National Teacher of the Year
“Because of ETSU, I was able to have a career and not just a job.”
–Misty Testerman
Missy Testerman knows how much effort goes into advising students about their college choices, what courses to take, and how to ensure that relevant forms are completed.
But a generation ago, that concentrated effort wasn’t always there.
So, when she arrived on the campus of East Tennessee State University more than three decades ago as a first-generation college student, she needed wisdom, guidance, and practical advice from the university community.
“I found tremendous support at ETSU, from faculty and students, especially in the College of Education,” she recalled earlier this year.
She’s chosen to pay it forward – and the country has taken notice.
This spring, officials named her the 2024 National Teacher of the Year. In a nationally televised appearance, First Lady Jill Biden surprised Testerman, who received a bouquet of flowers and an invitation to a state dinner at the White House.
Over the next year, Testerman will crisscross the nation as an educational ambassador. She’ll urge teachers to become passionate advocates for their students, as well as fellow educators.
“I am so humbled and excited to be the National Teacher of the Year,” she said. “And I am grateful for all the opportunities that ETSU gave me.”
Before a splendid career in the Rogersville City School System, where she serves as an English as a Second Language (ESL) instructor and program director, she earned an undergraduate degree at ETSU (and, later, a master’s degree).
She has since returned, speaking to faculty in the Clemmer College of Education and Human Development.
ETSU places a premium on hands-on learning. The university recently unveiled a new core curriculum aimed at emphasizing the real-world skills students need to succeed in their careers and as citizens.
“Clemmer faculty really emphasize this, and that is wonderful,” Testerman said. “We discussed how pivotal that is, both in the classroom and for future employers.
“When you graduate people who already have excellent experiences, they will be an even better employee.”
Beyond that, there are other reasons prompting Testerman’s warm feelings for ETSU.
Her daughter will enroll at ETSU in fall 2024.
“ETSU helped me change my life. Because of ETSU, I was able to have a career and not just a job,” Testerman said. “I loved being at ETSU, and now my daughter can make her own memories there.”
By O.J. Early | Photo contributed
Read more incredible stories in the Summer 2024 Edition of ETSU Today. #BucsGoBeyond
Stay in Touch
Follow ETSU on Social