Congratulations to Mrs. Jenna Burke, STEM Teacher at SyCamore Elementary School, for advancing in the Tennessee Teacher of the Year selection process with the Tennessee Department of Education!

What makes Mrs. Burke so special is the way she approaches learning. In her classroom, it’s not just about getting the right answer—it’s about the process. She works every day to help students build the skills they’ll need for whatever their future holds: perseverance, adaptability, collaboration, and critical thinking.

One of the things her students know well is that it’s okay to mess up. In fact, it’s expected. Through what she calls “FLOPS,” students learn that mistakes aren’t failures—they’re part of learning. They try things, reflect, and try again. Over time, that builds confidence, resilience, and a willingness to take risks.

She also intentionally weaves in the 4Cs (communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity), so students are constantly working together, solving problems, and thinking in new ways. Whether it’s a small team challenge or a bigger project, you can see those skills grow year after year.

Mrs. Burke is now one of only 27 state-wide nominees eligible for selection as the 2026-27 Tennessee Teacher of the Year. Congratulations!