Sara Sears

Instructional Coach. Mom of the Garden Girls. Striving to be like Sherry Carlene.

[Sara Sears @CoachSaraSears]

TIDIDE wars during @RMSRavens Mrs. Pace's R&E sure does bring a bright spot to a day ✏️ #RavensWrite

[Sara Sears @CoachSaraSears]

This week we had our first @RMSRavens book study session of the semester. A great crowd & even better discussions as we worked with Reuter's "The Resilient Educator" 📚

[Sara Sears @CoachSaraSears]

Our @RMSRavens parents donated items for our field day hospitality room, and it made for a sweet treat to start off our fall break. Everyone got a full plate (or two...) because there was SO MUCH food. We are thankful for our stakeholders!

[Sara Sears @CoachSaraSears]

💙

[Rutherford County Schools @rucoschools]

Five recognized with RCS Strong Outstanding Staff awards

Nominations from September being accepted now

September 30, 2025

By JAMES EVANS
Rutherford County Schools

Four Rutherford County Schools’ employees and a bus driver were recognized for their dedication to duty by being named the latest recipients of the RCS Strong Outstanding Staff awards.

The SOS awards recognize employees in one of five categories: support staff, teachers, administrators, central office employees, and those involved in transportation, which includes bus contractors, bus drivers, crossing guards, and bus aides. 

The award winners were honored at the Sept. 25 School Board meeting.

The school district is seeking nominations now for the next round of awards, which will be announced at the Oct. 16 School Board meeting.

Nominations are taken on a continuous basis, and anyone can nominate a staff member using this simple form: https://t.co/PVz1MvTpn1

Nominations are then reviewed by the RCS leadership team to determine award winners.

The awards are sponsored by the Sonic drive-In restaurants of Rutherford County. Chris Spraggins and Alan Scheuers — supervising partners with the local Sonic drive-ins — presented gift bags to the five award winners at the Sept. 25 meeting.

The five winners from September are listed below along with comments from their nominations: 

Administrator — Richard Reed, Principal, LaVergne Middle School

NOMINATION COMMENTS: I was a part of the LMS family before Mr. Reed joined the LMS team as an assistant principal. I have never attempted to leave this school because of the dedication to the students and community serviced, and I felt that culture mattered more than time travelled, scores, or ratings. This goes on to say, I thought our school was as close to perfect as it could be. Mr. Reed has elevated that reasoning even more for me. He has raised the bar at LMS, even though I didn't think we could go any higher. He spends countless hours devoted to the students in this building, especially the ones who need a hero the most. His compassion towards our students is like none other I've witnessed. He has sown seeds that the Rutherford County area will see for decades.

Teacher — Sara Sears, Instructional Coach, Rockvale Middle

NOMINATION COMMENTS: Sara Sears is one of the biggest supporters, helpers, and confidants at RMS.

I originally started as an EA and transitioned to a teaching position mid-way through last school year. Being in education was a totally new experience for me, and she has been incredibly supportive. She has answered every question I have, guided me through various online programs, and helped me navigate workplace dynamics.
Her mentorship and guidance have been instrumental in building my confidence and growth as an educator. While I know I still have plenty to learn, I'm grateful for the foundation she's helped me build and I look forward to continuing to learn from her.

SUPPORT STAFF - Stephanie Matschinegg, Rockvale High School

NOMINATION COMMENTS: Ms. Stephanie goes out of her way to comfort and welcome every staff member and student. She is the mother of all of us teachers and the most beloved person in our school. She is always pleasant and accommodating. No recognition would be adequate. She is a rockstar.

CENTRAL OFFICE - Renee Pope, Human Resources

NOMINATION COMMENTS: Renee goes above and beyond for her job. She trained me and is always a good example of what an Admin Assistant should be.  I can go to Renee with any questions, and she will have an answer for me every time. She gave me a tour of the building and introduced me to everyone. She made sure that I had all of my logins, even if it took some extra effort by constantly emailing people. She took excellent notes and set me up so that I'm prepared for any issues that I may face with the job. I even notice some of the analysts going to her for questions as well. She is definitely one of the most knowledgeable in the HR department.

TRANSPORTATION - Gail Howell, driver, Bus 243

NOMINATION COMMENTS: She always takes such great care of the students who ride her bus. She loves on their families as well. The beginning of the year is always stressful for parents and staff, and she makes sure students are well taken care of and home safe every afternoon!

[Sara Sears @CoachSaraSears]

The last eight weeks have been the most challenging I have ever had as an instructional coach, and this surprise was such an incredible bright spot 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹

[Rockvale Middle @RMSRavens]

What teacher was chosen as the Strong Outstanding Staff for Rutherford County? Our one and only Mrs. Sears! This is a much deserved honor! She is the ultimate Raven! #RavenPride #WeLoveSears

[Steve Harvey @IAmSteveHarvey]

Sometimes, the person you need to talk to the most is in heaven. 😪

[Sara Sears @CoachSaraSears]

Absolutely packed house for our @RMSRavens Raven Experience today! 387 registrants breaks a record. We hope you enjoyed touring the building & meeting new friends. We're so happy to meet all you & look forward to a great school year! 🍎

[Sara Sears @CoachSaraSears]

Some great info courtesy of @DrNielHiggins at #RCSSummit25 today! It was a very informative session over how to integrate AI components into grading, which in turn allows for quicker feedback on student essays & assists in enrichment practices. @RMSRavens is proud! 📚

[Sara Sears @CoachSaraSears]

Thankful for the crew of @RMSRavens parents who helped serve 306 pizzas & distribute drinks (not to mention those that sold concessions) for our March pizza lunch 🍕 Now for a well deserved spring break!

[Sara Sears @CoachSaraSears]

Some very neat mini lessons (and delicious calories) in @RMSRavens Mrs. Nelson's class for pi day! 🥧

[Hannah Wilson @quotedvisually]

"Deciding what not to do is just as important as deciding what to do" - Steve Jobs

[Positively Present @positivepresent]

Check on your strong friends. 💛

[Words @itswords_]

You got this!

[Sara Sears @CoachSaraSears]

When I tell you this is the definition of deserved!!! 💙

[Rockvale Middle @RMSRavens]

We are thrilled to celebrate Mrs. Baker! She pours her heart and soul into her students and is a dependable and supportive co-worker. Rockvale is proud of our RCS TOY! #RavenPride

[Sara Sears @CoachSaraSears]

Tuesdays are for character autopsies in @RMSRavens Mrs. Shea's class. Victor Frankenstein sure is a complicated character! 🧟‍♂️

[Positively Present @positivepresent]

Now is the time! 🐍 #LunarNewYear

[Sara Sears @CoachSaraSears]

So proud of Ingram!!! Incredibly well deserved.

[Rockvale Middle @RMSRavens]

We honored Ms. Ingram at the school board meeting for winning the Strong Outstanding Staff Award presented by Sonic. She was nominated by one of her students! She may have been really nervous about being in front of the room, but she represented us well! Congrats! #RavenPride

[Positively Present @positivepresent]

Hey, it’s okay… ❄️