Annie May Cox, Woodbury, Tennessee

Annie May Cox has devoted her entire life to educating Cannon County’s children.  It is not unusual to see her playing softball at recess or reading a book to a child at quiet time.  Mrs. Cox has received numerous awards and recognitions including “Teacher of the Year” for Cannon County in 1997 and 1998, “Citizen of the Year” and “Coach of the Year”.  She is a grandmother, teacher, coach, church member.  Mrs. Cox is involved with numerous civic organizations in which she was has a powerful impact and far reaching effect upon the community.  She remains active in all facets of school life.

Mary S. Craighead, Nashville, Tennessee

Mary S. Craighead has been an educator and community leader for her entire public life: as a teacher in elementary, junior, and senior high schools; and as an instructor at Fisk University and Peabody College of Vanderbilt University in Tennessee.  She was an instructor at the University of North Carolina, an elementary and middle school principal for 12 years, a consultant to 61 school systems throughout the United States, and a member of numerous committees, including many directly related to education.  She has authored many publications.

James Arnold Poston, Nashville, Tennessee

James Poston was educated in Nashville Public Schools.  He graduated from Belmont in 1955 and began his teaching career at Sewanee Military Academy in 1957.  After that, he taught at Montgomery Bell until he retired in 1997.  36 years of his 41 year career were spent at Montgomery Bell.  He was inducted into the TSSAA Hall of Fame and was named “National Tennis Coach of the Year”.

Florence R. Scruggs, Altamont, Tennessee

Florence Scruggs began her teaching career in a one-room school house in 1931.  She retired in 1976 after 43 years that included teaching positions in Chattanooga, Oak Ridge and Altamont, Tennessee.  She was awarded the Ruritan Teacher of the Year Award every year from 1972 until 19976.  She was named “Grundy County Distinguished Citizen” for 1989, and received the Grundy County Chamber of Commerce “Strongest Link Award” for 1990.  She was educated at Grundy County High School and Middle Tennessee State University.

Jo Dean Shaffer, Jasper, Tennessee

Jo Dean Shaffer received her B.S. and Master’s degree from Tennessee universities.  She has 36 years of teaching experience and supervision of instruction, curriculum and administration in Marion County.  She currently chairs the Marion County Retired Teachers Association.  She is a Board Member of the Perry Link Animal Shelter, Education Advisory Board, and Volunteer for the Aged.

Dorothy Jean Thomason, Flatwoods, Tennessee

Dorothy Jean Thomason started her career in a one-room schoolhouse in 1951.  Her love for the profession was rewarded when she was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998.  Her passion for life comes from her love of nature, music, Tennessee Walking horses and students.  She taught for 57 years in Wayne County.  Her students describe her as “caring”, “dedicated”, “someone who develops character and work ethic”.  She is an example of what a teacher should be.

Norma Follis York, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Norma Follis York has 34 years in education, 22 of them at Oakland High School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.  She retired in 1995.  She graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 1956.  She taught at Homestead High School, Old Central High School, and Oakland High School.  She felt that teaching was “her calling”.  She was named Rutherford County’s “Teacher of the Year”.