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Tracey Rains is an American public school teacher from Sevierville, Tennessee, who gained national attention when she was recognized for excellence in teaching with a 2015 Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Award. In 2010, the awards were created to honor Stephen Sondheim's 80th birthday and are funded by Freddie and Myrna Gershon. The awards are intended "to celebrate the significant role of teachers in society, The Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Awards will spotlight some of the country’s most inspirational teachers and recognize them for their contributions" Every year, members of the public are encouraged to nominate their most influential educators, those "who made a significant difference in their lives."

Although Rains has been the recipient of other awards to recognize excellence in teaching such as the Coca-Cola Educator of Distinction Award, The Tennessee Lottery Teacher of the Week and of the Month Awards, the national nature of this award brought her to the attention of CBS Sunday Morning producer Jay Kernis. Rains, along with Chelsea Hayes, the student who nominated her have been filmed for a segment on the show, in an interview with Mo Rocca.

Since then, Rains has been working to build a presence on the internet to become and advocate for teachers and the teaching profession and raise awareness of issues in education through a blog written for lay people and educators alike, Socrates Underground.