Laterika turner
2026 Community Impact Honoree
Southwest Elementary school/ Bolivar Elementary School
Somerville, Fayette County
Dedicated kindergarten teacher with a passion for fostering a lifelong love of learning in early childhood education. Committed to creating a joyful and supportive classroom environment where young learners can thrive and grow, while feeling loved, supported, and valued.
Community voting is an engagement component of the Unity Impact Awards. Supporters may vote multiple times. Public voting contributes to the final award score but does not determine the winner by itself.
Biography
I am Laterika Turner, a committed teacher, mentor, and community volunteer who is passionate about kids, learning, and helping others. I am thankful for the journey that has enabled me to develop both personally and professionally, and I am pleased to call Somerville, Tennessee, my hometown. In 2017, I started working as a teacher assistant at Washington Douglas Head Start before moving up to lead teacher. My love for education was sparked by that encounter, which also made me realize how crucial it is to provide a loving environment where each child feels appreciated, supported, and inspired to realize their full potential. I have been a teacher for almost ten years, working with families and students in Jackson, Tennessee; Somerville, Tennessee; Memphis, Tennessee; and now Bolivar, Tennessee areas. I have had the chance to work with students in a variety of educational environments throughout my career, and each experience has reinforced my dedication to supporting kids' intellectual, social, and emotional development. I am a proud alumni of Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee. I completed my Masters at the University of Tennessee at Martin, where I earned a Master of Science in Education. Obtaining my master's degree was a noteworthy achievement that demonstrated my dedication to lifelong learning and professional development. I am an active member of the Ladies of the East #90, Order of the Eastern Star , where I proudly serve as Worthy Matron. Through education, leadership, and service, I remain committed to inspiring others and making a positive impact in my community and classroom.
Community impact
Outside the classroom, I enjoy mentoring and working with the youth department with the Order of the Eastern Stars. I also spend some of my time with the Fayette Ware's girls' track team, where I serve as the assistant girls' coach. I have participated in multiple community service projects, ranging from filling pantry boxes and donating clothes, hygiene items, and food to supporting counties affected by storms and natural disasters . I have helped with a community service project that fed police officers in Bolivar, TN. I also work with the WRAP center with Ladies of the East during Christmas time to provide Christmas gifts and dinner to a family in need. I also helped feed the homeless for Thanksgiving.
Accomplishments
While residing in Jackson, Tennessee, I started the Share the Love Project in 2017. Together with the Ladies of the East #90, the Share the Love Project aims to gather supplies for the children's wing of the nearby Jackson General Hospital for Valentine's Day. This community service project was highlighted on WBBJ's website and television channel, as well as in Jackson, Tennessee's VIP Magazine. I was chosen as WBBJ's Educator of the Week in recognition of my commitment to service and education. I belong to the Alpha Epsilon Epsilon Chapter of the University of Tennessee at Martin's Honor Society.
Voting closes September 18, 2026.