Tennessee Announces 2022-23 Principal, Supervisor of the Year Finalists
Education Leaders Receive Highest State Recognition for Dedication to Excellence
NASHVILLE, TN— Today, the Tennessee Department of Education announced the nine finalists for the 2022-23 Tennessee Principal of the Year and nine finalists for Supervisor of the Year awards. The finalists represent each Center of Regional Excellence (CORE) region in the state, with three finalists in each Grand Division: West, Middle, and East.
“Principals and supervisors play a foundational role in the success of their teachers and students, and we are fortunate to have so many incredible principals and supervisors in the state of Tennessee,” said Commissioner Penny Schwinn. “I am inspired by these outstanding leaders that continually work to support students and school communities across Tennessee.”
The Tennessee Principal of the Year award is awarded annually to a school leader for outstanding service in education and exceptional leadership that drives overall improvements in his or her school. To qualify, candidates must have a minimum of one year of experience as a principal and a minimum of three years of experience in public schools. In addition, all nominees must have a proven track record of exceptional gains in student learning.
The nine finalists for 2022-23 Principal of the Year are:
West Tennessee
| CORE Region | Principal | School | District |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shelby/Municipals | Jessica Woody | Dogwood Elementary School | Germantown Municipal School District |
| Southwest | Nathaniel Lewis | Jackson Central-Merry Early College High School | Jackson-Madison County Schools |
| Northwest | Kristie Wilson | Camden Elementary School | Benton County Schools |
Middle Tennessee
| CORE Region | Principal | School | District |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid Cumberland | April Sneed | Whitworth-Buchanan Middle School | Rutherford County Schools |
| South Central | Ryan Jackson | Mt. Pleasant High School | Maury County Schools |
| Upper Cumberland | Christie VanWinkle | Glenn Martin Elementary | Cumberland County Schools |
East Tennessee
| CORE Region | Principal | School | District |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southeast | Kristine Walden | City Park School | Athens City Schools |
| East Tennessee | Heather Byrd | Prospect Elementary School | Blount County Schools |
| First Tennessee | Kyle Loudermilk | Andrew Jackson Elementary | Kingsport City Schools |
“Congratulations to all of the Tennessee Principal of the Year finalists,” said Tyler Salyer, 2021-22 Tennessee Principal of the Year. “A principal’s work is a work of the heart. You all know that the work of the principalship can be tiresome and stressful, but what drives us is knowing that our impact is eternal. The sacrifices that are made are worth it and you make them selflessly every day. Through your commitment, dedication, and support, you are making a difference in the lives of students and families across our great state. Press on, and again congratulations on your accomplishment.”
Each year an outstanding public school supervisor earns distinction as the Tennessee Supervisor of the Year. To qualify, candidates must demonstrate a record of implementing innovative programs and managing and motivating students and faculties. Additionally, the nominees must have a minimum of three years' experience as an administrator and a minimum of five years' experience in Tennessee public schools.
The nine finalists for 2022-23 Supervisor of the Year are:
West Tennessee
| CORE Region | Supervisor | District |
|---|---|---|
| Shelby/Municipals | Yolanda Finnie Martin | Shelby County Schools |
| Southwest | James Fields | Tipton County Schools |
| Northwest | Brandy Milner | Benton County Schools |
Middle Tennessee
| CORE Region | Supervisor | District |
|---|---|---|
| Mid Cumberland | Penny Thompson | Lebanon Special School District |
| South Central | Cari Pugh | Manchester City Schools |
| Upper Cumberland | Rebecca Farley | Cumberland County Schools |
East Tennessee
| CORE Region | Supervisor | District |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast | Brian Webb | Bradley County Schools |
| East Tennessee | Tonya Berrier | Sevier County Schools |
| First Tennessee | Greg Wallace | Johnson City Schools |
“Congratulations to all finalists for Supervisor of the Year,” said Rory Hinson, 2021-22 Tennessee Supervisor of the Year. “You work tirelessly each day to ensure school administrators, teachers, and students are successful. I know you are excited to be able to showcase the great things that are being done in your district."
Principal and Supervisor of the Year finalists will proceed to an in-person interview that will be held in the coming weeks where each will meet with a panel of interviewers made up of department staff and other education leaders.
Winners for each Grand Division and the Tennessee Principal and Supervisor of the Year will be selected from this group and announced at the Tennessee Principal and Supervisor of the Year Celebration held later this fall.
To learn more about the Tennessee Principal of the Year and Supervisor of the Year Awards, click here.
For Tennessee Department of Education media inquiries, contact Edu.MediaInquiries@tn.gov.
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