Special: Lessons from the 2024 National Teacher of the Year, with Missy Testerman

Dec 11, 2024

Missy Testerman, the 2024 National Teacher of the Year from Tennessee, shares her extensive experience as an ESL teacher and advocate for families. She emphasizes the power of mentorship and collaboration among educators. Testerman discusses the importance of being flexible in teaching and connecting with communities. She tackles challenges like the 'who knows best' dynamic in education and the necessity of self-care for teachers. Most importantly, she inspires others to embrace new perspectives and prioritize relationship-building with families and students.

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Intro

00:00 • 5min

Celebrating a Lifelong Advocate for Education

05:04 • 3min

The Journey of Teaching: Veterans and Mentorship

07:48 • 12min

The Journey of Teaching: Finding Purpose and Joy

19:27 • 5min

Advocacy and Growth in Education

24:24 • 24min

Closing Reflections and Future Insights in Education

48:16 • 3min

This week, we’re highlighting an episode of Beyond My Years, our sibling podcast that gives you exclusive access to all the wisdom of veteran educators. Beyond My Years host, Ana Torres, learns from the best as she sits down with 2024 National Teacher of the Year Missy Testerman. Missy teaches Ana about being open to new ideas and perspectives, offers tips on building relationships with families, and discusses the importance of slowing down. Missy doesn’t shy away from tough topics, like managing the “who knows best” struggles among administrators, teachers, and parents, and knowing when it’s time to step away from teaching, In addition, Classroom Insider Eric Cross and Ana discuss understanding your community, being more flexible in presenting your lessons, and seeking mentorship and continuous growth.

Show notes:

Connect with Missy Testerman
- Instagram: @missytesterman2024ntoy
- LinkedIn: @missy-testerman
- X: @missytesterman
Subscribe to Beyond My Years https://amplify.com/beyond-my-years
Follow us on Instagram @amplify.education
Connect with Eric Cross: https://www.ericcross.org/
Connect with Ana Torres: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anayansi-ana-torres-m-ed-26a10654/

Quotes:
“Find a mentor. Someone you trust. Listen to that person, watch that person, ask that person questions. You know, you don't have to figure this out on your own. People want to help you and you have to take that help. It's not a sign of weakness. It's a sign that you want to be better.” —Missy Testerman

“I want them to be proud of where they came from, always, because that's part of their story. It's always going to be an important part of their story.” —Missy Testerman

“I have no magic answers. I have some experiences and I have a little bit of wisdom from three decades of time spent in the education field, but I absolutely do not have it all figured out.” —Missy Testerman

“The reality is that the journey toward wisdom in any career, especially in education, has to be slow and steady.” —Missy Testerman