Parents & Families Share Teacher Appreciation Week Messages

Miriam Brooks, first grade teacher at Rosebank Elementary 

“I want to acknowledge what a great teacher Ms. Brooks is and how lucky her students are to have her! In the beginning of the year she noticed my son and a few others struggling with handwriting, so she put a practice sheet and a dry erase marker in his backpack and bought some special pencil grips for the kids to use during class. My son has improved SO much this year and I really attribute so much of that to her kindness and care. I know I echo all the other families in that we are so thankful she is at Rosebank and part of our community there. We love her dearly!” 

—Casey Chambers 

Ciara Sohr, second grade teacher at Glendale Spanish Immersion Elementary School 

“Shoutout to Srta. Sohr for giving my 2nd grader the best year! She is stern when needed, but always leads with love, and has been such a safe place for her students to land this year. Srta. Sohr is incredibly thoughtful about meeting each child where they are academically and emotionally, and she knows exactly how to support them in a way that helps them thrive. We are so grateful for her!” 

— Meghan Lewis 

LaTonya Givens, audio production teacher at Pearl-Cohn High School 

Ms. Tone (as the kids call her) is one of the sweetest and most caring teachers there at Pearl Cohn.  She has a beautiful spirit and soul and she is all about those students there at the school. She is often seen not only as a teacher but as a mother figure, aunt, confidant, and friend. Ms. Tone not only teaches her students about audio and music production, she also teaches them life lessons that they will carry with them long after their matriculation through and from Pearl Cohn. My family and I love us some Ms. Tone!!! 

— LaTonya Yarlett 

Ms. Weston, fourth grade English Language Arts teacher at Ruby Major Elementary School 

“Ms. Weston makes learning ELA fun for the students! She’s great at communicating with parents.” 

— Catherine Powell 

Sarah Ockenhouse, third Grade English Language Arts & Social Studies teacher at Julia Green Elementary School 

“Not only did Sarah kindly step in mid year to take over for another teacher, she went above and beyond to make sure the students were ready for TCAP despite the disruption in their year. She helped them build confidence in these subjects and offered free help after hours to make sure our students felt prepared. She also looked out for my daughter on a personal level and helped her navigate some social challenges that come with being a 3rd grade girl. Outstanding teacher all around.” 

— Des Preston 

Kyle Moon, history teacher at McGavock High School 

Mr. Moon knows how to bring people together. I love the community he has created for our students. My family is grateful for his dedication to the student council program. The way he relates to the students is a beautiful thing to witness! 

— Chantel Fleming 

Danielle Xavier, Kindergarten teacher at Cockrill Elementary School 

“Ms Xavier goes above and beyond to support her students and our very small PTO team at Cockrill!” 

— Sarah Easterwood 

Charmaine Quiblat, kindergarten teacher at Rosebank Elementary School 

“Ms. Q is such a kind and caring teacher!  Her ability to impart knowledge on this class of kindergarteners while also making the school day fun always amazes me!” 

— Danielle Howard 

Dejeen Salih, Physical Education teacher at Norman Binkley Elementary School 

“Ms. Salih is an incredible PE teacher but she also extends herself to being an incredible advocate and supporter of our students who are Muslim. She helped our PTA to achieve our goals to be as inclusive as possible this year, and we are so grateful to have her insights and advocacy!” 

— Susannah Berry 

Ms. Weinreich, Kindergarten teacher at Inglewood Elementary School 

“My daughter adores Ms. Weinreich! She makes learning fun and provides really cool experiences for her students. She is also a great communicator with parents and always makes sure we are informed of what's going on in the classroom and at school! We are so thankful for Ms. Weinreich and all she does for her students!” 

— Jessica McCarville 

Ms. Willman, GATE teacher at Inglewood Elementary School 

“We are so thankful for Ms. Willman and the learning experiences she provides our daughter. Thank you for nurturing curiosity and encouraging big thinking. Our daughter is lucky to have you in her life!” 

— Jessica McCarville 

Grace Hazen, third grade ELA and Social Studies at Granbery Elementary School 

“Mrs. Hazen has worked diligently to build rapport with all kids. She continuously finds creative ways to engage his interests, focus him, and set the bar of learning and behavior high. Accountability is clear and students know what to expect. She’s an example to others as both a teacher and leader.” 

