Bristol Tennessee City Schools is proud to announce that John Richardson, a criminal justice teacher at Tennessee High School (THS) and Tennessee Online Public School (TOPS), has been honored with the Tennessee Association for Career and Technical Education (TACTE) New Teacher of the Year award. Mr. Richardson's award highlights his commitment to education and his innovative teaching style.
The TACTE New Teacher of the Year award is a prestigious state-level accolade awarded to one exceptional educator across Tennessee who has demonstrated unparalleled dedication and innovation in their early years of teaching. This award recognizes new teachers who have made significant contributions to Career and Technical Education (CTE), setting a high standard for educational excellence and student engagement within their respective fields.
Mr. Richardson's journey into education was fueled by his deep-rooted desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. Transitioning from a career within the criminal justice system, including roles in both the Virginia Department of Corrections and the Department of Juvenile Justice, Mr. Richardson brought to the classroom a variety of real-world experiences. His background provides students with an insider’s understanding of the criminal justice system.
Under Mr. Richardson's leadership, the criminal justice program at THS has become one of the most sought-after courses by students, a reflection of his ability to engage students. His innovative teaching methods extend beyond the traditional classroom setting, incorporating case studies, discussions on ethical dilemmas, and guest speakers from various sectors of the criminal justice field. Mr. Richardson's dedication to his students' success is also evident through his involvement in SkillsUSA competitions and his role in establishing the first SkillsUSA Criminal Justice team at THS.
"Mr. Richardson has simply transformed the criminal justice program of study into one that consistently has the most course requests by students at Tennessee High School," said BTCS Director of CTE, Deidre Pendley. “In addition, he spearheaded a new criminal justice program for TOPS and teaches all their courses for students across the state. During his brief five years, he has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to fostering positive change in the lives of students, showcasing a level of dedication and innovation that is rarely seen.”
Mr. Richardson's teaching has even influenced students' career choices, showcasing the transformative power of education. In her letter of recommendation for Mr. Richardson, student Emma Russo shared a personal insight into her classroom experience, "For me, Mr. Richardson turned the criminal justice class into what I'm now considering for a lifelong career."
Families also appreciate the significant impact Mr. Richardson has on their children’s education and motivation in the classroom. Parents of students like Paul Letson have noticed the impact Mr. Richardson had on their children. Paul’s father, Ben Letson said in his letter of recommendation, "No teacher has done more to inspire and motivate my son than Mr. Richardson."
As Bristol Tennessee City Schools celebrates this significant achievement, it is clear that John Richardson embodies the qualities of an exceptional educator. Richardson's teaching methods and dedication are making a lasting impact on students and families.