Join Us in Celebrating This Year's Award-Winning Educators!

At RJ Young, we believe that merging human creativity with technology has the power to transform the classroom. That’s why we are incredibly proud to partner with the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) to present the 2026 Innovative Educator Award.

This award honors exceptional educators across Tennessee who are engaging students through creative teaching methods and modern technology. This year, we are thrilled to celebrate three outstanding educators who are preparing students for a rapidly evolving world.

tssaa-logo

This Year's Winners:

download-2

Alex Jeffries, Mt. Juliet High School

Alex Jeffries embodies the belief that innovation starts with people. Through his leadership of the CIP program, he uses data-informed practices and technology-supported systems to meet students where they are and remove barriers to success. His work reflects RJ Young’s commitment to people-first solutions, creating an environment where students are supported, empowered, and given the tools to succeed. By turning a high-need program into a pathway for achievement, he demonstrates how innovative thinking can drive meaningful, lasting impact.

Hardin County

Derrick Frazier, Hardin County High School

Derrick Frazier has a bold, forward-thinking approach to preparing students for the future. By building a drone certification program that integrates real-world application, he exemplifies RJ Young’s value of leading with innovation and technology. His work ensures students are not just learning, but gaining relevant, career-ready skills that align with evolving workforce demands. He is expanding access to advanced technology and proving that innovation can create opportunity anywhere.

Hills

Susan Strasinger, Hillsboro High School

Susan Strasinger redefines what learning can look like through technology and real-world application. Her creation of real-world classroom media network reflects RJ Young’s belief in forward-thinking solutions that people to lead and create. By transforming students into content creators, collaborators, and decision-makers using professional-grade tools and platforms, she bridges the gap between education and industry. Her work demonstrates how innovation, when driven by purpose, can inspire others and elevate an entire school community.