TACEI 2009 Classroom Teacher Excellence Award
Middle School Teacher

Deana Sain

For the last 10 years, Deana Sain’s 5th grade class at Bolivar Elementary School has partnered with students from Union University in a “Book Buddy” project during which time the students email each other about a book they are reading and other things. At the end of the study, Deana brings her students on a field trip to Union’s campus for a celebration with their book buddies.

Having had Deana in graduate courses at Union, and now working with her for the last 10 years on this project, I have had ample opportunity to observe Deana’s dedication and commitment to the teaching field. She gives 110% to her school and her students, serving as the Beta Club sponsor as well, which requires many hours of additional time on her part. Her students love her and 4th graders look forward to being in her class.

In addition, she has served as a wonderful role model and mentor for the pre-service teachers that have been in her classroom observing and conducting their field experiences.  I would love for every one of my students to have the opportunity to observe Mrs. Sain, as she exemplifies “best practice” in her all of her Reading and Language Arts classes.

Dianne Hall

Dianne Hall is a exemplar veteran teacher. She teaches 6th grade reading and language arts at Siegel Elementary School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.  She is also a teacher consultant for the Middle Tennessee Writing Project.  She directs one of the Youth Writers' Camps that meets at MTSU.

Dianne is an  outstanding teacher who encourages her children to fall in love with  reading.  She keeps her 6th graders actively involved in reading through  performance tasks and authentic experiences.  This year she is teaching  writing and incorporating her writing and reading together.  She, too,  motivates and inspires her children to do their best.