December 16, 2025
Rutherford County Schools
Jodi Del Cid, an ESL teacher at David Youree Elementary, was recently named Middle Tennessee Teacher of the Year by the Tennessee Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TNTESOL).
The award was announced at TNTESOL’s annual conference in November.
Del Cid has served as an ESL teacher for more than seven years. In a nomination, district ESL Coach Dr. Terah Pring noted Del Cid’s “unwavering commitment” to students and colleagues how Del Cid’s efforts positioned David Youree Elementary and its ESL team to serve as a model for other schools.
“As her ESL District Coach, I am particularly impressed by her openness to coaching and her genuine desire for continuous improvement. It is not as common for veteran teachers to actively seek out model lessons, coaching cycles, and additional professional learning opportunities; yet Ms. Del Cid does so enthusiastically,” Pring wrote. “She is eager to expand her toolkit, refine her practice, and ensure that her students receive the highest-quality instruction.
“She asks thoughtful, challenging questions, models professionalism in every interaction, and embodies the qualities of an educator who is deeply committed to excellence.”
Congratulations, Ms. Del Cid and thank you for your commitment to invest in every student, every day.