JASPER, Tenn. — Marion County High School educator Kelly McElhiney has earned statewide recognition after being named the Southeast Region finalist for the 2026-27 Tennessee Teacher of the Year award.
The Tennessee Department of Education announced the finalists on July 22, recognizing outstanding educators from across the state who have demonstrated excellence in the classroom and a lasting impact on their students and communities. McElhiney is one of nine regional finalists selected statewide and one of three finalists representing East Tennessee.
With the regional honor, McElhiney now advances to the interview stage of the selection process. Statewide and divisional winners will be announced this fall during the Tennessee Excellence in Education Awards.
Kelly McElhiney | Photo Courtesy MCHS Facebook
Marion County High School celebrated the announcement on social media, saying, “Still going! Congratulations to our very own Mrs. Kelly McElhiney who has been chosen to represent the Southeast Region for State Teacher of the Year.”
The school added that it wishes McElhiney “the best of luck in this final stage.”
Marion County Schools also recognized the achievement, congratulating McElhiney on becoming a Tennessee Teacher of the Year finalist and wishing her success as she advances in the statewide competition.
According to the Tennessee Department of Education, Teacher of the Year finalists were selected by a statewide scoring committee from educators representing each of Tennessee’s Centers of Regional Excellence (CORE) regions, along with Shelby County-Municipals. The department said this year’s applicants demonstrated the “commitment and talents” of educators across the state.
In announcing the finalists, the department praised the educators for representing “the very best of Tennessee classrooms,” inspiring students, supporting families and making lasting impacts in their communities.
McElhiney teaches English at Marion County High School in Jasper and is the Southeast Region representative in this year’s Tennessee Teacher of the Year competition.
