Principal of the year finalists announced

The Tennessee Department of Education announced the nine finalists for the Tennessee Principal of the Year of the Year award for 2023-24.Those finalists include three principals from each of the state’s three grand divisions.Principals Renee Meeks of Sea Isle Elementary, Christopher Morris of Crestview Middle School, and Laura Pitts of South Fulton Middle/High School are the finalists from West Tennessee.Middle Tennessee finalists include principals Don Bartch of Overall Creek Elementary, Layne Draper-Talbott of East Side Elementary, and Tina Francis-Hodges of Jere Whitson Elementary.Principals Angel Hardaway of North City School, April Meyers of Clinton Middle School, and Michelle Green Lincoln Heights Elementary are the East Tennessee finalists.“I am excited to honor these individuals for their hard work, dedication, and recognition as finalists for the Tennessee Principal of the Year and Supervisor of the Year awards,” said Tennessee Department of Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds. “Tennessee has so many incredible principals and district supervisors that are passionate about student achievement and work diligently to support students across Tennessee.”Each finalist must have a proven track record of student gains in learning.  The principals additionally must have served for three years and worked in the Tennessee public school system for five years. The Department of Education additionally announced the finalists for its annual Supervisor of the Year award.Reggie Jackson of Memphis-Shelby County Schools, Brooke Shipley of Tipton County Schools, and Amy Davis of Benton County Schools are the finalists from West Tennessee.The Middle Tennessee finalists include Kristian Dennison of Cheatham County Schools, Julie Haynes Bedford County Schools, and Dorothy Marlene Holton of Cumberland County Schools.Susan Arlette Robinson of Bradley County Schools, Joshua Reese of Loudon County Schools, and Brandon Williams of Hawkins County Schools are the finalists from East Tennessee.“Congratulations to each of the nine Tennessee supervisors for being recognized as a State Supervisor of the Year Finalist! You are to be commended for your exceptional work as an educational leader,” said Dr. Penny Thompson, 2022-23 Supervisor of the Year. “This honor represents a culmination of dedicated leadership and support for both teachers in their significant role as educators and for students by ensuring that every child receives a high-quality education. I hope you enjoy the accolades as you are celebrated for your achievement and exemplary work.”The Supervisor of the Year award is given to a candidate with a record of implementing innovative programs and working to keep students and staff motivated towards academic achievement. The award winner must additionally have a minimum of three years of administrative experience withing the school system and have worked in Tennessee public schools for five years.Winners from each grand division and the overall Tennessee Principal and Supervisor of the Year winner will be selected and announced this fall after candidates complete an in-person interview with department staff and education leaders.