In a heartwarming story from Rogersville, Tennessee, Missy Testerman, a second-grade teacher at Rogersville City School, has been announced as the recipient of the prestigious 2024 National Teacher of the Year award. Testerman's exceptional commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for students from different cultures has made her a true hero in the education community.

The journey that led Testerman to receiving this esteemed recognition began when Ali Aglan, a young boy from Egypt, joined her second-grade class. Having recently moved to rural east Tennessee, Ali initially struggled to find acceptance among his peers. Distressed, he confided in his mother, Rabab Aglan, who promptly reached out to Testerman for support. Through Testerman's thoughtful intervention and nurturing approach, Ali soon found himself surrounded by friends who embraced and supported him.

Testerman's devotion to her students didn't end there. Recognizing the importance of language acquisition for non-English speaking students, Testerman obtained an endorsement to teach English as a second language in 2022. This allowed her to provide essential support to children like Ali's sister, Jasmen, who is now one of Testerman's ESL students.

The Council of Chief State School Officers announced on Wednesday that Testerman was selected as the recipient of the National Teacher of the Year award after being chosen from among the state teachers of the year. The news of her achievement was delivered by First Lady Jill Biden during a nationally televised appearance, where she presented Testerman with a bouquet of flowers. In addition to the recognition, Testerman and other top teachers will be treated to a state dinner at the White House.

Taking on her role as Teacher of the Year, Testerman's responsibilities will extend beyond the confines of her classroom. As an ambassador, she will travel the country advocating for strong support and advocacy for students and educators alike. In her finalist application, Testerman expressed concern about the disconnect between education policies and the actual challenges faced in classrooms. She emphasized the need for policy-makers to be better informed about the realities of education and the impact of their decisions on students.

Throughout her illustrious 30-year teaching career, Testerman has consistently championed the celebration of diversity while fostering a sense of shared humanity among her students. Her curriculum blends literacy and social studies through the study of famous Americans from various backgrounds. Currently, Testerman works with 21 students whose first language is not English, representing five different languages and hailing from five countries across four continents.

Testerman's approach to teaching English as a second language is both practical and effective. Starting with pictures and gestures, she gradually introduces vocabulary and basic sentence structures. Witnessing the transformation as students gain confidence and language proficiency brings Testerman immense joy. She understands the significance of empowering her students to communicate their needs, starting with fundamental phrases like requesting to use the bathroom or asking for basic supplies.

Beyond the classroom, Testerman also invests time and effort in building relationships with her students' families. She guides them in navigating American culture, helping them integrate into the community by acquainting them with local resources such as libraries and post offices. She actively promotes understanding and acceptance among her neighbors, fostering unity among all residents in this tight-knit Appalachian town.

Missy Testerman's remarkable dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive educational environment has rightly earned her the title of National Teacher of the Year. Her innovative teaching methods, warm-hearted approach, and passion for empowering students have transformed the lives of countless children. As Testerman embarks on her ambassadorial role, she will undoubtedly continue to inspire educators nationwide to advocate for their students and ensure an equitable and nurturing learning experience for all.