December 6,  2023 - Bedford County Schools Honors Outstanding Educators Elementary, middle and high school district teachers of the year recognized  on December 1, 2023,

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tammy Garrett surprised three teachers with news they are the 2023-24 district teachers of the year at their current schools. Bedford County Schools (BCS) celebrates the remarkable achievements and dedication of these three educators: Katie Cobb, East Side Elementary School; Sheila Phillips, Cascade Middle School; and Wendy Williams, Cascade High School. This prestigious honor acknowledges educators who have demonstrated commitment and passion in shaping the minds of BCS students.

The decisions were made after being chosen for their school’s teacher of the year, and they then underwent a formal interview process with a selection committee formed by district leaders.


English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher Katie Cobb of East Side Elementary School has been named BCS Elementary School Teacher of the Year. Cobb has a bachelor's degree from Trevecca in management and human relations with a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from Middle Tennessee State University. She has been teaching ESL at East Side Elementary School for seven years. “I am of the belief that all students should have the foundational skills to be equipped to have the opportunity to choose their career goals. Providing those foundational educational skills is critical to student success,” says Cobb. The selection committee recognizes her dedication and prioritization for the needs of the children, including her devotion to ensuring that her students’ cultural background is at the forefront of learning. “Mrs. Cobb continually helps students look forward to the future by realizing their own personal possibilities through education,” says elementary school selection committee member Lee Ann Butts.

Sixth-grade Teacher Sheila Phillips of Cascade Middle School has been named BCS Middle School Teacher of the Year. Phillips has a bachelor's degree in education and a masters in curriculum and instruction, both from Middle Tennessee State University. She is currently in her 25th year of teaching, and the entirety of her career has been with Bedford County Schools. When asked how she measures success in her classroom, Phillips says, “I measure student success through both formative and summative assessments, and I use these results to drive my instruction. My goals are to recognize and determine students’ strengths and areas of improvement while also identifying common misconceptions and gaps. After identifying them, I address those areas again through differentiated instruction, individualized discussions and activities to meet their needs to become successful.” The selection committee honors her outstanding commitment to BCS and her abundance of knowledge in the education system. “The committee was impressed with Mrs. Phillips’ work toward helping students see the possibilities for their futures. She has collaborated with career exploration teachers as well as members of the community to provide opportunities for students to understand how their interests and talents can lead them to successful careers. Her evident passion for education, and overwhelming dedication to the betterment of student lives overall, caused the committee to proudly choose Sheila as Bedford County's Middle School Teacher of the Year,” says middle school selection committee member Sandy Powell.

Finally, Teaching as a Profession Teacher Wendy Williams of Cascade High School has been named the High School Teacher of the Year. Williams has a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Middle Tennessee State University with an endorsement in family and consumer sciences. She also holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from Arkansas State University. She has been teaching for 19 years at BCS with her first 12 years teaching in elementary school before moving to high school. “As a CTE teacher, I firmly believe that all students bring value to the classroom. Each student possesses unique talents, abilities and experiences that contribute to the overall learning environment. My philosophy of teaching begins with fostering a supportive atmosphere where students feel encouraged and guided, while setting the expectation that they will take ownership of their learning... Through project-based assignments, hands-on experiences and real-world applications, I strive to create a learning environment that promotes critical thinking, problem-solving and creativity,” says Williams. The selection committee recognizes her educational experience for her students that transcends the traditional classroom by providing opportunities that highlight the importance of community relationships and giving back. “Mrs. Williams’ students work very closely with the elementary schools in a mentoring capacity, volunteering at the community soup kitchen, food distribution with Second Harvest and raising funds in conjunction with the local rotary club to eradicate Polio, just to name a few,” says selection committee member Rebecca Tidwell. The next step for these educators is the regional level, where the Tennessee Department of Education will recognize and honor outstanding teachers in Tennessee. This process will begin in the new year.