The Tennessee Department of Education has selected Milan Special School District Director Jonathan Criswell as Chief Program Officer (CPO) for the department effective later this summer, the department announced last week.
According to a department news release, Criswell will be tasked with leading the department’s core programming efforts, such as gathering data for evaluation, school improvement initiatives and federal programs, among other responsibilities. Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds said she believes his experience will play a key role in state efforts to improve student performance and college and career readiness.
“Jonathan Criswell’s leadership at Milan Special School District has led to strong opportunities to accelerate student achievement and outcomes, and we are thrilled to add his wealth of knowledge and expertise to our department leadership team,” she said. “He is a passionate educator who will bring years of experience and an important perspective to help us set students up for future success.”
According to the announcement, Criswell got his start in education as a computer and business education teacher before taking the role of assistant principal at Ridgemont Elementary School in Union City Schools, where he evaluated teachers and created a school improvement plan. Criswell then served as principal of Trenton Elementary, where he led efforts to develop a teacher-driven plan focused on increasing student achievement. After serving nearly two decades in various roles across grade levels, Criswell was appointed director of schools for Milan Special School District in 2016.
The announcement noted that under Criswell’s leadership, MSSD has demonstrated “transformational academic growth and participates in initiatives to boost student academic achievement and learning acceleration,” such as “Innovative School Models” and “Grow Your Own” programs to provide training and professional development for prospective educators in the district. In addition, the district’s participation in TN ALL Corps and other strategic initiatives earned Milan the “Tennessee Best for All District” distinction in 2022. Criswell also developed a robust CTE program in Milan, among other initiatives.
“I am honored to join Commissioner Reynolds and the outstanding team at the Tennessee Department of Education,” Criswell said. “My journey in education—from teacher to principal to superintendent—has always been driven by a passion for supporting and empowering those around me. I now look forward to working with superintendents and school districts across the state as we strive to provide a quality education for all students.”
