COLLIERVILLE, Tenn. — Collierville Schools is proud to announce that Jenna Burke, STEM teacher, has been named a Tennessee Teacher of the Year Finalist, earning one of the state's highest honors for educators.

The recognition continues a historic run for the district, marking the second consecutive year that a Collierville Schools educator has been selected as a state finalist following Collierville High School’s Dr. Brandi De La Cruz's recognition as Tennessee Teacher of the Year in 2025.

”Jenna has transformed learning into a dynamic, engaging, and hands-on experience for all students in her STEM lab,” said Sycamore Elementary School principal Julie Manhein. “Her welcoming classroom is a model of creativity and inquiry, inspiring students to think critically, solve problems, and develop a genuine passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. She continuously integrates innovative practices to ensure students are not just learners, but creators and collaborators. Her positive impact extends into our school culture as well as the entire Sycamore community.”

Burke was recognized for her work creating hands-on STEM learning experiences that challenge students to think critically, collaborate, communicate, and solve problems through real-world projects and design challenges.

Throughout the Teacher of the Year process, Burke emphasized the importance of helping students develop skills that extend beyond academic content.

"One of the highest-priority issues facing education today is ensuring that all students have access to learning experiences that intentionally develop the future-ready skills needed to thrive in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world," Burke said. "While strong academic foundations remain essential, students must develop communication, collaboration, critical thinking, perseverance, and problem-solving skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways."

In her STEM lab, Burke encourages students to see challenges and mistakes as part of the learning process through what she calls "FLOPS," or Fantastic Learning Opportunities.

"Some of the most inspiring moments in the STEM lab are when students, convinced of potential success, fail during a design challenge," Burke said. "Listening to them reflect bolsters my belief that thinking critically and collaboratively, and learning from failure, are not innate abilities but skills that must be intentionally developed."

Burke said she believes students benefit most when they are given opportunities to explore, create, redesign, and persevere through challenges. Whether they are building simple machines, programming robots, designing pollinator gardens, or tackling engineering challenges, students learn that growth often comes through iteration rather than immediate success.

As a Tennessee Teacher of the Year finalist, Burke will serve on the Governor's Teacher Advisory Committee for the next two years and collaborate with educational leaders from across the state.

"My message to the public would be simple: the future will belong to those who can creatively solve the unknown problems of tomorrow," Burke said. "By learning from our FLOPS, expanding authentic learning opportunities, and working together toward a common vision for student success, we can ensure that every Tennessee student is prepared for life in an ever-evolving future."

The Tennessee Teacher of the Year winner will be announced during the Excellence in Education event on Oct. 1 at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville.