The Teachers of the Year were honored Thursday
The Hamilton County Board of Education, along with community partners Bowers Automotive Group, the Chattanooga Area Schools Federal Credit Union, and the Hamilton County Schools Foundation, recognized Hamilton County Schools’ 2025 Teachers of the Year during a ceremony on Thursday.
Sally Warm, a first-grade teacher at Red Bank Elementary; Jamie Petty, a sixth-grade teacher at Normal Park Museum Magnet Upper; and Candice Clark-Smith, a welding instructor at Sequoyah High School, were honored for their outstanding work as the district’s top teachers for the year. In addition to public recognition, the teachers received the use of a car for a year from Bowers Automotive Group and a $500 check from the Chattanooga Area Schools Federal Credit Union.
Bowers Automotive Group President Bradley Cobb reflected on the importance of teachers in the community as he announced that the Teachers of the Year would be offered the use of a car for the coming year in recognition of their achievement.
“Other than family and church, there is not a more important group of people who can help shape our children in a positive way than teachers,” Mr. Cobb said. “Bowers Automotive Group, along with many local businesses, want to help recognize and reward these three incredible teachers for all their hard work and dedication to our children. Our goal is to help enhance this program to get more applications and involvement from all the Hamilton County teachers who make a daily commitment to our community by helping educate our kids”
Chattanooga Area Schools Credit Union President and CEO David Siatkowski presented each of the teachers with a $500 check in recognition of their achievements and thanked them for their dedication.
“Chattanooga Area Schools Credit Union is proud to partner with Hamilton County Schools, and we are proud to present $500 to each of these teachers to honor their achievements and thank them for their outstanding performance,” Mr. Siatkowski said. “It is our honor to recognize them as teachers
of the year and for their dedication to their students.”
According to HCS Superintendent of Schools Dr. Justin Robertson, the involvement of community partners highlights the importance of high-quality teachers to the community.
“Every day, teachers are shaping the future by inspiring and equipping students with the skills they need to succeed,” said Dr. Robertson. “Candice Clark-Smith, Jamie Petty and Sally Warm exemplify the commitment, passion and innovation that define the best in education. We are proud to recognize their contributions and grateful for the lasting impact they have on students, schools and the broader Hamilton County community.”
Sally Warm – Elementary School Honoree (Red Bank Elementary)
A first-grade teacher with seven years of experience, Ms. Warm is a trailblazer in outdoor education. She played a key role in expanding Red Bank’s Forest School Program, helping to develop a first-grade curriculum that integrates Tennessee state standards with nature-based learning. By using the outdoors as a classroom, Ms. Warm creates hands-on, student-driven learning experiences that build foundational math and literacy skills while fostering curiosity and environmental stewardship. She also connects her students to the broader community through projects like student-led food drives and mock-government activities that bring civic lessons to life. At the end of the year, students present their final project to the school and broader community at the annual Outdoor Night.
"Students gain important public speaking skills through this process, learn meaningful habits of character that are applied to scenarios throughout the rest of the year, and gain a sense of pride in showcasing their accomplishment to the school community and their family,” said Ms. Warm.
Jamie Petty – Middle School Honoree (Normal Park Museum Magnet)
With 24 years of teaching experience, Mr. Petty is dedicated to making social studies come alive for his students. He emphasizes inquiry-based learning, helping students connect historical events to the modern world through debates, primary source analysis, and interactive projects. One of his most impactful lessons involves challenging students to evaluate the legacy of historical figures like Shi Huangdi through written arguments, verbal debates, and creative projects such as calligraphy art and Great Wall of China models.
“One of my favorite markers of student success is when students get excited about learning social studies and decide to read and research on their own, sharing what they learn with me,” said Mr. Petty.
Mr. Petty is also a leader in professional development, supporting teachers across the district in using technology and inquiry-driven instruction to enhance student engagement.
Candice Clark-Smith – High School Honoree (Sequoyah High School)
A welding instructor with eight years of experience, Ms. Clark-Smith is passionate about preparing students for real-world success in the skilled trades. Her students engage in hands-on learning that connects industry standards with practical applications, such as building custom projects for the community and participating in structural bend tests that mirror professional certification requirements.
Beyond the classroom, she has fostered a school-wide culture of excellence through the Annual AWS Welding Competition, which brings together students from across the region to showcase their skills, earn industry-recognized credentials, and connect with local employers.
“The impact of the AWS Welding Competition resonates throughout our school, fostering a positive environment that encourages students to excel not only in welding but also as engaged and responsible members of their community,” she said.