Great Scott!

Hickory Creek Elementary third-grade teacher Caroline Scott has earned a little extra recognition for the work she does in the classroom.

Scott has been selected as the first-ever First National Bank Teacher of the Week, a new promotion from the Main Street Journal and First National Bank of Middle Tennessee.

Scott received 73 votes in the inaugural week of balloting, which drew 692 votes overall from readers supporting local teachers.

For Scott, now in her sixth year in the classroom, the recognition came as a welcome surprise.

“Thank you so much,” Scott said after learning she had won. “This has made my day.”

All six years of Scott’s teaching career have been spent teaching third grade at Hickory Creek. She also helps coach the football and competition cheer team at Warren County Middle School.

A Warren County native, Scott grew up in the Irving College community before attending Middle Tennessee State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She later received her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Western Governors University.

Scott credits one of her own teachers, Robin Burton, with helping shape the educator she would eventually become.

“She inspired a love of reading and learning in me that I hope to pass on to my students,” Scott said. “She pushed me to be my best and showed me so much love.”

Six years into her own career, Scott said some of her greatest rewards come from watching students reach a point where they no longer need her help.

“The most rewarding part about being a teacher is when a student is able to successfully and independently complete a skill that we have been working on,” Scott said. “Seeing that growth and hard work from my students is amazing and is what pushes me to show up every day.”

The First National Bank Teacher of the Week recognizes local educators throughout Warren County. Each weekly winner receives gift certificates from local merchants, recognition in the Main Street Journal and on Main Street Media radio stations and a spot in the pool from which the Teacher of the Year will be selected next spring.

First National Bank of Middle Tennessee is the primary sponsor of Teacher of the Week, with additional support from Smooth Rapids, Diamond Jewelry Company, Phillips Sales and Service and Graves Family Pharmacy.

Scott has been removed from the ballot following her victory, which means it’s time to pick the next winner. Voting for Week 2 is underway and continues through 11:59 p.m. Monday. Readers may cast one vote per hour per email address at the Main Street Journal Teacher of the Week page.