Memorials, Professional Achievement - Kendra West, 2025-2026 York Elementary School Grades 5-8 Teacher of the Year -
HJR 856 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Kendra West, a teacher at York Elementary School in Fentress County, as the 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year for Grades 5-8. It formally recognizes her dedication, professional excellence, and impact on students through a resolution passed by Tennessee's General Assembly. The resolution has no policy or legal effect - it is purely symbolic, expressing the legislature's commendation. It was signed by the House Speaker and Governor in February 2026.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
House Passage
Feb 2026
Senate Passage
Feb 2026
Signed into Law
Feb 2026
Introduced Feb 2, 2026
Signed Feb 12, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
14
Key actions
5
Committee
0
Feb 12, 2026
Signed into law
Signed by Governor.
lower
Feb 10, 2026
Lower · Passed
Signed by H. Speaker
lower
Feb 10, 2026
Upper · Passed
Signed by Senate Speaker
upper
Feb 9, 2026
Upper · Passed
Concurred, Ayes 32, Nays 0
upper
Feb 5, 2026
Introduced
Received from House, refer to Senate Calendar Committee
lower
Feb 4, 2026
Lower · Passed
Adopted, Ayes 70, Nays 18, PNV 1
lower
Feb 2, 2026
Introduced
Intro., placed on H. consent cal. for 2/4/2026
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Ed Butler
RRepublican
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