Exceptional Tennessee Educators Receive National Honors for Classroom Innovation and Excellence
In a remarkable display of academic commitment, 2026 has marked the year that Curriculum Associates has selected two educators from Tennessee to its distinguished class of Extraordinary Educators™. Molly Foster from Franklin Elementary School and Tabitha Bates from Dover Elementary have been recognized for their innovative teaching strategies and dedication to student growth through the effective use of i-Ready® tools.
The selection process was competitive, with over 170 educators from across the United States vying for this honor. Out of this impressive pool, only 26 teachers were chosen based on their exemplary instructional skills and unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment. Foster and Bates have not only utilized data-driven teaching methods but also created inclusive spaces that encourage ongoing professional growth.
Molly Foster expressed her appreciation for this honor, stating, "Being named an Extraordinary Educator confirms that the work I do every day—planning intentionally, reflecting on my practice, and putting students first—has an impact." Her approach emphasizes the importance of tailoring instruction to meet the diverse needs of her students, ensuring that each child can attain their academic goals.
Tabitha Bates echoed this sentiment, highlighting the pivotal role that data plays in her instructional methodologies. "I use data consistently to understand where each student is academically and what they need next—whether that means addressing learning gaps, reinforcing skills, or providing enrichment opportunities. A data-driven classroom is a successful classroom because it allows instruction to be intentional and responsive," she explained. Both educators have demonstrated a profound understanding of their students' individual needs, paving the way for sustained growth and improvement.
The Extraordinary Educators program, now in its seventh year, is more than just an accolade; it invites honorees into a yearlong national professional learning community that fosters leadership development and collaboration among educators. This platform provides an opportunity for honorees like Foster and Bates to share their valuable insights and strategies with fellow educators nationwide, amplifying their impactful approaches in the classroom.
As part of this prestigious program, selected educators will participate in the annual Extraordinary Educators Leadership Summit, a gathering designed to further enhance their professional teaching practices while enabling them to connect with educational innovators from all corners of the country.
Kelly Sia, CEO of Curriculum Associates, expressed pride in honoring the k-8 educators. "Our Extraordinary Educators inspire us with their dedication to high-quality instruction and student success. We are proud to recognize their work and to walk alongside them as they continue to lead in their classrooms and communities," she stated. This recognition not only validates the efforts of such dedicated teachers but also sets a benchmark for educational excellence across the state.
The 2026 cohort reflects a kaleidoscope of roles within the teaching profession, including classroom instruction, student support, and enrichment opportunities, showcasing the diverse talents and methodologies embraced in contemporary education. The rigorous review process for this honor involved meticulous evaluations conducted by the Curriculum Associates team and a panel of advisors that includes both leaders from the organization and previous Extraordinary Educator alumni. This concerted effort ensured a selection process rooted in fairness and varied perspectives.
For more information on the Extraordinary Educators program and to view the complete list of honorees for 2026, one can visit the official Curriculum Associates website. These initiatives by Curriculum Associates demonstrate their unwavering commitment to enriching K-12 education across the nation and supporting the remarkable work of educators who inspire students every day.
The selection process was competitive, with over 170 educators from across the United States vying for this honor. Out of this impressive pool, only 26 teachers were chosen based on their exemplary instructional skills and unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment. Foster and Bates have not only utilized data-driven teaching methods but also created inclusive spaces that encourage ongoing professional growth.
Molly Foster expressed her appreciation for this honor, stating, "Being named an Extraordinary Educator confirms that the work I do every day—planning intentionally, reflecting on my practice, and putting students first—has an impact." Her approach emphasizes the importance of tailoring instruction to meet the diverse needs of her students, ensuring that each child can attain their academic goals.
Tabitha Bates echoed this sentiment, highlighting the pivotal role that data plays in her instructional methodologies. "I use data consistently to understand where each student is academically and what they need next—whether that means addressing learning gaps, reinforcing skills, or providing enrichment opportunities. A data-driven classroom is a successful classroom because it allows instruction to be intentional and responsive," she explained. Both educators have demonstrated a profound understanding of their students' individual needs, paving the way for sustained growth and improvement.
The Extraordinary Educators program, now in its seventh year, is more than just an accolade; it invites honorees into a yearlong national professional learning community that fosters leadership development and collaboration among educators. This platform provides an opportunity for honorees like Foster and Bates to share their valuable insights and strategies with fellow educators nationwide, amplifying their impactful approaches in the classroom.
As part of this prestigious program, selected educators will participate in the annual Extraordinary Educators Leadership Summit, a gathering designed to further enhance their professional teaching practices while enabling them to connect with educational innovators from all corners of the country.
Kelly Sia, CEO of Curriculum Associates, expressed pride in honoring the k-8 educators. "Our Extraordinary Educators inspire us with their dedication to high-quality instruction and student success. We are proud to recognize their work and to walk alongside them as they continue to lead in their classrooms and communities," she stated. This recognition not only validates the efforts of such dedicated teachers but also sets a benchmark for educational excellence across the state.
The 2026 cohort reflects a kaleidoscope of roles within the teaching profession, including classroom instruction, student support, and enrichment opportunities, showcasing the diverse talents and methodologies embraced in contemporary education. The rigorous review process for this honor involved meticulous evaluations conducted by the Curriculum Associates team and a panel of advisors that includes both leaders from the organization and previous Extraordinary Educator alumni. This concerted effort ensured a selection process rooted in fairness and varied perspectives.
For more information on the Extraordinary Educators program and to view the complete list of honorees for 2026, one can visit the official Curriculum Associates website. These initiatives by Curriculum Associates demonstrate their unwavering commitment to enriching K-12 education across the nation and supporting the remarkable work of educators who inspire students every day.
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