For Tennessee: Buckner is named a top teacher

By LARRY C. BOWERS Banner Staff Writer

Published October 17, 2006 10:24 AM EDT

Bradley Central High School teacher Barbie Buckner has been selected as one of the top three teachers in Tennessee.

Buckner was selected as the East Tennessee Grand Division winner at the Tennessee Department of Education presentation Monday night in Nashville. She was accompanied by her parents and Bradley Central Principal Tom Losh at this year’s ceremony.

Nine regional finalists were honored, each receiving $1,000 and a glass award. Buckner also received a $4,000 award as the Grand Division winner.

“By receiving this award I feel I’m appreciated and valued,” said the Bradley Central math instructor from her hotel room in Nashville this morning. “How do you put a price (on this award)? It’s priceless!

“I’ve come a long way from being a student in little Bland, Va.,” Buckner continued. “The values and the solid education I received there are what shaped me to be what I am today.”

Director of Schools Bob Taylor said Buckner is an exemplary person who well represents the quality of teachers in the Bradley County school system.

“Barbie is an outstanding teacher and a great person,” Taylor said. “Since I’ve had this job she has helped me above and beyond her teaching responsibilities.”

Buckner was one of three Teachers of the Year selected in the Bradley County school system. She was selected as one of three state finalists in the high school division. Finalists were also selected in the elementary and middle school divisions from the three geographical divisions of the state.

This year’s overall Tennessee Teacher of the Year was Susanna H. Frensley of Hillsboro High School in Metro Nashville. She will represent the state in the National Teacher of the Year competition. The West Tennessee Grand Division winner was Michael Morrison of Mount Pisgah Middle School in Shelby County.

In addition to her math responsibilities at Bradley Central, Buckner is a doctorate candidate in mathematics education. Shewas selected to present research at the National Science Foundation Centers for Learning and Teaching Conference in 2005.

She is an adjunct professor of computer information systems at Lee University, was named to Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers four times (1998, 2000, 2004 and 2006), and has written several grants totaling $32,249.

A teacher with 12 years experience, Buckner and her colleagues were praised by Gov. Phil Bredesen and Education Commissioner Lana Seivers Monday night.

“Teaching is a profession worthy of the utmost respect given the immense responsibility of preparing the next generation of scientists, authors, world leaders and business men and women,” said Gov. Bredesen. “The awards given tonight are one way we can recognize those who go above and beyond the job description to infuse excellence into education in Tennessee. We must do everything in our power to honor and reward leading educators and attract bright youth to pursue this noble calling.”

“This award honors teachers who epitomize the dedication, innovation and knowledge which characterize an outstanding educator,” said Commissioner Seivers. “Students respond when teachers show enthusiasm for their subject and genuine interest in the lives and successes of their students.”