South Cheatham educators honored with district-level awards
Two South Cheatham educators — Pegram Fine Arts Magnet School Principal Sarah Spain and Harpeth High School teacher Will Mattingly — have been named District Principal and District Novice Teacher of the Year, respectively, for the Cheatham County School District.
Both are being recognized not only for their dedication to students, but also for the leadership and passion they bring to their schools each day.
Principal of the Year: Sarah Spain, Pegram Fine Arts Magnet School
For Principal Sarah Spain, receiving the Cheatham County Principal of the Year award was both humbling and deeply meaningful.
“I was truly humbled and honored to receive this recognition,” Spain said. “Cheatham County is full of incredible educators and leaders, so to be named Principal of the Year among them is very meaningful. This award reflects the hard work, dedication, and heart of our entire school community.”
Spain, now in her fourth year as principal at Pegram Fine Arts Magnet School, has worked in education for 21 years. Her career has spanned multiple grades and roles — from teaching elementary students in Tennessee and Missouri to serving as both a middle school assistant principal and principal before coming to Pegram to lead the elementary school's fine arts-focused campus.
She credits the school’s success to its tight-knit community and the relationships that define it.
“What truly sets Pegram Fine Arts Magnet School apart is our strong sense of family,” she said. “Being a small school allows us to build close relationships with our students, staff and families — everyone knows and supports one another.”
Spain said the best part of leading Pegram is the sense of community pride and care that surrounds the school.
“You truly get to know parents, students and community members by name,” she said. “Everyone is so caring, kind and genuinely invested in the success of our school. It truly feels like one big family.”
District Novice Teacher of the Year: Will Mattingly, Harpeth High School
Will Mattingly, who teaches Audio Visual, Contemporary Issues and Yearbook at Harpeth High School, was named District Novice Teacher of the Year. He joined the HHS staff in the 2022–2023 school year, stepping into the classroom after a career in ministry and media production.
“I wanted to be a teacher since I was in high school but instead went a ministry route,” Mattingly said. “I spent time in ministry where I did a lot of work teaching and managing the digital media for a global ministry.”
When a friend and former HHS Audio Visual teacher encouraged him to apply for the open position, Mattingly said he took the leap — and has found a calling in education.
“It’s incredibly validating,” he said of receiving the award. “I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was even more surprised to find out that I won it for the entire district. We all work hard and go above and beyond to make sure the students are welcomed, challenged and appreciated.”
In his classroom, Mattingly emphasizes teamwork, kindness and professionalism.
“When a student leaves the audio-visual program, I want them to be the best production assistant or have the work ethic where they stand out for their kindness, efficiency, and teamwork,” he said.
Among his favorite memories so far: helping students produce a last-minute performance with local artist Emmy Russell shortly after her appearance on “American Idol” — all following a stormy day that almost derailed the event.
“Any graduation is a highlight,” he added. “It’s the compilation of a full year of work and on display for the entire county to see and hear.”
Other school-level honorees
The district also recognized several other outstanding educators from across Cheatham County, including:
- Kingston Springs Elementary School (KSES)
- Teacher of the Year: Lacee Carter
“This award has been a goal of mine since I started teaching,” Carter said. “Receiving Teacher of the Year has made me feel so seen and valued by my colleagues. I am incredibly blessed to work at KSES and give back to the school that gave so much to me.”
Carter has been teaching for 10 years, including six years at KSES.
- Novice Teacher of the Year: Joanna Glick
Before coming to KSES, Glick taught in private schools for 15 years, which did not require a certification. At 41-years-old, she went back to school to get certified to teach Life Skills at KSES.
“This award meant a great deal to me,” Glick said. “I'm so grateful that I took that step [to get my certification]. Of all my teaching placements, this has been my absolute favorite. I love the school and community of Kingston Springs Elementary. The staff and students are amazing and I could not be happier!”
- Pegram Fine Arts Magnet School (PEFAMS)
- Teacher of the Year: Haley Lammert
“It means so much to be recognized by my colleagues and to represent my special school,” Lammert said. “To me, this award represents all the love and effort I pour into my kids each day.”
Lammert began teaching at Pegram in 2020 and currently teaches first grade.
- Harpeth Middle School (HMS)
- Teacher of the Year: Dawn Green
"Being chosen Teacher of the Year by my colleagues means so much to me. It tells me that the people who see my work every day — the ones who understand the challenges and joys of teaching — value what I do," Green said. "It makes me feel appreciated, supported and proud to be part of a team that truly cares about kids and each other."
Green has been at HMS for 14 years. She previously taught English, but she currently teaches 8th grade science.
- Harpeth High School (HHS)
- Teacher of the Year: Brian King
“I'm honored to be recognized as Teacher of the Year in a school with so many wonderful students, teachers, staff and leaders,” King said. “From Day 1 as a teacher here, I have felt such a strong sense of community and belonging. Receiving this award reinforces my belief from my first day at HHS that this is where I belong as a teacher.”
This is King’s third year teaching at HHS. He teaches Geometry, Algebra I and Math Reasoning.
