Jefferson County High School’s Billie Yardley Crowned Today Show’s Teacher of the Year
Billie Yardley in rehearsal for Night of Patriots 2012 – Staff Photo by Jeff Depew
Jefferson County High School Drama Teacher Billie Yardley has been named the Today Show’s Teacher of the Year. Earlier in the month, Yardley had been identified as one of three finalists on Hoda and Katie Lee hour of the morning show. The winner was determined by viewer votes. The JCHS teacher took an early lead in voting, as the community rallied behind one of their favorite teachers. Though the voting chart was soon removed from the show’s website to insure that the results would be a surprise, votes kept pouring in for Yardley. Before the busy Drama Teacher could focus on the contest, she had to put to bed the 21st annual performance of Night of the Patriots, where she served as Artistic Director. Billie, as well as Katie and Penny Inman and family, traveled to New York City for the announcement of the Teacher of the Year. Katie Inman, a senior at Jefferson County High School, with the assistance of her Mother Penny, who is also a teacher in the Jefferson County School System, nominated Yardley in the contest. The group appeared on the Today Show on Tuesday, November 12, 2013, for the announcement of the winning teacher. Yardley, whose classroom was destroyed and contents lost during the recent roof collapse at Jefferson County High School, stated that she was honored to be recognized as a finalist and was humbled by the outpouring from the community. The finalists were assembled on the fourth hour of the Today Show and Billie Yardley was named Teacher of the Year. Beyond the recognition for a lifetime of dedication to her students, Yardley will receive $10,000 to help rebuild her drama costumes and props, which she had spend many years accumulating. Jefferson County High School faculty and staff, as well as the community, were watching and cheering the educator on as she made her television debut and they were excited to see her bring home the top prize. Billie’s husband George and son Joshua were surprise visitors on the set of the Today Show to watch her crowning as the Teacher of the Year.