— Adrienne Cook 

Sophie Barton, AVID teacher at Hillsboro High School 

“Ms Barton has been a support and cheerleader for my son this year. I’m so grateful that he has her in his corner.” 

—Marianne Sabis 

Alannah Arnold, first grade teacher at Ruby Major Elementary School 

“We can’t say enough good things about Mrs. Arnold. Not only is she an incredible teacher, she’s also a wonderful friend and neighbor. I have had the pleasure of volunteering in her class and have witnessed first hand how great she is with the kids. She is patient, empathetic, kind and detailed. We have been so pleased with the progress Elliott has made this year with her as his teacher. He has improved his writing and reading skills and come a long way with his maturity and social skills. I wish he could have her again next year!” 

—Rachel Walden Griffin 

Mrs. Wilbur and Ms. Scheele, third grade teachers at Tulip Grove Elementary School

“We moved to Nashville before my daughter started kindergarten because it was top priority that she get the best education and have as many learning opportunities as possible. I am so happy she's flourished at Tulip Grove, with incredible teachers every year. We are so thankful to the entire TGE staff and faculty for putting our kids first every single day.” 

—Elizabeth Turner 

Dr. Smith at John Overton High School 

“Thank you, Dr. Smith for getting my child from freshman year to graduation. Your hard work and dedication is appreciated.” 

—Cheri Drummond 

Evan O’Neal, music teacher at Smith Springs Elementary School 

“The Music Team at Smith Springs is absolutely incredible. Their dedication, passion, and kindness are always on display during school and at events. They are exemplary educators and even cooler people. Absolute rock stars!!” 

—Katie Wooten 

Lisa Jennings, second grade teacher at Shayne Elementary School 

“Ms Jennings is the sweetest teacher one could ever hope their 2nd grader could have. She is a wonderful classroom instructor and her heart lies with nurturing young minds and hearts. She is the best!!” 

—Sarah Stephens  

Thi Minh Anh Tran, fourth grade teacher at Shayne Elementary School 

“Ms Tran is in her first year of teaching but you would think she had taught for years. She teaches math and science in such a way that kids want to learn.” 

—Sarah Stephens 

Jan Hatleberg, art teacher at Meigs Academic Magnet Middle School 

“Ms. Hatleberg recognizes a passion for art in her students and fuels the flames! She encourages them and supports them in every way possible. She’s an amazing teacher and champion of her students!” 

—Allyn Spacek 

Alexis-Marie Stoy, third grade teacher at Joelton Elementary School 

“Ms. Stoy is truly an outstanding teacher who consistently goes above and beyond for her students. She has a special ability to meet each child where they are and help move them to the next level, both academically and personally. Her dedication, patience, and passion for teaching shine through in everything she does.  She creates a positive and encouraging environment where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired to succeed. Ms. Stoy is truly a rockstar teacher, and the impact she makes on her students will last far beyond the classroom. We are so grateful for all that she does!” 

—Melinda Stilz 

Samuel Cummins, second grade teacher at A.Z. Kelley Elementary School 

“Thank you for all of your dedication and support.” 

—Caritra Manghane 

Maya Manns and Onieka Hunt, fourth grade teachers at A.Z. Kelley Elementary School 

“Your passion for teaching shines in everything you do!  Thanks for all that you do.”  

Sherry Culler, second grade teacher at Ruby Major Elementary School 

“Mrs. Culler is patient with her students. She goes out of her way to help them be successful!” 

—Catherine Powell 

India Otero, first grade teacher at Lockeland Design Center 

“Its her 1st year at the school and she has been so sweet. She is for sure patient with our kiddos and is always so cheerful." 

—Meicka Stone 

Samantha Berry, English teacher at McGavock High School 

“I really appreciate Mrs. Berry! She is an amazing teacher!” 

—Samantha Smith 

Heather Blankenship and Rhonda Gordon, teachers at Dodson Elementary School 

“As a teacher, they are a true beacon of inspiration—their kindness, patience, and unwavering support make every student feel seen and valued. They cultivate a learning environment full of curiosity and empathy, embodying what it means to be a mentor, a guide, and a true supporter for every young mind!”  

—Brittany Durbin