The Nashville Public Education Foundation (NPEF) announced the 2026 Blue Ribbon Teachers:
The Nashville Public Education Foundation proudly congratulates the 2026 Blue Ribbon Teacher award winners! In partnership between NPEF and Metro Nashville Public Schools, 25 educators will be recognized at a reception hosted by Vanderbilt University this evening. Award winners will be honored across three categories of impact:
- Excellence in Student Success and Opportunity
- Excellence in Instruction
- Excellence in Leadership
Since its inception in 2014, the Blue Ribbon Teacher Awards has honored over 500 educators. This year’s winners will receive a $2,000 prize and round-trip airline tickets generously provided by Southwest Airlines.
The 2026 Blue Ribbon Teacher award winners:
- Lesley Baxter, Tulip Grove Elementary School
- Melisa Brown, Neely’s Bend K-8 School
- Chris Dickerson, Norman Binkley Elementary School
- Natalie Elliott, Warner Arts Magnet Elementary School
- Stephanie Ellis, Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet School
- Briana Evans, Cambridge Early Learning Center
- Elmer Feliciano, McMurray Middle School
- Lacey Galbraith, John Overton High School
- Brenda Gauss, Amqui Global Communications K-8 Magnet School
- Magdi Girgis, Glencliff High School
- Thelma Guzman Ardon, Hume-Fogg Magnet High School
- Dr. Jenna Hagengruber Neal, John Overton High School
- Ashley January-Reed, Isaiah T. Creswell Arts Magnet Middle School
- Marlon Jones, William Henry Oliver Middle School
- Shasta Lee, McGavock High School
- Ashley Lehenbauer, Apollo Middle School
- Erinn McGee, John B. Whitsitt Elementary School
- Kirsten McGlone, Apollo Middle School
- Darcy Muller, Cane Ridge High School
- Frank Norris, Meigs Magnet Middle School
- Rebecca Pearson, Norman Binkley Elementary School
- Christopher Reid, J.T. Moore Middle School
- Jesi Seifert, Stratford STEM Magnet High School
- Dr. Deerre’ll Taylor, Cane Ridge High School
- Hannah Younker, Haywood Elementary School
