From 2016-2020, all five Tennessee Teachers of the Year received bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degrees from TICUA Institutions. We want to spotlight Tennessee's outstanding educators and the institutions that helped to mold them.

Today, we honor the 2016 Teacher of the Year, Dr. Cathy Pressnell. Dr. Pressnell received her Bachelor's from the University of Mississippi, her master's and licensure from UT Martin, and completed her doctorate at Lipscomb University. She earned the honor of Teacher of the Year in 2016 while teaching 3rd grade in Chester County Schools. She is currently the Director of Literacy for grades 3-6 for Murfreesboro City Schools.

Spotlighting Excellence in Education: 

Dr. Derek Voiles

From 2016-2020, all five Tennessee Teachers of the Year received bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degrees from TICUA Institutions. We want to spotlight Tennessee's outstanding educators and the institutions that helped to mold them.

Today, we honor the 2017 Teacher of the Year, Dr. Derek Voiles. Dr. Voiles received his Bachelor’s Degree in English-Literature and a Master’s Degree in Teaching English as a Second Language from Carson-Newman University, an Education Specialist Degree in Instructional Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from East Tennessee State University. He now serves as the Assistant Principal at Lincoln Heights Middle School in Hamblen County and was recently recognized as the 2022 National Outstanding Assistant Principal from Tennessee by the Tennessee Principal Association. 

Spotlighting Excellence in Education: 

Dr. Cicely Woodard

From 2016-2020, all five Tennessee Teachers of the Year received bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degrees from TICUA Institutions. We want to spotlight Tennessee's outstanding educators and the institutions that helped to mold them.

Today, we honor the 2018 Teacher of the Year, Dr. Cicely Woodard. Dr. Woodard says her degrees are among some of her proudest accomplishments including a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from The University of Memphis, a Master of Education from Vanderbilt University, and a Doctor of Education from Lipscomb University.

Spotlighting Excellence in Education: 

Melissa Miller

From 2016-2020, all five Tennessee Teachers of the Year received bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degrees from TICUA Institutions. We want to spotlight Tennessee's outstanding educators and the institutions that helped to mold them.

Today, we honor the 2019 Teacher of the Year, Melissa Miller. She attended Columbia State Community College, Middle Tennessee State University, and earned a master’s and doctorate degree from Trevecca Nazarene University. “God gave me the gift of teaching, and I have always promised to use it and work for it as if I’m working for Him,” she said. Miller is a 1st grade teacher in the Franklin Special School District.