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.

WANDA LACY: ninth through twelfth grade Teacher of the Year

"I have incredible students in my class and I love teaching them mathematics"

Ms. Lacy teaches at Farragut High School

For the past 24 years, Wanda Lacy has taught mathematics at Farragut High School. "I have incredible students in my class and I love teaching them mathematics," she said. "Each day is unique and exciting. I have an opportunity to hopefully make a difference in my students' lives. I have a unique opportunity to touch the future."

With a master of mathematics and a bachelor of science in math education from the University of Tennessee, Lacy currently teaches twelfth grade advance placement calculus. "The rewards that I find in teaching are simply the emphatic 'Oh, I get it!' when a student finally understands, the laughter in the classroom when the unexpected happens, the smiles in the hallways and in the classroom, the trust that the students have in me, the notes and emails from parents thanking me for taking care of their children, and the 'Have a great weekend Mrs. Lacy.' One of the best rewards is hearing 'I can't believe that this class is over! I love this class!'"

"I have a unique opportunity to touch the future."

Lacy is a member of the Knox County Education Association, Tennessee Education Association, National Education Association, Smoky Mountain Mathematics Education Association and National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

"I am very honored to be named the high school Teacher of the Year for Knox County," Lacy said. "It is amazing to receive an honor for something that you love to do."

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.