Cleveland City Schools is proud to announce that Laura Stilltrotter, a teacher at Blythe-Bower Elementary School, has been selected as the 2025-26 Tennessee Novice Teacher of the Year for the Southeast CORE Region by the Tennessee Department of Education.
This marks the second year in a row that a Cleveland City Schools educator has received this distinguished recognition, reflecting the district’s continued commitment to fostering and supporting exceptional new teachers.
Stilltrotter is one of only eight educators statewide to be named a 2025-26 Novice Teacher of the Year. This annual award honors outstanding first-year teachers who demonstrate instructional excellence, a passion for student growth, and a commitment to ongoing professional development. Honorees are selected from each of Tennessee’s Grand Divisions and CORE regions.
“Laura embodies the spirit and dedication we strive for in Cleveland City Schools,” said Dr. Jeff Elliott, Director of Schools. “Her impact at Blythe-Bower Elementary has been profound and meaningful, and we are thrilled to see her talent and hard work recognized at the state level.”
Stilltrotter and her fellow honorees will be recognized at the Excellence in Education celebration in August at the Noah Liff Opera Center in Nashville, Tennessee.