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The Mountain Education Foundation is proud to announce the 2026 HHM Educators of the Year, recognizing outstanding teachers and school leaders across Signal Mountain’s schools. This prestigious award celebrates the commitment, creativity, and leadership of educators who make a lasting impact on students, their families, and our community every day.
The Educators of the Year honorees were celebrated at the recent Too Busy Benefit and received a $1,000 award, courtesy of HHM.
“The MEF Educator of the Year Award honors exceptional educators who go above and beyond to support and inspire their students,” said MEF board chair Catherine Fore. “These individuals embody the dedication and excellence that define Signal Mountain schools, and we’re proud to recognize their impact and thank them for all they do.”
Congratulations and our sincere appreciation to this year’s recipients!
“Mrs. Jennifer Johnson, affectionately known to her students as JJ, is a dedicated K-5 exceptional education teacher who consistently goes above and beyond for her students.
“Mrs. Johnson serves students with multiple exceptionalities and disabilities, creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment where every child is valued, cared for, and challenged. She holds high expectations for her students while maintaining a joyful classroom filled with project-based and hands-on learning experiences.
“Her commitment to student engagement is evident in activities like her weekly cooking lessons, where students develop life skills in a fun and practical way. She also leads a school-wide research project, Fat Bear Week, where students analyze and predict which bear in Alaska will gain the most weight during salmon season, fostering curiosity and critical thinking.
“Beyond her classroom, Mrs. Johnson partners closely with families, ensuring students receive the support they need to thrive. She is a passionate advocate, cheering on her students during Special Olympics and celebrating ‘Rock Your Socks’ week.
“Mrs. Johnson’s dedication to public education is truly making a difference, enriching the lives of her students and inspiring those around her.” Ashley Wilson, Nolan Elementary principal
“Mrs. Lauren Bratcher is a dedicated educator who exemplifies what it means to serve the whole child at Thrasher Elementary. She is deeply committed to the academic growth of her students while intentionally nurturing their development as kind, respectful, and well-rounded individuals. In her classroom, learning extends beyond content, as students are taught empathy, collaboration, and treating others with dignity.
“Mrs. Bratcher leads by example each day, modeling the values she instills in her students. She creates a classroom environment where every child feels seen, valued, and capable of success. Through consistent encouragement and high expectations, she empowers students to achieve academically and grow into thoughtful members of the school community.
“Her dedication to fostering a positive and inclusive culture is evident in the relationships she builds with her students. She encourages them to see others as equals and celebrate one another’s strengths. This focus on character development, paired with strong instruction, ensures students leave her classroom prepared for success.
“Mrs. Bratcher’s impact extends beyond her classroom, contributing to a school culture rooted in respect, kindness, and excellence.”- Melissa Coffelt, Thrasher Elementary principal.
“Mrs. Shannon Roddy represents all of the best qualities we want for ourselves and our students. She is the epitome of a servant leader, always putting others before herself and leading with humility, grace, and purpose.
“As Mrs. Roddy transitioned to the role of assistant principal after serving as the school media specialist, she took on one of the most challenging responsibilities in a school - developing the master schedule. Through her thoughtful, strategic, and diligent work over the past four years, students now have greater access to courses and programs, dedicated time for their overall well-being, and expanded opportunities for college and career readiness.
“Her work behind the scenes has had a meaningful and lasting impact on both students and staff, ensuring that every decision reflects what is best for the school community as a whole. Beyond the logistics of her role, Mrs. Roddy models what it truly means to care for others. She builds strong relationships, listens with intention, and supports those around her with kindness and consistency.
“Her thoughtfulness is an essential part of the culture of our school, and her leadership continues to make a difference every single day.” Michael Carson, SMMHS principal
“Ms. Anna Cat Shepard truly puts the word exceptional in Exceptional Education. She gives her all every day to create the best experiences possible for all students in our building, consistently going above and beyond to ensure every child feels supported, valued, and included.
“Through her passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment, Ms. Shepard works tirelessly to meet the diverse needs of her students while also fostering a positive and engaging learning environment. She builds meaningful relationships with her students, encouraging their growth both academically and personally, and helping them develop confidence and independence.
“By working to establish SMMHS as a Special Olympics Unified Champion School, Ms. Shepard has helped shape the school’s vision for inclusion and belonging. Her leadership in this effort has created opportunities for students of all abilities to connect, collaborate, and celebrate one another in meaningful ways.
“This vision serves not only the students in Ms. Shepard’s class, but every student at Signal Mountain. Her influence can be seen throughout the school community, as she continues to inspire both students and staff to lead with empathy, kindness, and acceptance each and every day.” Michael Carson, SMMHS principal
A special thanks to HHM for sponsoring this year’s Educator of The Year Award.
by Emily Harmon
The Educators of the Year honorees were celebrated at the recent Too Busy Benefit and received a $1,000 award, courtesy of HHM.
