Memorials, Professional Achievement - Kala Ealy, Gladeville Elementary School Teacher of the Year -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Mark Pody

SJR 491 ceremonially congratulates Kala Ealy for being named 2024-2025 Gladeville Elementary Teacher of the Year, recognizing her dedication and educational excellence.

Signed by Governor.

#memorials #professionalachievement

SJR 491: Memorials, Professional Achievement – Kala Ealy, Gladeville Elementary School Teacher of the Year

Purpose and Intent

Senate Joint Resolution 491 is a ceremonial, non-binding measure recognizing and congratulating Kala Ealy for being named the 2024-2025 Gladeville Elementary School Teacher of the Year. The resolution honors her dedication to public education, positive influence on students, and professional excellence as a Tennessee educator.

Key Provisions

The resolution states the Legislature’s intent to honor Kala Ealy for her outstanding service to Tennessee’s students and her professional achievements.

It commends her for demonstrating dedication, ability, and integrity in the classroom.

It explicitly salutes her expertise and personal excellence and wishes her continued success in future endeavors.

A directive is included that an appropriate copy of the resolution be prepared for presentation, with a formatting provision that, upon request, the language following the State seal appears without House or Senate designation.

Biographical Details Highlighted

Kala Ealy is a twelve-year veteran of the classroom.

She teaches fourth-grade English language arts and social studies at Gladeville Elementary School.

Education: Associate of Science degree in Elementary Education; Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with an endorsement in mathematics.

Affected Parties and Scope

Primary recognition directed at Kala Ealy and her colleagues, students, and the Gladeville Elementary community.

The measure is ceremonial and serves to highlight achievement within Tennessee’s public education system; it does not create new programs, funding, or policy mandates.

Procedural History and Timeline

Introduced: April 21, 2025 by Senator Pody (Senate sponsor).

House concurrence and related actions occurred on April 22, 2025 (passed on first consideration, then concurred with Ayes 95, Nays 0, PNV 0).

Enrolled and ready for signatures: April 24, 2025; signed by Senate Speaker April 24, 2025.

Transmitted to Governor: April 25, 2025; Governor signed: May 5, 2025.

Status: Signed by Governor (now effective as a memorial measure).

Sponsor

Primary sponsor: Senator Pody

Impact and Significance

This joint resolution is a ceremonial recognition that underscores the value of exemplary teachers in Tennessee. It publicly acknowledges Kala Ealy’s contributions and serves to inspire educators and students alike. There are no fiscal implications or statutory changes resulting from the resolution.