Allyson Chick, a 2000 graduate of The University of Memphis College of Education, Health and Human Sciences (CEHHS), was recently named the 2012 Tennessee Teacher of the Year by the Tennessee Department of Education. Ms. Chick is the first Memphis teacher in three decades to win the state’s top honor. “The Teacher of the Year awards not only allow us to recognize some of the best teachers in the state, but also provide an opportunity to share and learn from their inspired, effective methods of instruction,” said Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman.

Chick teaches second and third grade at Richland Elementary School, and is known for her creative class projects and personalized approach to instruction. During her 11 years teaching in Memphis City Schools, Chick has served as a Common Core Coach, a Teach Plus Fellow and a leader in various school, district and state-level education organizations. She has also served as preservice instructive mentor for teacher candidates in the CEHHS Ready2Teach teacher residency program, and has achieved National Board of Teaching Standards certification which is recognized as the most rigorous teacher certification process in the country. “Her commitment to education is evident, and her character has been shaped by her exceptional ability and the commitment to serve,” said Dr. Kriner Cash, superintendent of Memphis City Schools.

Chick connects with students and parents by setting goals together, regularly posting information on a class website and even providing Spanish translation for Hispanic families. “Allyson has proven to be a dedicated, caring and extraordinarily skilled educator with a single-minded focus on the academic and social/emotional development of all students,” said Richland Elementary Principal Sharon McNary. CEHHS Dean Donald Wagner stated, “The College commends Ms. Chick on this outstanding honor and is proud that her University of Memphis degree is serving her and the community well.”