November 18, 2024
Rutherford County Schools
Congratulations to Barfield’s Katie Rafacz for being named Rutherford County Schools’ Elementary Level Teacher of the Year.
Rafacz has been the library media specialist at Barfield for five years and has been with RCS for 18 years.
A group of fourth-grade students were on hand for Monday's surprise announcement. Barfield Elementary Principal Judy Goodwin asked them some of their favorite things about Rafacz. “She makes learning fun” was among the responses.
As the RCS district-level winner, Rafacz will compete at the regional level for the Tennessee Department of Education’s annual award.
To qualify for Tennessee Teacher of the Year, candidates must have been teaching full-time for at least three years, have a track record of exceptional gains in student learning, and be effective school and community leaders according to the state's criteria. Districts are able to nominate one educator from each grade band (K-5, 6-8 and 9-12).
Pictured from left, are, Barfield Assistant Principal Kevin Templeton, RCS Elementary Coordinator Ann Haley, Barfield Library Media Specialist Katie Rafacz and Barfield Principal Judy Goodwin.