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KINGSPORT, Tenn. - The Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) has announced the nine finalists for the Tennessee Novice Teacher of the Year distinction. Dobyns-Bennett High School English teacher , Will Stockley has advanced to the final round of the 2026-27 Tennessee Novice Teacher of the Year competition. The finalists represent each Center of Regional Excellence (CORE) region in the state, with three finalists in each Grand Division: East, Middle, and West.
“Will Stockley represents exactly what we hope to see in a new teacher; strong content knowledge, a genuine commitment to students, a willingness to learn, and the ability to build meaningful relationships in the classroom," said Kingsport City Schools Superintendent Dr. Chris Hampton. "Being named a finalist for Tennessee Novice Teacher of the Year is a tremendous accomplishment and a well-deserved recognition of the impact Mr. Stockley was able to have as a teacher and coach at Robinson Middle School. We are incredibly proud of Will and grateful that he has chosen to dedicate his teaching career with Kingsport City Schools.”
“I am honoured to be a finalist for the Tennessee Novice Teacher of the Year," said Stockley. "Teaching can be an incredibly rewarding job, and watching students develop not only academically, but as people, is a special thing to be a part of. To be recognised for my efforts is such a lovely moment, but really I am just a cog inside a much larger operation who works every day for the betterment of others. So, from my university professors to my colleagues, thank you for all your support."
Stockley has been an educator for the last three years. After teaching 8th grade English at Ross N. Robinson Middle School, he moved to Dobyns-Bennett High School for the start of the 2026-2027 school year, where he now teaches 9th and 10th grade English. In addition to his classroom role, he coaches the school's cross country and track teams. Having represented England as a junior athlete, Stockley is currently training for the Boston Marathon. He holds a bachelor's degree in law from St. Mary's University and three master's degrees from Milligan University.
Novice Teacher of the Year finalists will be recognized at the Excellence in Education Event on October 1, 2026.
Learn more about the Tennessee educator recognition awards.
Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a student-focused, world-class public school district located in Kingsport, Tennessee, proudly serving students across Sullivan and Hawkins counties. The district comprises 13 schools, including a Pre-K facility, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, a high school program of choice, and an alternative learning program. With a total enrollment exceeding 7,600 students, KCS is dedicated to fostering educational excellence, empowering student success, and ensuring all students are college and career ready. To learn more, visit www.k12k.com, tune in to WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, or contact the KCS Administrative Support Center at (423) 378.2100. Stay connected by following us on Facebook (@kcsdistrict), Instagram (@kcs__district), and YouTube (@kcs__district).
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