The Union City School System has announced selections of its Administrators and Teachers of the Year for 2024 from a talented roster of education professionals.
School Communications Director Mike Hutchens said Union City High School Principal Jacob Cross was tabbed as the “Principal of the Year”, while Laney Rogers, who serves as Director of Special Populations and Early Childhood Supervisor, has been chosen as “Supervisor of the Year”.
Christa Taylor (UC Elementary), Josh Keown (Union City Middle), and Jason Deem of Union City High School have been selected as “Teachers of the Year” in their respective buildings.
Upper administration made the final determination for the honors, with those individuals to be formally recognized at the next meeting of the School Board on February 12th.
Director of Teachers and Learning Rene Flood announced the honors after an extensive process that saw she and Director of Schools Wes Kennedy consider several deserving candidates.
“Union City Schools attracts a wonderful array of capable and qualified teachers. We are reminded of that each year when we go through this challenging task of picking the best from the best,” Flood said.
“Our recipients this year have many of the same qualities as those who’ve won before them – they are selfless, go above and beyond, and are great representatives of our teaching body. They have high expectations of themselves and their students, and they proudly wear the Purple and Gold and represent us greatly in our community.”
Cross and Rogers are products of the Union City School System, and each has spent more than two decades teaching or in administrative roles for the Purple and Gold.
Cross is in his seventh year as Principal at UCHS after a 10-year stint as Assistant Principal at his alma mater. Before that, he taught history and geography and also served as the head tennis coach.
He admittedly takes great pride in his duties, specifically noting support for his teachers and removing as many obstacles as possible for them to be successful.
“I also love graduation, seeing the excitement in our seniors’ eyes, and the satisfaction of knowing those seniors are prepared for their next step in life,” Cross said.
“It makes all the difference when you enjoy the people you work with. We support each other through it all. I am truly blessed to be part of such a loyal and supportive school family.”
Mrs. Rogers taught for 13 years prior to assuming a supervisor role. She has a total of 21 years in education and has been an integral part of the award-winning Purple People band program as the color guard director.
She spoke glowingly of the “monumental life lessons learned from students” and her Union City Schools family gained over her professional tenure.
“Being a part of the Union City Schools family means constantly striving to be more than what you were the day before,” Rogers said. “The relationships forged over the years have enhanced my life in so many different ways.”
Taylor teaches third-grade math, science, and social studies at UCES. The Obion County native has worked for the past 11 years of an 18-year education career in the Union City SS and listed her love for her students as the most rewarding part of her job.
“Getting to know them, seeing them learn, helping them succeed, and watching them grow – it’s all part of the process,” she said. “It’s rewarding to see a student overcome, succeed, and feel accomplished.
“I love being a part of the Union City Schools family. I look forward to coming to work each day and truly enjoy the people I work with and the students I teach. And our administration goes above and beyond to make sure that we have everything we need to be successful.”
Keown – in his sixth year in the Union City System and 14th in education all totaled – echoed Taylor’s comments.
“Being a part of the Union City family means you will be valued, supported, and given the opportunity and resources to help students achieve success,” he said.
“Seeing students mature, improve, gain confidence in themselves, and achieve personal goals is the best part of my job. The connections/relationships with students and families are rewarding as well.”
Keown teaches 8th grade United States History at UCMS and was recently appointed the new head middle school football coach after serving six years as an assistant on the high school staff.
Deem, the veteran director of the widely acclaimed Union City High School Marching Band, has spent 18 of his 24 years in education in the Union City System. He has taught United States Government in addition to Instrumental Music.
He insisted the “culture at Union City High School makes coming to work each day a joy.”
“The support I receive from my administrators and the camaraderie with my colleagues has made my time in Union City the best of my educational career. In my opinion, Union City Schools makes us all better teachers.”
Deem also said: “The most rewarding part of my job is teaching my students to not only love music but also watching them become productive members of our society. It truly warms my heart to see former students succeed in life.”
