Center Story

Graduate School Alumnus Named Shelby County K-4 Teacher of the Year

February 8, 2013 - Dr. Heather Fisher is no stranger to Union University, as she has obtained multiple degrees in Education from the university. Fisher holds the M.Ed. (2000), Ed.S. (2004) and Ed.D. (2006) from Union, but it is her current achievement that has brought her the most recent attention. Fisher was recently named as Shelby County Schools’ K-4 Teacher of the Year.

Fisher currently teaches third grade students at Dogwood Elementary School in Germantown, TN, and she was surprised to receive a visit from district and school-level administrators and teachers. She was in the middle of a Science Lab with her students when the announcement came, complete with balloons and congratulatory words. Fisher says, “I never dreamed that I would be named Shelby County’s K-4 Teacher of the Year.”

Fisher attributes her success to God, stating, “As a Christian, it is my desire to glorify the Lord in all that I do. For me, this reward brings glory to Him.”  Fisher is appreciative of the support she has received from her parents, colleagues and mentors during her teaching career.   She also credits the preparation she received as a Union University student. 

“My graduate studies at Union opened my mind to new ways of teaching and relevant research, in a collegial atmosphere,” Fisher said. “I must say that I cherished those Saturday classes because I got to exchange ideas with so many educators. I learned so much from this experience.”

Fisher’s award as Shelby County’s K-4 Teacher of the Year makes her eligible to be a Regional Teacher of the Year, as her recent award is affiliated with the Tennessee Teacher of the Year award.

Fisher has been teaching for 16 years, but it is evident that she never wants her work or passion for teaching and learning to become stagnant.

“Every year I pick an area in which I would like to improve and work toward that goal. I love to learn new things. I embrace learning and hope that I never get over my desire to learn. Sharing ideas is essential to keeping our profession healthy,” Fisher said.

Union University’s School of Education is honored by the success of Dr. Heather Fisher. Clearly, she is making a positive difference in the lives of young minds. To learn more about Union University’s graduate degrees in Education, please visit:  http://www.uu.edu/programs/education/graduate/ .