KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Kingsport City Schools (KCS) has announced its 2027 District, Novice, and Building Teachers of the Year. KCS District Teachers of the Year include Madison Vander Lind (Grades PreK–4), Jessica Mullins (Grades 5–8), and Sarah Good (Grades 9–12).

Madison Vander Lind, 1st Grade teacher at Washington Elementary School, has been named the district Teacher of the Year for Grades PreK–4. Now in her fourth year of teaching, Vander Lind is a deeply passionate educator and lifelong learner who believes in educating the whole child and creating an environment where every student feels loved, valued, and empowered to reach their fullest potential. She employs a student-centered, data-driven approach to instruction, using ongoing assessments and collaborative planning to identify individual student needs, determine purposeful instructional next steps, celebrate growth, and ensure every learner has opportunities to succeed through high expectations and differentiated instruction. In addition to her classroom responsibilities, Vander Lind has served as a 1st grade district math teacher leader for the past three years, collaborating with district leadership to support curriculum implementation, examine research-based instructional practices, and provide professional learning opportunities for fellow educators. She has also served as a FIRST LEGO League coach and was named the 2025–2026 Coach of the Year after being nominated by her team of 4th and 5th grade students. Vander Lind holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education K–5 with an endorsement in English as a Second Language PreK–12 from East Tennessee State University and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Union Commonwealth University.

"I am proud to support Madison Vander Lind's nomination for KCS Teacher of the Year," said Washington Elementary School Principal Heather Wolf. "She is a true “student of the work” as an educator who continually studies her students, the standards, and her own practice to determine what will make the greatest impact on learning. Her commitment to continuous growth, leadership, and creating meaningful opportunities for students exemplifies the very best of the teaching profession."

Jessica Mullins, 7th Grade Science teacher at Sevier Middle School, has been named the district Teacher of the Year for Grades 5–8. Mullins is in her 26th year as a classroom teacher - 20 years at Robinson Middle School and in her 5th year at Sevier Middle School. She is passionate about fostering relationships with her students that drive academic and personal growth and strives to empower her students to recognize their full potential and pursue whatever future they imagine. In her classroom, she utilizes hands-on activities that ignite curiosity and gets students talking and collaborating together to solve problems. Her dedication extends well beyond the classroom through student mentoring, tutoring, and coaching softball, volleyball, and wrestling. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Milligan University and a Master’s degree in Teaching from East Tennessee State University.

"Jessica Mullins is a passionate educator and coach whose influence extends far beyond the walls of her classroom," said Sevier Middle School Principal Dr. Kyle Loudermilk. "From inspiring a love for hands-on discovery in science to championing student voice and athletic excellence across our district, she brings extraordinary heart and energy to everything she does."

Sarah Good, ESL teacher at Dobyns-Bennett High School, has been named the district Teacher of the Year for Grades 9–12. Good has spent her entire 23 year career at Dobyns-Bennett High School with 13 years as an English teacher, and 10 years teaching English as a Second Language. She is deeply involved in the KCS Inclusive Athletics Program, coaching the Sparkle Squad and Unified Track and Field teams, and coordinating annual Tribe Games inclusive events for K-12 students with different abilities. She believes strongly that every student has the potential and ability to make the world a better place, and enjoys finding the "spark" in students for whom school can be challenging. Throughout her tenure with Kingsport City Schools, Good has held multiple roles, including English Department chair; member of the KCS Diversity committee; Girls on the Run volunteer coach; Yearbook and Newspaper sponsor; and sponsor of the Dobyns-Bennett Hispanic Heritage Club, Inclusive Leadership Club, and Student Council. Good holds a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary English Education with an ESL endorsement from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Tennessee.

 

"Sarah Good embodies the true spirit of relationship-building and collaboration," said Dobyns-Bennett High School Principal Dr Brian Tate. "She creates meaningful connections that transcend all walks of life in the community. Above all, her dedication to ensuring that all students, regardless of their background or starting point, have opportunities to succeed is truly inspiring. Sarah's unwavering commitment to inclusive excellence makes her a standout leader in education and we are incredibly proud to honor her as our Teacher of the Year."