Lindsey Beth Atkins, Jessica Flood, and Kelly Hutchens have more than one thing in common.
Named 2025-26 Teachers of the Year in their respective buildings by top-level system administrators, the Union City Schools educators also share love for their jobs, pride in their students, and gratefulness for their elite standing.
School Communications Director Mike Hutchens said each of the teachers has earned the highest Level-5 status was selected for the prestigious honor from a talented roster at their school: Atkins at UC Elementary, Flood at Union City Middle School, and Hutchens at UCHS.
They will be formally recognized at a future school board meeting and will also be featured on the school’s Reelfoot Avenue billboard.
The deserving trio received glowing words of praise from their respective building principals for their commitment, work ethic, and loyalty to staff and co-workers.
“Mrs. Atkins was made for kindergarten,” UCES Principal Allison Palmer said of Lindsey Beth. “Her enthusiasm for teaching and her genuine love for her students shine through in everything she does.
“She is also an incredible teammate who is always supportive, collaborative, and willing to jump in wherever she’s needed.”
Atkins has taught for 15 years in the Union City System – 13 in kindergarten and two in 5th grade – and said her cohorts have become family during that time.
“I love working in the Union City School System!” she said. “Here, everyone not only knows your name, but also your family, your stories, and your real-life moments.
It feels less like a workplace and more like a community where we do life together.”
The UT Martin graduate and Obion County native was quick to include others and their roles in her success.
“This recognition is really about the support and dedication of our entire school family,” she said. “I’m surrounded by administrators and staff who pour themselves into our students every day, and especially by the amazing ladies in kindergarten that I do life with.
“We work together, encourage each other, and share the same passion for putting our students’ hearts first. This award represents all of us and the amazing community we’ve built for our kids.
“I’m truly grateful to have been chosen as Teacher of the Year, and it is such an honor.”
Flood has spent half of her 14 years in the education field at UC Schools, also teaching 1st and 2nd grades and 5th-grade science at the middle school.
A product of Crockett County High School and a college graduate of UT Martin and the University of Arkansas, Flood also detailed the positivity and’ family vibes’ of her job.
“What I value most about UC Schools is the strong sense of community,” she claimed. “The staff, administration, and teachers are supportive, and everyone truly works as a team.
“Union City Schools values relationships, high expectations, and collaboration. It’s a community where everyone wants what is best for kids.”
Flood was humbled by her Teacher of the Year selection, saying, “Knowing that my work is appreciated motivates me to continue giving my best to my students every day. This recognition reflects not only my efforts, but also the support of my 5th-grade team, my colleagues, and my students.
“Being named Teacher of the Year is an honor, and I am truly grateful.”
UCMS Principal Cole McAdams insisted Flood was indeed worthy of the honor.
“Jessica Flood is an outstanding teacher who represents us in the ‘Union City way,’” he said. “She works hard, goes above and beyond for her students, and brings positive energy to our building every single day.
“You can see her passion for helping kids succeed – both in the classroom and in life – in everything she does. With six years at Union City Schools and being a level 5 teacher for most of her career, she’s more than deserving of this honor. We’re proud of her and glad to have her as part of our Purple and Gold family.”
Hutchens, who came to UC Schools seven years ago after a long tenure at a Jackson private school, has fit in seamlessly as a valued contributor at the high school.
“Beyond being a wonderful teacher in the classroom, Mrs. Hutchens is an asset in many other areas,” UCHS Principal Jacob Cross said. “Whether it is leading our reaccreditation team, being the Microsoft TEAMS coordinator, or keeping stats for our volleyball team, she certainly plays a major role in our successes.”
“She practices a great blend of old-school teaching methods and innovative, technology-rich instruction.”
Hutchens, who graduated from Jackson South Side High School and Union University, has a full schedule of chemistry classroom duties, including honors and AP classes.
She’s especially passionate about her students and their potential as adults.
“In one word, the absolute best thing about teaching at UC Schools is the students,” she remarked. “These young people are amazing, and I just enjoy being around them each day. They have so many gifts and talents waiting to be shown to the world. What a blessing it is to be at the starting line of the transition these students are making from childhood to responsible, productive adulthood.
“It is truly a gift to be able to watch them find their own successes and try to help steer them towards other areas. If the Union City community has these young people as its future, we can all get ready because there are lots of very good things coming from them as they enter adulthood.”
The Teacher of the Year honor holds special meaning for Hutchens.
“Knowing my administration recognizes and appreciates what I do in the classroom and outside the classroom is something many professions don’t get to experience,” she said. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to teach in UC Schools where real teaching and learning happen. I’m thankful for the administration and board members who always look to support teachers in every way possible.
“This is what the teaching profession was designed to be like. I’m so grateful to have been chosen for this honor.”
UC Schools Director Wes Kennedy wore a wide smile when discussing this year’s honorees and said, “Our people are just the absolute best. They’re selfless. They consistently go above and beyond what the job calls for, and they love our students and invest greatly in them.
“I’m so proud of these three ladies and what they give to their students. Those talents and traits are what make Union City Schools the best.”
