TN Dept. of Education names Kingsport’s Kerns as 2024-25 Teacher of the Year

KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) – The Tennessee Department of Education named a Kingsport City School teacher the 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year.

Bryan Kerns, a math teacher at Dobyns-Bennett High School, was named Teacher of the Year after a 20-year career. He also created the school’s fire program and currently serves as president-elect for the Bays Mountain Park Association.

Kerns will represent Tennessee in the National Teacher of the Year Competition and serve as an ambassador for education in the state throughout the 2024-2025 school year.

“Congratulations to Mr. Kerns on this well-deserved recognition,” said Kingsport City Schools Superintendent Dr. Chris Hampton. “Bryan Kerns is the embodiment of what it means to be a life-changing teacher.  He is committed to the success of all students, he prepares them for future opportunities, and serves as a cheerleader through their celebrations and challenges. Mr. Kerns seeks first to always elevate students and in doing so, he elevates our profession. It is an honor to call him a colleague and I am grateful to have him as a teacher at Dobyns-Bennett High School and within the Kingsport City Schools organization.”

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