‘It’s a calling': Collierville educator is Tennessee’s Teacher of the Year
Brandi De La Cruz is the first teacher from its municipality to receive the statewide award, according to Collierville Schools. (Courtesy Collierville Schools)
When Brandi De La Cruz was deciding what she wanted to do with her life, a career as a high school math teacher was not on her radar. She wanted to be the next Martha Stewart.
“She was my role model in high school for obviously the wrong reasons,” De La Cruz said. “I really respected her and wanted to be her.”
After completing a degree in business administration, however, she ended up working as a manager at Finish Line selling shoes.
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Lydia Williams
Lydia Williams is a native Memphian who graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in journalism. She has written stories about community issues, health and education.
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