A committee of educators, community representatives and former Teachers of the Year has designated three teachers from schools across Knox County to be Teachers of the Year for 2007.

Gina Byrd, Pre-K through fourth grade division, of A.L. Lotts Elementary, Thomas McMillan, fifth through eighth grade division, of Holston Middle School, and Wanda Lacy, ninth through twelfth grade division, of Farragut High School, will all represent Knox County Schools at the regional level of the annual competition. A teacher from each school in the school system was nominated for the award by their faculties.

GINA BYRD: Pre-K through fourth grade Teacher of the Year

"I believe educating children includes more than just teaching the academics," Byrd said. "Education includes teaching children how to develop self-worth, confidence, and independence.

Ms. Byrd teaches at A. L. Lotts Elementary School

"It is an honor to be selected by my colleagues to represent Knox County elementary teachers. I am very humbled to be chosen from such a professional and experienced group of educators," Byrd said.

After receiving her associate of arts degree in Pre-Elementary Education from Gulf Coast Community College Byrd went on to the University of West Florida where she earned her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education.

She started her teaching career in 1989 at an adult center in Panama City where she worked with students from 16 to 69 years of age. In the same year, she taught in an emotionally disturbed classroom in a Panama City elementary school.

Byrd later moved to Alabama where she taught at Wallace Community College in the adult education center, and then at Houston Academy teaching third and fifth grade.

In 2001, she moved to Knoxville where she began teaching kindergarten at A.L. Lotts Elementary.

During her time at A.L. Lotts, Byrd has served in many positions including on the School Improvement Action Plan Committee and the A.L. Lotts team captain for Buddy's Race Against Cancer.

"I believe educating children includes more than just teaching the academics," Byrd said. "Education includes teaching children how to develop self-worth, confidence, and independence. The most important part of my philosophy is to laugh everyday and never give up!"

The winners' portfolios will be sent to the East Tennessee Region of the State Department of Education for further competition and possible advancement to the state level. Six teachers from around the state will be named Tennessee Teachers of the Year. One of them will advance to the national competition.