What happens when a lifelong teacher in a one-school town becomes the voice for multilingual learners across America? In this heartwarming and powerful episode, we sit down with Missy Testerman, the 2024 National Teacher of the Year, as she shares her remarkable journey from a second-grade classroom to a national platform advocating for excellence in education.
Raised and rooted in Rogersville, Tennessee, Missy’s story is one of quiet determination, fierce advocacy, and transformational mentorship. Her deep ties to her students, her town, and the future of the teaching profession make this episode a must-listen for anyone passionate about education.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
• How a first-generation college student became a national leader in education
• The vital role of ESL teachers in supporting both students and families
• Why teacher mentoring is the secret sauce to growing confident educators
• What aspiring educators need to hear before stepping into the classroom
• How Missy secretly retrained for a new role at age 52—and what it taught her about lifelong learning
Whether you’re an educator, a policymaker, or someone who believes in the power of teachers, this episode will move and motivate you.
Listen now and be inspired by one teacher’s unwavering commitment to her students, her community, and the future of education.
