McNairy County elementary school teacher Patty Kiddy was named Tennessee Teacher of the Year Thursday night during the Annual Teacher of the Year banquet. Also, Barbara Hillis was named a grand division winner from Middle Tennessee.

Ms. Kiddy has dedicated 35 years to teaching in Tennessee and teaches first grade at Selmer Elementary School in Selmer. She was named Selmer Elementary Teacher of the Year in 2009 and the Tennessee Education Association Teacher of the Year in 1991. She has been described by her peers as enthusiastic, hardworking and willing to try new and innovative methods in the classroom.

“Every year around this time we get to pause and show our gratitude to the great teachers that make learning possible in our classrooms,” said Dr. Connie Smith, Assistant Commissioner for Accountability, Teaching and Learning. “It is a great honor to recognize these hardworking professionals and it is a great honor to prepare our students for a successful future.”

Ms. Hillis has 19 years teaching experience and is currently teaching fourth grade at Dibrell Elementary Schools in McMinnville.

Tennessee’s Teacher of the Year Award Program and Banquet is sponsored by the Niswonger Foundation, a Greenville based oganization that provided student scholarships and resources for school systems in Tennessee. Each of the finalists receives a cash award courtesy of the Niswonger foundation. For more information about the Niswonger Foundation, visit http://www.niswongerfoundation.org/.