Sequoyah High School, were honored for their remarkable work as a top teachers for the year. In addition to Public recognition, teachers received the use of a car for one year from Bowers Automotive Group and a $ 500 check in Chattanooga area Federal Credit Union schools.

President of the Bowers car group, Bradley Cobb, reflected on The importance of teachers in the community while announcing that teachers of the year is to provide the use of a car for the coming year the recognition of their achievement.

“Apart from family and church, there is no more important group of people who can help model our children in a positive way than teachers,” said Mr. Cobb. “Bowers Automotive Group, along with many local businesses, want to help recognize and reward these three incredible teachers for all their hard work and dedication to our children. Our goal is to help improve this program to get more applications and involvement from all teachers in Hamilton County who make a daily commitment to our community, helping to educate our children. “

Chattanooga Area Schools Credit President and CEO of the Union, David Siatkowski, presented to each of the teachers a check of $ 500 in recognizing their achievements and thanked them for dedicating them.

“Chattanooga Area Schools Credit Union is proud to associate with schools in Hamilton County and we are proud to present $ 500 to each of these teachers to honor their achievements and thank them for their exceptional performance,” said Mr. Siatkowski. “It is our honor to recognize them as teachers
of the year and for their dedication to their students. ”

According to HCS superintendent of schools, Dr. Justin Robertson, the involvement of community partners highlights the importance of high quality teachers.

“Every day, teachers model the future by inspiring and equipping students with the skills they need to be successful,” said Dr. Robertson. “Candice Clark-Smith, Jamie Petty and Sally Warm exemplify the commitment, passion and innovation that define the best in education. We are proud to recognize their contributions and grateful for the lasting impact they have on students, schools and wider community in Hamilton County. “

Sally Warm – Elementary School Honorrhee (Red Bank Elementary)
A first -class teacher with seven years of experience, Mrs. Warm is a trailblazer in outdoor education. It has played a key role in expanding the program of the Forest School of the Red bank, contributing to the development of a first -class curriculum that integrates the state standards in Tennessee with nature -based learning. Using the outdoor air as a classroom, Mrs. Warm creates Hands-on learning experiences, based on students, who build fundamental math and literacy skills, while favoring the curiosity and administration of the environment. It also connects their students to the wider community through projects such as food units led by students and mocking governance activities that bring civic lessons to life. At the end of the year, the students present their final project at school and the wider community on the annual outdoor night.

“Students gain important public speech skills through this process, learn significant character habits that are applied to scenarios throughout the year and earn a feeling of pride in being achieved to the school and their family community,” said Mrs. Warm.

Jamie Petty – Middle School Honoree (Magnet of the Normal Park Museum)
With 24 years of teaching experience, Mr. Petty is dedicated to social studies to become alive for his students. He underlines investigations based on investigations, helping students connect historical events to the modern world through debates, primary source analysis and interactive projects. One of his most impactful lessons involves provocative students to evaluate the inheritance of historical figures such as shi Huangdi through written arguments, verbal debates and creative projects, such as calligraphy art and Great Wall of China models.

“One of my favorite markers of students’ success is when students are excited about learning social studies and deciding to read and research themselves, sharing what is learning with me,” said Mr. Petty.

Mr. Petty is also a leader in professional development, supporting the district teachers in the use of technology and investigations -based instructions to improve the involvement of students.

Candice Clark-Smith-Ice Honori (Sequaoyah High School)
Welding instructor with eight years of experience, Mrs. Clark-Smith is passionate about training students for real success in qualified trades. Her students are engaged in practical learning that connects the industry standards with practical applications, such as building personalized projects for the community and participating in structural bending tests that reflect the requirements of professional certification.

Beyond the class, she encouraged a culture of excellence at the school level through the annual welding competition, which brings together students from all over the region to present their skills, to gain recognized credentials and to connect with local employers.

“The impact of the AWS welding competition resonates throughout our school, encouraging a positive environment that encourages students to excel not only in welding, but also as employed and responsible members of their community,” she said.