Union Heights Elementary School

Ms. Lynda was born and raised in Amarillo, Texas. After graduating high school she moved south to Lubbock where she attended Texas Tech University. She graduated in 2011 with a degree in Multidisciplinary Studies with specializations in Math/Science and English as a Second Language. She completed her first twelve years of teaching in Texas. During those twelve years she taught many grades and subjects including 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 6th. Upon moving to Tennessee in 2023 she was hired here at Union Heights where she has taught 1st grade for three years. In addition to teaching in the classroom, Ms. Lynda has been the Extended Care Site Director for the past two years.  

Ms. Lynda  has wanted to be a teacher for as long as she can remember. She has always enjoyed helping people and spending time with kids. In high school she was part of a program called AmeriCorps which allowed her to spend time in elementary classrooms. It was this program that really inspired her to get her degree specifically in elementary education. She is extremely grateful for the program and the many teachers who have allowed her to be a part of their classroom and learn from them and their students. 

Ms. Lynda has a beautiful blended family with her boyfriend of 7 years, Bobbie. Together they have four kids, Hadley, Ryker, Braelynn, and Cooper. They also have two fur babies named Oreo and Uzi. Their favorite thing to do as a family is play board games. When Ms. Lynda isn’t at school, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family, and watching her kids in their various activities.

“I want to thank my colleagues for choosing me as the Union Heights Prek-4 Teacher of the Year. I also want to thank the students and families of UHS for the love and support they have shown me since day one.”

Mrs. Eleese was born in Greenville, Kentucky but grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee where she graduated high school, then attended Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville. Mrs. Eleese met her husband of 5 years, Andrew, at TTU. They have two dogs together – Ranger (Border Collie) and Toby (Beagle mix). Mrs. Eleese graduated from TTU in 2020 with her Bachelor’s degree in Special Education. While attending Tennessee Tech Mrs. Eleese enjoyed competing and showing horses with the TTU Equestrian team. Mrs. Eleese has taught Special Education for 6 years with the ‘25-’26 year being her 4th year at UHS. In addition to teaching she has served as the UHS cheerleading coach for 3 seasons. 

Throughout high school, Mrs. Eleese was an active member of their peer tutoring program and immediately fell in love with the world of Special Education. She actively participated in assisting students with disabilities during day-to-day activities as well as during the school’s participation in Special Olympics. She was inspired by her peers and chose to pursue a career in Special Education. She excels in helping students grow, achieve goals, and learn new skills by building relationships with both students and colleagues.

When she is not at school, Mrs. Eleese enjoys going to concerts, reading, traveling, camping, being outdoors, and spending time with friends and family. 

“I am honored to have been chosen by my fellow teachers as the UHS 5-8 Teacher of the Year and am so thankful to be a part of the UHS family.”