Lillie F. Fitzgerald Excellence in Teaching Award

Purpose: The highest honor at the local level to recognize and encourage teaching excellence in the classroom. The award is both personal (to reward teachers for dedication and teaching excellence) and professional (funding for classroom use to impact student learning).

Geographic Scope: Bradley County Schools and Cleveland City Schools, Tennessee

Eligibility:

• Teachers from Cleveland City Schools and Bradley County Schools
• Demonstrated teaching excellence
• Dedication to student learning and academic success

Focus Areas:
Based on characteristics exemplified by Lillie Frank Fitzgerald:

• Love of learning
• Belief that academic success is possible for all students
• Passion for teaching
• Excellence in classroom instruction

Background:
Established in 2005 by Rodney and Margo Fitzgerald in honor of Lillie Frank Fitzgerald, who taught English and speech at Bradley Central High School for 37-38 years. She was passionate about teaching and instilled in each student a love of learning and a belief in academic success.

Administered through the Bradley Cleveland Public Education Foundation. Over 21 recipients have received this award since its inception as of 2023.

Award Components:

• Cash award for personal use
• Professional funds for classroom benefit (examples: $2,000 mentioned in 2022 award)

Past Recipients Include:

• 2024-25: Laura Anziano (Charleston STEAM Academy) and Siema Swartzel (Arnold Elementary)
• 2023: Denise George (Charleston Elementary STEAM Academy)
• 2022: Rodney Broadnax (Cleveland Middle School) and Stacey Wielfaert (Walker Valley High School)
• 2023 recipients demonstrate:
  • 25+ year teaching veterans
  • School/district Teacher of the Year awards
  • STEM/STEAM initiative leadership
  • Grant writing and professional development accomplishments

Contact Information:

• BCPEF Phone: (423) 476-0034
• Address: 833 N Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311
• Mailing: PO Box 4354, Cleveland, TN 37320