News Summary
Susan Espiritu, the owner/editor of Knox TN Today Inc., was celebrated at the 2025 Educators Hall of Honor awards for her profound impact on education during her 35-year career. Her leadership roles, including principal at Pond Gap Elementary and Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Academy, showcased her dedication to educational excellence in Knox County Schools. Her family’s commitment to public service and education further highlights the legacy of impactful teaching in the community.
Knoxville, TN – Susan Espiritu, a respected figure in education and the owner/editor of Knox TN Today Inc., was honored at the 2025 Educators Hall of Honor awards ceremony held on April 24, 2025, at the University of Tennessee College of Education, Health and Human Sciences. The event recognized her outstanding contributions to the field over her 35-year career in Knox County Schools, including 16 years of service as a school-level administrator.
Espiritu’s impactful career included notable leadership roles, such as her tenure as principal at Pond Gap Elementary. Under her guidance, the school was recognized for becoming the first university-assisted community school, a partnership forged with Dr. Bob Kronick from UT and community leader Randy Boyd. Her commitment to educational excellence continued at Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Academy, where she served as principal in her final post before retirement.
Her colleagues acknowledged her dedication and effectiveness, culminating in her recognition in 2012 as Tennessee’s national principal of the year, an honor reflecting her influence and accomplishments within the educational community.
Espiritu’s influence extends beyond her own professional achievements. Her family is also deeply rooted in public service and education. Her daughter, Kalea Derry, serves as a director of college and career readiness for high school students at a local school, while her other daughter, Maria Haun, holds a doctorate in organizational management and is pursuing a Doctorate of Business Administration to further educate students at high school and college levels. Additionally, her son, Billy Espiritu, serves the community as a firefighter for the Knoxville Fire Department.
In recognition of her collective contributions, Espiritu was honored alongside other notable educators in the Class of 2025, including the late Sarah DeYoung, Saundra McGuire, Sherry Morgan, David Royse, Kirsten Salonga, Marcia Goldenstein, Bob Kesling, and Charmaine Mamantov. Furthermore, Liv Detwiler received the Educators Hall of Honor scholarship during the ceremony, highlighting the commitment to supporting future educators.
The Educators Hall of Honor was established in May 2002 by Glennon Rowell, the dean of the College of Education. The program aims to acknowledge educators who have significantly impacted their students’ lives and provides stipends for University of Tennessee students during their yearlong master’s degree internship, ensuring that the legacy of impactful teaching continues for generations to come.
Espiritu is particularly recognized for her innovative techniques designed to engage students of diverse ages, abilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Her approach to education has paved the way for more inclusive and effective teaching methods within the Knox County Schools system.
This year’s awards ceremony celebrated not just individual achievements but also the collective dedication of educators who have made lasting impressions on their students and communities. Espiritu’s recognition stands as a testament to her enduring commitment to the field of education and her role in fostering a brighter future for students in Knoxville and beyond.
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Additional Resources
- Knox TN Today: Espiritu Joins Educators Hall of Honor at UT
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- Knox News: Tennessee Ranking for Teachers
- Google Search: Teachers Appreciation Week Tennessee
- WBIR: Knox County Schools Teacher Bonuses Approval
- Google Scholar: Education Leadership
- Knox TN Today: Services for Business Education Leader
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- WBIR: Knox Prep Teacher License Concerns
- Google News: Education Tennessee
