NASHVILLE (AP) — Nine finalists for Tennessee Teacher of the Year have been announced by the Department of Education.

They are:

West Tennessee: Karen Vogelsang, Keystone Elementary; Rebecca McBride, Brighton High; Kerry Newsom, Margaret Newton Elementary; Middle Tennessee: Tracy Harmon, Franklin High; Chris Simpson, Ingram Sowell Elementary; Shannon Streett, Woodbury Grammar; East Tennessee: Cecily Williams, Cleveland Middle; Heather Burkhart, Pigeon Forge Middle; Ashley Carter, John Adams Elementary.

The Grand Division winners and teacher of the year will be announced this fall.