MEF Educator of the Year Award

MEF Educator of the Year Award

Geographic Scope: Signal Mountain, Tennessee (Three schools: Nolan Elementary, Thrasher Elementary, Signal Mountain Middle School, Signal Mountain High School)

Award Type: Recognition and financial award for outstanding educators

Amount: $1,000 per honoree awarded annually (one from each school)

Award Details:

Recipients: One educator honored from each of the four schools (4 total awards)

Monetary Award: $1,000 per recipient

- $500 designated for classroom or school-related expenses
- $500 for personal use

Recognition: Themed desktop trophy

Permanent Recognition: Perpetual plaque installed at each school to honor future winners

Eligibility Criteria:

Eligible Personnel

• All school personnel including teachers, administrators, and support staff
• Minimum tenure requirement: 3+ years employed at a Signal Mountain school

Selection Criteria

Honorees selected based on demonstration of one or more of the following:
• Innovation in the classroom
• Passion and creativity
• Outstanding commitment and leadership
• Community collaboration and unity

Award Background:

Inaugural award held in 2025 (announced February 1, 2025 at Celebration for Education gala)

Inaugural award received 30+ nominations

Now an annual award with permanent plaques at each school

2025 Winners:

Tammy Burns – MEF-Funded Reading Interventionist at Thrasher Elementary

Jessica Matukewicz – 3rd Grade Teacher at Nolan Elementary

Allison Mulloy – Art Teacher at Signal Mountain Middle School

William Greer – German Teacher at Signal Mountain High School

Funder: Mountain Education Foundation Inc (TN, US)
Contact: info@MEFtoday.org | PO Box 81, Signal Mountain, TN 37377 | 2650 Sam Powell Trail, Signal Mountain, TN 37377
Presentation: Awards presented by MEF Board Chair, each school's principal, and PTA/PTSA president