Tennessee Named Michaela Frederick Early Educator of the Year
The Sharon School teacher was selected from 1,800 nominees to receive the statewide honor.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Primary Education
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Tennessee officials have named Michaela Frederick an Early Educator of the Year for 2026. She was one of ten teachers chosen for the recognition from a statewide pool of 1,800 nominees.
Why it matters
The annual award highlights the vital role early childhood educators play in helping students establish a strong foundation for their future academic careers.
The honor includes a $1,000 cash award and a $1,000 shopping spree. Frederick joins a list of previous recipients, including 2025 winner Brandie Roberts of Martin Primary School.
The players
Michaela Frederick
She is an educator at Sharon School who was recently honored as an Early Educator of the Year for Tennessee.
Brandie Roberts
She is an educator at Martin Primary School who previously received the Tennessee Early Educator of the Year honor in 2025.
The details
Frederick, who teaches at Sharon School, incorporates specialized instruction methods including visual schedules, push-button communication tools, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices to support her students. This approach has been cited as central to her success in creating an inclusive classroom environment.
Timeline
September 30, 2026: The award announcement was made.
2025: Brandie Roberts was named an Early Educator of the Year.
Fall 2026: Frederick will receive a shopping spree in Nashville.
Culture Shift
This award is part of a broader push to prioritize early childhood development and recognize the professionalization of pre-K and primary education. By highlighting teachers like Frederick, the state reinforces a shift toward valuing inclusive, technology-integrated classroom environments.
For parents and residents in Weakley County, this recognition highlights the quality of instruction being provided at Sharon School. The use of specialized communication tools in these classrooms sets a practical standard for inclusive education in the local community.
The takeaway
Effective early childhood education relies on the integration of accessible learning tools that cater to diverse student communication needs. Educators can improve student outcomes by adopting specialized technologies such as visual schedules and alternative communication devices.
Further reading
Learn more about the state's academic goals on the Primary Education portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Thunderbolt Radio.
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