Fairmount Elementary School’s Allyson Rutherford has been named the District Teacher of the Year for grades PreK-4. Ms. Rutherford’s dedication to fostering a love for reading and inspiring young minds has made lasting impact on students, families, and colleagues alike.
In the heart of Fairmount Elementary School, a place where imagination and education combine, is where you’ll find Ms. Rutherford—a dedicated educator, mentor, and advocate for the power of reading. As the teacher-librarian at Fairmount, she has spent the past decade transforming the library into a vibrant, student-centered space where books are more than just stories; they are invitations to dream, discover, and grow.
Born and raised in Bristol, Tennessee, Ms. Rutherford’s roots run deep in the community she now serves. A graduate of East Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master of Science in Information Science from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, she has dedicated 20 years to shaping young minds. Her career has been a journey through multiple roles, from classroom teacher to reading interventionist to librarian, each step reinforcing her belief in the transformative power of literacy.
“I am fortunate to work with amazing students and colleagues every day at Fairmount,” Ms. Rutherford shares. “Together, we have built a library program with students at the center. Their input has helped curate a library space, collection, and program that matches student needs and interests, and that has made my job really fun!”
Ms. Rutherford’s passion for teaching is rooted in the relationships she builds. She begins every library class with three minutes of students sharing their ‘good things’—birthday parties, new pets, big baseball games—small moments that reflect their lives beyond the classroom. These conversations are more than just warm-ups; they are a window into each child’s world, allowing her to connect them with books that resonate. “When I learn about kids’ real lives, I can help make a difference in their reading lives,” she says. “It is a privilege to get to know students and try to match them up with their next great read.”
Her approach is intentional and engaging. She is selective about the books she shares, ensuring that only the most captivating, inspiring, and crowd-pleasing stories make it to her read-alouds. “I like to say that I am only as good as the books I am able to read and share with students,” she explains. “I am inspired by the amazing authors and illustrators who create books that kids actually want to read.”
Beyond her impact in the library, Ms. Rutherford’s role as a mentor and leader extends into her personal life. Married to her Tennessee High School sweetheart, Curt, she is also a devoted mother to two lively children, Brooks (8) and Maya (5). Her ability to balance family, career, and a love for literature is a testament to her dedication, not only to her own children but to every student who walks through Fairmount’s library doors.
It is a recognition well-earned, not just for her expertise in fostering a love for books, but for the countless lives she has touched through the simple yet profound act of placing the right book in the right hands at the right time.
As she continues to inspire young readers, Ms. Rutherford remains steadfast in her mission: to make the library not just a room full of books, but a gateway to endless possibilities. “I want my students to know that their voices matter, their stories matter, and there is always a book waiting to help them see just how powerful they are.”
Note: This article is the first in a series of three of BTCS District Teachers of the Year.