Voters in Knoxville Urged to Back a Local Teacher

A teacher from Fountain City Elementary is looking for support in the national “America’s Favorite Teacher” contest. Miranda Timmerman has reached the quarterfinal stage and now needs votes to move on to the semifinals. The deadline for voting is tonight at 10 p. m. , and the overall competition will finish on May 21, when a winner is chosen. The top prize includes a visit from Bill Nye the Science Guy, $25, 000 in cash, and a trip to Hawaii. Timmerman has already pledged that $2, 000 of any winnings will go back to her school.She explains why she chose teaching: “I want to shape young minds at the very start of their lives, so they grow into empathetic, just, humble, strong, truthful and hopeful adults. ” Her goal is to help many students learn not just writing skills but also how to write a better future for the country. Parents, neighbors and anyone with a Facebook account can help by voting once each day. Every vote brings her closer to the national title and the chance to bring even more resources to her students.