Supervisor of the Year

The goal of the Tennessee Supervisor of the Year program is to recognize and celebrate the wealth of excellent district leaders that exist across the state. Each year an outstanding public school supervisor earns distinction as the Tennessee Department of Education Supervisor of the Year (SOY).  This honor is reserved for leaders who demonstrate superior abilities in:

·         managing and motivating students and faculties;

·         evoking high standards;

·         demonstrating a commitment to excellence;

·         implementing innovative programs; and

·         having a track record of exceptional gains in student learning.

Supervisors of the Year are selected competitively through four cycles: district, region, grand division, and state. 

Supervisors selected at each cycle receive local recognition and awards underwritten by local sources. State recognition and awards include a banquet honoring the nine region-level Supervisors of the Year.

2025-26 Supervisor of the Year

Of this year’s Supervisor of the Year finalists representing Tennessee’s eight CORE regions, as well as the Shelby County-Municipals area, Diana Wood, Elementary Supervisor of Instruction in Putnam County Schools was selected as the 2025-26 Tennessee Supervisor of the Year.

Dr. Diana Wood is the Elementary Supervisor of Instruction for Putnam County Schools, bringing over two decades of experience in education in Tennessee. Her career spans Memphis, Nashville, and Cookeville, where she has served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and now district leader. A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Wood was drawn to education as a high school student when she tutored adults learning to read—an experience that ignited her lifelong commitment to literacy and her desire to ensure no one reaches adulthood without the ability to read. Dr. Wood has always loved children and finds deep purpose in supporting their growth and learning, believing that education can change the trajectory of a student’s life. She is especially proud of the rising proficiency rates in Putnam County, which aren’t just numbers for her but represent meaningful gains for students. She is energized by time spent in classrooms and is inspired by the instructional

leadership of school leaders and the daily dedication of teachers who bring learning to life for students. With a strong commitment to equity and instructional excellence, Dr. Wood partners closely with schools to ensure every child has access to high-quality learning experiences. She is honored to serve as a member of the Tennessee Literacy Council, her local Child Advocacy Center’s Board of Directors, and is a passionate advocate for children and families. Above all, Dr. Wood believes that all children can learn and should leave school knowing they are loved, valued, and capable of amazing things.

Benefits of Participating in the Tennessee Supervisor of the Year Program

What are the benefits to supervisors?

By participating in the Tennessee Supervisor of the Year program, district leaders have the opportunity to:

• be celebrated and honored for making exceptional district-wide gains with students,
• expand knowledge of education policy and participate in local, state, and national policy discussions,
• serve as spokesperson and advocate for the education profession, and
• become inducted into an amazing network of statewide awardees, and become connected to an impactful, ongoing body of work that engages you as a professional long after an awardee’s service year.

What are the benefits to schools and districts?

By participating in the Tennessee Supervisor of the Year program, districts have the opportunity to:

·       attract local, state, and national attention,

·       allow the district’s honorees to serve as a voice for the education profession, thus elevating the district and attracting educators and leaders to the district, and

·       celebrate excellence in education by honoring hard working, successful district leaders.

What does the Tennessee Supervisor of the Year do?

·         Respond to and fulfill Tennessee Supervisor of the Year speaking requests, presentations, etc.

·         Share their expertise with the department.

·         Identify and advocate for educational issues.

Eligibility & Selection Process

A Supervisor of the Year nominee must:

• Have a minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in public schools.
• Have a minimum of one (1) year of experience as an administrator.
• At all levels of recognition, must be employed as a supervisor in a Tennessee public school system.

Directors of schools will nominate one supervisor from the district using the online Principal and Supervisor of the Year Nomination Form which will open for the 2027-28 School year in August.

This honor is earned by demonstrating superior abilities in:

• managing and motivating students and faculties;
• evoking high standards;
• demonstrating a commitment to excellence;
• implementing innovative programs; and
• having a track record of exceptional gains in student learning

2027-28 Timeline Coming Soon!