At Memphis Shelby-County Schools (MSCS), we take pride in recognizing our teachers for their efforts. Recently, four of our teachers received monetary awards and distinctions for their heart work.
Fairley High School
Tameka Boyce, an English teacher at Fairley High School, was recently awarded $1,000 through a partnership between the AutoZone Liberty Bowl and the College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation. The funds can go toward the classroom or student educational resources and projects that help keep kids learning.
A proud Memphian and Whitehaven High School alumna, Ms. Boyce has been teaching for 19 years, with 2025 marking her ninth year at Fairley.
“That was really exciting for me to walk in and have this presented to me,” Ms. Boyce shared, reflecting on the surprise recognition. She was honored as part of the “Big Day for Teachers” initiative that highlights the outstanding efforts of educators. The Extra Yard for Teachers Week continues through September 20, as college football goes the extra yard to honor and recognize great teachers across the nation.
Tameka Boyce (left) receives the DonorsChoose gift card from Dominic Middleton from the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.John P. Freeman Optional School
Jeromy Payne will be honored with the Early Career Educators of Excellence Award by the Tennessee Educators of Color Alliance.Jeromy Payne, a dedicated teacher at John P. Freeman Optional School, will be honored with the Early Career Educators of Excellence Award by the Tennessee Educators of Color Alliance on September 20 in Nashville. Mr. Payne, who teaches English Language Arts (ELA), Social Studies, and Agri-STEM, has made a strong impact in just six years in the profession.
His accomplishments include several prestigious awards: the Shell Urban Science Educators Development Award, Mentor of the Year from the Gentlemen’s League, the TVA STEM Classroom Grant, and the John Larmer Lifelong Learner Award from the Project Based Learning (PBL) Buck Institute.
“I was overwhelmed with excitement and honored that someone would feel obliged to recognize my work with students,” said Mr. Payne. He’s inspired by his peers and leadership at John P. Freeman, particularly Principal Dr. Key Coleman, for fostering a collaborative and inspiring environment that pushes educators to excel.
Newcomer International Center
Heather O’Hara and Angela Brown, educators at Newcomer International Center (NIC), are among just 50 recipients nationwide to receive $2,000 from the Voya Unsung Heroes program. Ms. O’Hara serves as NIC’s professional school counselor, while Ms. Brown is an ESL teacher at NIC.
“It feels amazing to have this opportunity to fund a project that will help students in my classroom learn in new and innovative ways,” Ms. Brown said. “I think it is important we guide students how to lean into the advancement of technology in a safe and responsible way.”
Heather O’Hara (left) and Angela Brown were awarded $2,000 from the Voya Unsung Heroes program.Since beginning her teaching career in 2018 and joining NIC in 2022, Brown has focused on helping ESL students grasp abstract concepts. The project will utilize Meta Quest VR headsets to teach both soft skills – like interview preparation – and trade skills, such as welding and construction. Many Newcomer students already have experience in these trades, and the VR curriculum will offer them new opportunities to build on that knowledge.
"We are grateful to be selected as one of the 50 finalists across the country,” said Ms. O’Hara, who has worked in education since 2010 and was part of NIC’s founding team in 2017. “It is always a win for our students and teachers when we can secure funding for projects that expand our students' horizons and give them new and exciting experiences in their educational journey here at Newcomer International Center."
Ms. O’Hara, who has a background in grant writing, quickly saw the potential when the Voya opportunity arose. After consulting with staff, Brown's lesson plan stood out as a perfect fit for the VR project.
Both educators are now hopeful their project will be selected as one of the top three finalists in October, with the chance to win an additional $5,000 for third place, $10,000 for second place, or $25,000 for first place.
Greatness Grows Here
From the teachers to the students, the greatness at Memphis-Shelby County Schools transcends all fields. These recent recognitions shine a spotlight on MSCS educators who are changing lives everyday. Their commitment, creativity, and passion are proof that greatness is not just taught – it’s lived.
If you have a story about a MSCS student, teacher, or school to highlight, please email us at communications@scsk12.org. Include the school name, story details, and an SCSK12.ORG email for follow-up.