Smoky Mountain Teachers of Promise Summit

Georgia Kentucky North Carolina Tennessee

Launched in 2025, the Smoky Mountain Teachers of Promise Summit is a growing regional movement to honor, strengthen, and retain the next generation of exceptional educators. Rooted in the belief that great teachers should be celebrated early and supported often, the Summit brings together university-selected Teachers of Promise from ten colleges and universities across Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee. These aspiring teachers have demonstrated excellence, leadership, and uncommon potential while still in preparation programs. In its first two years, the Summit welcomed 89 honorees, along with university faculty members, veteran educators, and school leaders united around the future of the profession.

Inspired by the goals of the Teachers of Promise Institute, the Summit works to elevate teaching, build professional identity, create lasting networks of encouragement, and connect emerging educators with accomplished practitioners who exemplify excellence. 17 Milken Educators participated in 2026 as mentors and presenters. During a special recognition ceremony, each Teacher of Promise receives a commemorative lapel pin presented by a mentor, symbolizing both achievement and responsibility. Directed by Wade Whitehead (VA ‘00), the Summit is funded by the Teachers of Promise Foundation and made possible through generous partners and donors, including The Dollywood Company.

Website here.

Mentors and presenters at the 2026 Smoky Mountain Teachers of Promise Summit included from left to right: Dilhani Uswatte (AL ‘09), Katie Picciuto (TN ‘16), Shasta Looper (SC ‘12), Cindy Moss (NC ‘01), Vanessa Smith (NC ‘24), (back, left to right) Bonnie Garrett (AL ‘07), Corrie Campbell (LA ‘22), Colt Brockington (GA ‘23), Abbey Kidwell (TN ‘23), Kelly Ryan (LA ‘23), Wade Whitehead (VA ‘00), Kevin Dailey (KY ‘21), Heather Hurt (AL ‘18), Stephanie Bishop (VA ‘01), Alexa Guynes (TN ‘22), and Jay Weisman (LA ‘21).

Honorees, faculty, mentors, presenters, and supporters at the 2026 Smoky Mountain Teachers of Promise Summit.

Teachers of Promise were honored during a special presentation at the Wings of America Bird Show at Dollywood (2026 honorees on stage, mentors down below, with Challenger the bald eagle in the center).