TPAC is proud to honor excellence in education with our Teacher of the Year award. Each year, we accept applications from teachers who participate in our education programs and connect their students to the arts. The award includes a $1,000 grant for the recipient’s school and is presented in the spring.
Read what TPAC’s exceptional Teacher of the Year recipients for the past two years have to say about the impact of arts integration for their students.
2021-22 TPAC Teacher of the Year – Joyce Platz of Sumner Academy
~ also pictured at top with her students and colleague Sheree Zobi
“I choose to participate to add to my toolbox. I am still teaching the same skills and content but in a more engaging way. I was lucky enough to have had a childhood that valued the arts, exposed me to the arts, and let me know that I could make art. I want to ensure that every student that I have contact with has the same experience.
When the students create something individually or collaboratively they pay more attention to the material from start to finish. When their work can be compared to or related to a professional work they gain confidence and increase their sense of self value.”
2020-21 TPAC Teacher of the Year – Stephanie Higgs of Crockett Elementary
“As a Middle Tennessee native, I have the utmost respect for TPAC and still visit annually on treasured mother-daughter excursions. I grew up with a deep appreciation for the performing arts, taking a variety of music and dance lessons from elementary through high school. Some of my favorite childhood memories involved field trips to TPAC from the elementary school I attended in Maury County. It was a full circle moment in my career as I reflected on the enchantment I experienced when witnessing a TPAC performance for the first time as a child. Experiencing the magic as a teacher who was exposing my students to arts integration opportunities at the very same venue I enjoyed as a young student has been one of my best full-circle moments in education.”
Past Recipients
| Joy Patton | Renaissance High School | 2019-20 |
| Adam Prouty | Warner Elementary Arts Magnet | 2018-19 |
| Miya Robertson | Gower Elementary School | 2017-18 |
| Caroline Sharp | William Henry Oliver Middle School | 2016-17 |
| Allison Brazzel | Glencliff High School | 2015-16 |
| April Gunter | Oakland High School | 2014-15 |
| Nelda Sturgeon | Robertson Academy | 2013-14 |
| Debbie Shannon | Lighthouse Christian School | 2012-13 |
| Lauri Kaye Burns | Spring Hill High School | 2011-12 |
| Kenneth King | Hume-Fogg High School | 2010-11 |
| William Mann | Seigel High School | 2009-10 |
| Meghen Sanders | Stratford High School | 2008-09 |
| Rita Read | East Robertson High School | 2007-08 |
| Elaine Hoffert | Northeast High School | 2006-07 |
| Kim Howard | Merrol Hyde Magnet School | 2005-06 |
| Paul E. Smethers | Beech High School | 2004-05 |
| Dr. Pat Clark | Alcoa High School | 2003-04 |
| John Shuler | Jones Paideia Magnet School | 2002-03 |
| Lynn Colvin | Springfield High School | 2001-02 |
| Lois McGonigal | Blackman High School | 2000-01 |
| Natalie Camp | Sequatchie County High School | 1999-00 |
| Josie McCamish | Riverdale and Smyrna High Schools, Gifted Education | 1998-99 |
| Sandra Joyner | Franklin High School | 1997-98 |
| Jaque Scarborough | Beech High School | 1996-97 |
| Vicki Keith | Santa Fe School | 1995-96 |
| Marva Nettles | Page Middle School | 1994-95 |
