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‘It’s a calling': Collierville educator is Tennessee’s Teacher of the Year

By , Daily Memphian Updated: October 10, 2025 5:44 AM CT | Published: September 28, 2025 4:00 AM CT

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

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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