TACEI 2009 Classroom Teacher Excellence Award
PreK-Kindergarten

Martha S. Freeman

Martha S. Freeman teachers children in Kindergarten at Martin Primary School in Martin, Tennessee.  As a kindergarten teacher, Martha was instrumental in mentoring several kindergarten practicum students in a professional and caring manner.  From her, they learned effective strategies of classroom management, techniques for fostering interest and enthusiasm toward curriculum topics, and methodology for injecting communication, language, and pre-reading skills into all classroom activities.

As a pre-kindergarten teacher, Martha exhibits great enthusiasm for teaching, a genuine concern for her students, and the ability to transform her classroom into an authentic educational environment for optimum learning.  Social development and personal responsibilities are evident through the care for classroom pets and materials that are available for the advancement of scholarship.

Debbie Siegfried

Debbie Siegfreid teaches at Homer Pittard Campus School-Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro,  Tennessee.

Mary Myron

Mary Myron teachers 5-6 year olds at the University School on the campus of East Tennessee State University in  Johnson City, Tennessee.  She has taught kindergarten for 12 years and previously taught preschool for 9 years.  Her  positive attitude, love for children, strong knowledge base of child development and early childhood education, and dedication to life-long learning are reflected in the outstanding quality  program she provides for kindergarten children and their families at University School.

Her enthusiasm, innovativeness, and her genuine concern for quality early childhood experiences are exemplary.  Mary serves as a mentor teacher for student teachers and welcomes numerous practicum students into her classroom each semester.  Her flexibility in working with students, teachers, professors, and the public has earned her an enviable reputation as an excellent teacher who truly cares about educating young learners in developmentally appropriate ways.