Sami Jo Gore is in her fifth year of teaching pre-kindergarten at Anderson Early Childhood Center. She is a 2007 graduate of Freed-Hardeman University and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Family Studies with a PreK-4 teaching license.

Ms. Gore said, “After exploring multiple job offers, I decided to accept a position with Haywood County Schools as a Pre-K teacher to begin my teaching career in August 2007. It was one of the best decisions I have made.”

Since beginning her teaching career, she has been involved in professional associations, committees and leadership activities. She is a member of NEA and TEA and has or currently serves on several committees, including the SACS, School Improvement, Health and Wellness, Pre-K Community and Parent Involvement, Penny Drive, Pre-K Celebration, 100th Day Celebration and the Pre-K leadership teams. She has also been involved with the creation of the Anderson Yearbook for the 2007-08 and 2011-12 school years. Since 2009 she served as Pre-K lead teacher and was involved in guiding collaboration and professional development activities throughout both years. She also attended the TAEYC conference and enjoys collaborating with her fellow teachers to create new ideas and ways of implementing them in the classrooms.

She considers it a privilege to be nominated for the Anderson Teacher of the Year and values her opportunities to impact the life of a child. “I view each opportunity as a unique blessing,” Ms. Gore said. She added that positive comments from students, teachers and supervisors are her awards, rewards and recognitions. “They are the reason that I love what I am doing.”

Ms. Gore is an active member of Great Oaks Church of Christ in Arlington, Tennessee.