“The MEF Educator of the Year Award honors exceptional educators who go above and beyond to support and inspire their students,” said MEF board chair Catherine Fore. “These individuals embody the dedication and excellence that define Signal Mountain schools, and we’re proud to recognize their impact and thank them for all they do.”
Congratulations and our sincere appreciation to this year’s recipients!
- Jennifer Johnson - Nolan Elementary
- Lauren Bratcher - Thrasher Elementary
- Shannon Roddy - Signal Mountain Middle School
- Anna Cat Shepard - Signal Mountain High School
“Mrs. Jennifer Johnson, affectionately known to her students as JJ, is a dedicated K-5 exceptional education teacher who consistently goes above and beyond for her students.
“Mrs. Johnson serves students with multiple exceptionalities and disabilities, creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment where every child is valued, cared for, and challenged. She holds high expectations for her students while maintaining a joyful classroom filled with project-based and hands-on learning experiences.
“Her commitment to student engagement is evident in activities like her weekly cooking lessons, where students develop life skills in a fun and practical way. She also leads a school-wide research project, Fat Bear Week, where students analyze and predict which bear in Alaska will gain the most weight during salmon season, fostering curiosity and critical thinking.
“Beyond her classroom, Mrs. Johnson partners closely with families, ensuring students receive the support they need to thrive. She is a passionate advocate, cheering on her students during Special Olympics and celebrating ‘Rock Your Socks’ week.
“Mrs. Johnson’s dedication to public education is truly making a difference, enriching the lives of her students and inspiring those around her.” Ashley Wilson, Nolan Elementary principal
“Mrs. Lauren Bratcher is a dedicated educator who exemplifies what it means to serve the whole child at Thrasher Elementary. She is deeply committed to the academic growth of her students while intentionally nurturing their development as kind, respectful, and well-rounded individuals. In her classroom, learning extends beyond content, as students are taught empathy, collaboration, and treating others with dignity.
“Mrs. Bratcher leads by example each day, modeling the values she instills in her students. She creates a classroom environment where every child feels seen, valued, and capable of success. Through consistent encouragement and high expectations, she empowers students to achieve academically and grow into thoughtful members of the school community.
“Her dedication to fostering a positive and inclusive culture is evident in the relationships she builds with her students. She encourages them to see others as equals and celebrate one another’s strengths. This focus on character development, paired with strong instruction, ensures students leave her classroom prepared for success.
“Mrs. Bratcher’s impact extends beyond her classroom, contributing to a school culture rooted in respect, kindness, and excellence.”- Melissa Coffelt, Thrasher Elementary principal.
“Mrs. Shannon Roddy represents all of the best qualities we want for ourselves and our students. She is the epitome of a servant leader, always putting others before herself and leading with humility, grace, and purpose.
“As Mrs. Roddy transitioned to the role of assistant principal after serving as the school media specialist, she took on one of the most challenging responsibilities in a school - developing the master schedule. Through her thoughtful, strategic, and diligent work over the past four years, students now have greater access to courses and programs, dedicated time for their overall well-being, and expanded opportunities for college and career readiness.
“Her work behind the scenes has had a meaningful and lasting impact on both students and staff, ensuring that every decision reflects what is best for the school community as a whole. Beyond the logistics of her role, Mrs. Roddy models what it truly means to care for others. She builds strong relationships, listens with intention, and supports those around her with kindness and consistency.
“Her thoughtfulness is an essential part of the culture of our school, and her leadership continues to make a difference every single day.” Michael Carson, SMMHS principal
“Ms. Anna Cat Shepard truly puts the word exceptional in Exceptional Education. She gives her all every day to create the best experiences possible for all students in our building, consistently going above and beyond to ensure every child feels supported, valued, and included.
“Through her passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment, Ms. Shepard works tirelessly to meet the diverse needs of her students while also fostering a positive and engaging learning environment. She builds meaningful relationships with her students, encouraging their growth both academically and personally, and helping them develop confidence and independence.
“By working to establish SMMHS as a Special Olympics Unified Champion School, Ms. Shepard has helped shape the school’s vision for inclusion and belonging. Her leadership in this effort has created opportunities for students of all abilities to connect, collaborate, and celebrate one another in meaningful ways.
“This vision serves not only the students in Ms. Shepard’s class, but every student at Signal Mountain. Her influence can be seen throughout the school community, as she continues to inspire both students and staff to lead with empathy, kindness, and acceptance each and every day.” Michael Carson, SMMHS principal
A special thanks to HHM for sponsoring this year’s Educator of The Year Award.
by Emily Harmon
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