Joann Hellmann Wins Hubert Smothers Award of Excellence

Head of School Sean Corcoran with Mrs. Hellmann

We are thrilled to share that K4 teacher Joann Hellmann has been honored with the TAIS Hubert Smothers Award, recognizing outstanding service and dedication to independent education in Tennessee.

This prestigious award celebrates educators who go above and beyond in their commitment to students, colleagues, and the mission of independent schools. Mrs. Hellmann exemplifies these qualities each day through their passion for teaching, care for students, and unwavering pursuit of excellence. Below are the remarks that TAIS Executive Director Sarah Wilson shared in the presentation of the award.

Hubert Smothers Award

The TAIS Hubert Smothers Award for Excellence in Teaching is awarded by a committee of TAIS staff and board members who review nominations for the award. Nominees must meet an impressive set of criteria, which I’ve listed here. What we’re looking for is longevity in the profession–at least 20 years in education–and people who care deeply for students and know how to engage and inspire them, as well as caring deeply for their community–their school community and also the larger communities around them.

This award was established to honor Hubert Smothers, president of Harrison-Chilhowee Baptist Academy in Seymour, TN from 1970-1984. He was a teacher and administrator who cared deeply about the students and faculty entrusted to his care. It is in his memory and those ideals about which he felt so strongly that the Hubert Smothers Excellence in Teaching Awards are presented to honor the teaching profession. 

Joann Hellmann, a K4 teacher at Brainerd Baptist School, exemplifies another core skill in teaching excellence: building strong and lasting foundations. One colleague notes, “I’ve lost track of how many times prospective families touring our school have said they were drawn here because they heard about Joann from a current or former parent. Her reputation precedes her, and her legacy continues to shape our community in meaningful ways.” In fact, Head of School Sean Corcoran shared that “Joann is the consummate teacher. Her ability to connect with students and parents alike is nothing short of extraordinary. I have not only seen this professionally but have experienced it personally—each of my three adult children was in her class at age four. Her influence on them was lasting and profound.”

Joann’s dedication to ensuring very young children can move from her care with a sturdy foundation for their lives and learning beyond her classroom brings people to Brainerd Baptist and brings them back to the community. Colleagues note that “Joann exemplifies what it means to love, educate, and truly connect with young learners and their families. Her classroom is a space of wonder, where the joy of learning is tangible. It's a place where curiosity is sparked and nurtured, and where children feel deeply seen and valued.” And Joann does not only build foundations within her classrooms, she has also committed to impacting the larger educational community: presenting at numerous conferences, including, I’m proud to say, the TAIS Annual Conference, mentoring countless teachers, serving on many school committees, teaching legendary cycling classes at the local YMCA, and teaching Sunday School at First Presbyterian Church, bringing the same warmth and dedication to her faith community as she does to her students and colleagues.

For your commitment to giving so many students an exceptional starting point, Joann, TAIS is honored to award you the Hubert Smothers Award for Teaching Excellence.

Joann joins an impressive list of Chattanooga-area educators who have previously received this honor, including our very own Deb Gruner, as well as Chet LeSourd (McCallie), Denise Cooper (Bright), Lina Loss Mines (GPS), Jane Hangar (GPS), Dan Kennedy (Baylor), James Stover (Baylor), John Strang (McCallie), and Janice Robbins (St. Nicholas), among others. Congrats Mrs. Hellmann, we are proud of you!