Area Educators to Participate in WestTeach

The 2025 WestTeach Class—the seventh cohort—represents 19 school districts across 14 counties in West Tennessee. This exceptional group of educators will embark on their leadership journey beginning August 28, 2025.

Launched in 2017 by the WestStar Leadership Class, WestTeach provides teachers with a unique opportunity to explore the economic landscape of West Tennessee. Over the course of the program, participants will engage with industry and community leaders, gain valuable insights into regional challenges and opportunities, and participate in experiential learning activities that mirror the real-life situations their students face every day.

The 2025 class is a vibrant cross-section of our region’s educational community—bringing together diverse perspectives from various school sizes and districts. This diversity enriches dialogue, fosters meaningful collaboration, and lays the foundation for a powerful regional network of teacher-leaders committed to shaping the future of education in West Tennessee.

The program includes these local educators plus others from West Tennessee schools.

Bryce Agee, Milan High School; Leslie Booker, Milan Middle School; Sunni Cooksey, Westview High School; Alivia McDowell, Gleason School; Michelle Robinson, West Carroll Middle School; and Elaina Wood, E.W. Grove School-Paris.

The program includes an opening session at UT-Martin on August 28-29; Jackson/Madison County visit on September 24; Dyersburg/Dyer County on October 29; and a graduation ceremony on December 16.

WestTeach, a program of WestStar, provides this special training. Teachers will return to their schools and communities with renewed inspiration and a deeper understanding of how education can drive progress across West Tennessee. WestTeach’s motto is Bridging the Gap Between Classroom, Community, and Commerce.