District honors outstanding educators, administrators and staff at annual awards ceremony
McMinn County Schools is celebrating the people who show up for students every day. The district honored its 2026-27 Teachers of the Year, along with a top principal and supervisor, during an awards ceremony Oct. 29 at the McMinn County Center for Educational Excellence.
The honorees were recognized for their dedication to student success, excellence in teaching and contributions to their school communities.
Teri Blair named Overall Teacher of the Year
Teri Blair, a social studies teacher at McMinn Central High School, was named the district's 2026-27 Overall Teacher of the Year. Blair also earned the grades 9-12 Teacher of the Year honor.
Meet the district-level honorees
In addition to Teri Blair, three educators were recognized for excellence in teaching across different grade levels and stages of their careers. Two more honorees were recognized for leadership beyond the classroom.
Overall Teacher of the Year: Teri Blair, McMinn Central High School
Pre-K - 4 Teacher of the Year: Nikki Blair, Englewood Elementary School
Grades 5 - 8 Teacher of the Year: Summer Keylon, Calhoun Elementary School
Grades 9 - 12 Teacher of the Year: Teri Blair, McMinn Central High School
Novice Teacher of the Year: Destiny Peace, McMinn Central High School
Principal of the Year: Robert "Cody" Casteel, E.K. Baker Elementary School
Supervisor of the Year: Charles "Patrick" Underwood, Maintenance Supervisor
Honoring every campus
The district also recognized a Teacher of the Year from each of its campuses. These school-level honorees reflect dedication, professionalism and commitment to student achievement found in classrooms across McMinn County.
Congratulations to all of this year's honorees. Their work makes a lasting impact on McMinn County students and school communities, and it reflects the district's commitment to Every Student, Every Day.