2024-2025 Teachers of the Year
Fayette County Public Schools proudly celebrates Megan High, the 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year for Buckley-Carpenter Elementary School! With 13 years of dedication to early childhood education, Megan has made a lasting impact on countless young learners in Pre-K classrooms.
Megan’s journey in education began with a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Memphis. Inspired by her 4th-grade teacher, she aspired to create a fun and engaging learning environment where students could develop a true love for learning. Over the years, she has done just that—sparking curiosity and joy through hands-on learning experiences.
“I love the relationships I build with my students,” Megan shares. “Teaching something new and watching their excitement when they learn is the most rewarding part of my job.”
A true Fayette County Public Schools veteran, Megan started her career at Somerville Elementary before transitioning to Buckley-Carpenter Elementary when it opened. She has worked alongside Mrs. Joni Hoskins during her entire tenure at FCPS, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to early childhood education.
Beyond the classroom, Megan is a devoted wife and mother. She and her husband have been married for nine years and have two wonderful children—a seven-year-old daughter and a two-year-old son. Her passion for Pre-K education is deeply rooted in her belief that fostering a love of learning at an early age sets the foundation for future success.
Megan High’s dedication, passion, and innovative teaching methods make her an invaluable member of the FCPS family. We congratulate her on this well-deserved honor and thank her for making a difference in the lives of our youngest learners!
Mullins' journey into education began on what he describes as a “dare” from a wise mentor. That challenge turned into a lifelong dedication to teaching, as he quickly fell in love with sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with the next generation.
Beyond the classroom, Mullins has authored and arranged multiple works in Celtic music, including Celtic Crossings and Celtic Crossings II, which adapt traditional Irish melodies for Orff-based music instruction. He has presented workshops across Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Utah, sharing his expertise with fellow educators.
Mullins' recognition as FCPS PreK-4 Teacher of the Year is a testament to his commitment to education, creativity, and the well-being of his students. His contributions extend beyond the school walls, influencing local and national music education communities.
Whitefoot, who has been with FCPS for six years, originally set out to become a physical education teacher. However, during an internship in a kindergarten classroom while in high school, she discovered a deep love for the classroom setting, leading her to pursue a career in education.
She earned her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Williams Baptist University and later completed a Master’s in Educational Leadership at Austin Peay State University.
For Whitefoot, the most rewarding aspect of teaching is the daily interaction with her students. She cherishes the opportunity to build relationships, create a positive learning environment, and share moments of laughter with her class.
“I love that every day I can go into the classroom and be able to laugh with my students. Building relationships with them brings me joy,” Whitefoot shared. Her success in the classroom is supported by the encouragement of her family and fellow educators, who have played a crucial role in her journey.
Fayette County Public Schools congratulates Hannah Jo Whitefoot on this well-deserved honor and thanks her for her dedication to educating and inspiring young minds.
Fayette County Public Schools proudly recognizes Kelley Romero, a dedicated Pre-K teacher at Oakland Elementary School, as the OES 2024-2025 PreK-4 Grade Teacher of the Year. With 22 years of experience in education and three years at FCPS, Romero’s passion and commitment to early childhood learning have earned her this prestigious honor.
Romero holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Memphis and a Master of Arts in Education from Cumberland University. She believes education is one of the most powerful ways to improve lives. “For me, having the opportunity to meet children as they enter school for the first time and to help foster a love of learning is the most rewarding job there is,” she shared.
As a Pre-K teacher, Romero is dedicated to helping her students transition from uncertainty to confidence in the classroom. “Often, my little friends come to me having no experience in the classroom and feeling overwhelmed,” she said. “I love to watch them grow over the school year and become confident learners and kind friends to each other! My goal is to send them into the next year as self-assured, caring kindergarteners.”
Beyond the classroom, Romero enjoys traveling and recently took a memorable trip to Scotland. She is married to her husband, Mark, and is a proud mother of two adult children, Ryan and Rickey.
Fayette County Public Schools congratulates Kelley Romero on this well-deserved achievement and thanks her for her invaluable contributions to education and the lives of her students.
Fayette County Public Schools proudly recognize Lisa Starnes as the 2024-2025 Grades 5-8 Teacher of the Year for Oakland Elementary School. A dedicated educator with a deep passion for student success, Starnes has been an integral part of FCPS for ten years, teaching 5th-grade math and science with enthusiasm and innovation.
From an early age, Starnes knew she wanted to be a teacher. “I have always enjoyed sharing my knowledge and helping others, but I also love learning from my peers and adapting to new ideas,” she shared. Her commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth is evident in her teaching approach, where she strives to make complex concepts engaging and accessible to all students.
Starnes holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Science in Instruction and Curriculum Leadership from the University of Memphis. Her expertise and dedication to instructional excellence have made a lasting impact on the students she serves.
For Starnes, the most rewarding part of teaching is witnessing the moment students truly understand a new concept. “Seeing the light come on in students—knowing that I was able to reach them and provide them with skills they will use for the rest of their lives—makes this profession so fulfilling,” she said.
Beyond the classroom, Starnes enjoys cheering on the Memphis Tigers and the Memphis Grizzlies and attending games with her family whenever possible. She has been married for 17 years and is the proud mother of one child, with a second on the way, and a loving aunt to her nephew. Looking to the future, Starnes aspires to expand her impact by mentoring fellow educators and taking on leadership roles within the school system.
Fayette County Public Schools is honored to celebrate Lisa Starnes for her outstanding contributions to education and her unwavering dedication to student success. Her passion for teaching and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable part of the FCPS family.
When asked about her favorite part of teaching, Ms. Rogers shared that she cherishes the opportunity to serve students, their families, and her colleagues daily. Witnessing students smile, grow, and reach their goals keeps her motivated. She takes pride in being a positive spark in her students’ lives, creating a classroom environment where they feel supported and encouraged to achieve greatness. Looking ahead, Ms. Rogers envisions herself supporting the education field beyond the classroom. She hopes to mentor and guide incoming teachers, helping them navigate the profession and build successful careers in education.