Hamilton County Schools leadership honored three exceptional educators as the district’s 2024-25 Teachers of the Year on February 28, surprising each of them in their classrooms with the exciting news.
This year’s honorees are:
- Sally Warm, a first-grade teacher at Red Bank Elementary
- Jamie Petty, a sixth-grade social studies teacher at Normal Park Museum Magnet
- Candice Clark-Smith, a welding instructor at Sequoyah High School
Each of these educators was first named Teacher of the Year at their respective schools before being selected as the top educators representing their grade levels across Hamilton County.
HCS Superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson, along with school principals and district leaders, joined in the surprise announcements, celebrating the dedication, innovation, and impact of these outstanding teachers. These educators will now advance to consideration at the state level for Tennessee Teacher of the Year recognition.
As CCA’s only social worker, Weiler provides emotional and mental health support for students in grades six through twelve. She’s there for the tough moments—helping students navigate anxiety, depression, and personal struggles—but she also makes sure to celebrate their successes.
“Every day, teachers are shaping the future by inspiring and equipping students with the skills they need to succeed,” said Dr. Robertson. “Candice Clark-Smith, Jamie Petty, and Sally Warm exemplify the commitment, passion, and innovation that define the best in education. We are proud to recognize their contributions and grateful for the lasting impact they have on students, schools, and the broader Hamilton County community.”
Meet the 2024-25 HCS Teachers of the Year
Sally Warm – Elementary School Honoree (Red Bank Elementary)
A first-grade teacher with seven years of experience, Warm is a trailblazer in outdoor education. She played a key role in expanding Red Bank’s Forest School Program, helping to develop a first-grade curriculum that integrates Tennessee state standards with nature-based learning.
By using the outdoors as a classroom, Warm creates hands-on, student-driven learning experiences that build foundational math and literacy skills while fostering curiosity and environmental stewardship. She also connects her students to the broader community through projects like student-led food drives and mock-government activities that bring civic lessons to life. At the end of the year, students present their final project to the school and broader community at the annual Outdoor Night. “Students gain important public speaking skills through this process, learn meaningful habits of character that are applied to scenarios throughout the rest of the year, and gain a sense of pride in showcasing their accomplishment to the school community and their family,” said Warm.
Jamie Petty – Middle School Honoree (Normal Park Museum Magnet)
With 24 years of teaching experience, Petty is dedicated to making social studies come alive for his students. He emphasizes inquiry-based learning, helping students connect historical events to the modern world through debates, primary source analysis, and interactive projects.
One of his most impactful lessons involves challenging students to evaluate the legacy of historical figures like Shi Huangdi through written arguments, verbal debates, and creative projects such as calligraphy art and Great Wall of China models. “One of my favorite markers of student success is when students get excited about learning social studies and decide to read and research on their own, sharing what they learn with me,” said Petty.
Petty is also a leader in professional development, supporting teachers across the district in using technology and inquiry-driven instruction to enhance student engagement.
Candice Clark-Smith – High School Honoree (Sequoyah High School)
A welding instructor with eight years of experience, Clark-Smith is passionate about preparing students for real-world success in the skilled trades. Her students engage in hands-on learning that connects industry standards with practical applications, such as building custom projects for the community and participating in structural bend tests that mirror professional certification requirements.
Beyond the classroom, she has fostered a school-wide culture of excellence through the Annual AWS Welding Competition, which brings together students from across the region to showcase their skills, earn industry-recognized credentials, and connect with local employers. “The impact of the AWS Welding Competition resonates throughout our school, fostering a positive environment that encourages students to excel not only in welding but also as engaged and responsible members of their community,” she said.
Next Steps
As district-level honorees, Clark-Smith, Petty, and Warm will now be considered for Tennessee Teacher of the Year, where they will have the opportunity to represent Hamilton County Schools at the state level.
HCS is proud to recognize and celebrate the incredible work of all educators across the district who dedicate themselves to student success every day.
