She’s earned the right to retire, but CHHS Teacher of the Year Jacqueline Wooten is staying put.

“If ever there was a year to retire, this was it,” said Wooten, a 49-year educator who adjusted to teaching in a pandemic and plans to be in the classroom one more year before actually retiring. “Fifty is a nice round number and I’ve made it this far. I just enjoy doing this so much.”

A math teacher, Wooten was recognized today as the CHHS Teacher of the Year. Wooten’s co-workers and her family, including husband, Robert, and son, Andre, attended a reception in her honor after school today in the cafeteria.

“She’s very humble,” Principal Doug Payne said. “She never wants the spotlight to be on her. It’s always about the kids.”

Wooten’s first teaching job was at West Side High School in Memphis in 1971. She also spent a year teaching in New Jersey while her husband was stationed at Fort Dix. Wooten then taught for 33 years at Bartlett High School before joining the CHHS staff 14 years ago.