top of page
Music Class Activity

Collierville Schools
Marilyn Barnes Green Excellence in Teaching Award
Presented by the Collierville Education Foundation
Awarded by the John Green Family

Award overview

  • Amount of Personal Award: $2,000 cash and a recognition

  • Amount of Professional Award for Classroom Use: $3,000

  • Restrictions on the Use of Personal Award: None

Marilyn Barnes Green biography

This prestigious award is presented by John Green and his sons, Michael and Allen, in honor of his late wife, and it recognizes and encourages excellence in the classroom.


Marilyn Barnes Green was born into a “preacher family” in Atmore, Alabama on Jan. 20, 1939. The family moved to West Point, Mississippi, and then to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where she received her early education, graduating from Hattiesburg High School. She earned her BS degree in Elementary Education from Mississippi College. She was named in Who’s Who in American Universities and Colleges, was a freshman class officer, Secretary of the Student Body Association, President of the Kissimmee Club and served on the Intra-Club advisory Board.


Following graduation, Marilyn moved to Memphis, where she worked as a hostess with the Chaplain’s Department at Baptist Hospital. She spent 27 years as a third-grade teacher with Shelby County Schools, teaching at Coleman and Ross Elementary Schools, with her longest teaching experience being at Germantown Elementary. Active in the community, she was a member of Daughters of the American Revolution, Delta Kappa Gamma and the Contemporary Club.​

Marilyn School Teacher and Classes_0043_a 2_edited.jpg

Nomination requirements

1. Nominees must be employed as full-time, certified Pre-K-12 educators within the Collierville Schools district. Eligible candidates include classroom teachers, school counselors, and librarians.
2. Nominees must be tenured employees within Collierville Schools.

Nomination criteria

Instructional excellence

The nominee consistently demonstrates high-quality instructional practices that support student learning and achievement.

​

  • Demonstrates strong subject-matter expertise and a deep understanding of the content being taught.

  • Utilizes clear, engaging, and developmentally appropriate instructional strategies.

  • Implements creative, current, and relevant teaching methods to effectively address diverse student learning needs.

  • Exhibits a genuine passion for teaching and inspires students to develop a love of learning.

  • Encourages perseverance and academic growth while maintaining high expectations for all students.

  • Aligns instructional practices and curriculum implementation with the district’s strategic plan and academic priorities.​​

​​

Student engagement and classroom environment

The nominee fosters a positive and supportive learning environment that promotes student
engagement and growth.

​

  • Creates a safe, inclusive, and respectful classroom culture for all students.

  • Actively engages students in meaningful learning experiences.

  • Encourages curiosity, critical thinking, collaboration, and student voice.

  • Supports the age-appropriate development and well-being of all students.​

​

Professionalism and collaboration

The nominee demonstrates professionalism and actively contributes to the school community.

​

  • Earns the respect and trust of colleagues, students, and families through professionalism and integrity.

  • Participates in ongoing professional learning to strengthen instructional practice.

  • Consistently goes above and beyond to support student success and school initiatives.

  • Demonstrates commitment to the school community by attending and supporting both in-school and extracurricular activities.

Nomination process

  1. A teacher may be nominated by a current or former student, family member, fellow teacher or supervisor. Regardless of who submits the nomination, the nomination form must also be completed by an educational peer AND current supervisor.​

  2. The nominator must submit the nomination using the form linked below.

  3. After the educational peer and current supervisor complete their nominations, the nominee must submit the following in the application linked below:

    1.  Full resume

    2. List of achievements and recognitions in the field of education

    3. List of civic and community involvement

    4. Brief description of his/her personal teaching philosophy

    5. Brief description as to how the professional award ($3,000) will be utilized to enhance the teaching-learning process

Dates & Deadlines

Nomination deadline: May 3, 2026
Completed application deadline: June 14, 2026

Award recipient announcement: Opening session of the 2026-2027 school year

Nomination review process

All applications are reviewed by an independent committee established by the Collierville Education Foundation Board of Directors.

bottom of page