Each year an outstanding public school principal earns distinction as the Tennessee Department of Education Principal of the Year (POY).  This honor is reserved for school 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.

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

Principals 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 Principals of the Year.

2025-26 Principal of the Year

Of this year’s Principal of the Year finalists representing Tennessee’s eight CORE regions, as well as the Shelby County-Municipals area, Deanna Jones, principal of Bailey Station Elementary School in Collierville Schools was selected as the 2025-26 Tennessee Principal of the Year.

Mrs. Deanna Jones knew from a young age that her heart was meant for education. Inspired by her mother and grandfather, both devoted teachers, she saw early on how powerful it is when students feel loved, challenged, and known. Their example planted the seed, but it was her own experiences with children that turned that spark into a calling she was so willing to answer.

For Mrs. Jones, education is not only a job. It is a purpose she feels deeply honored to fulfill each day. She sees her school as a mission field and enters it with gratitude and hope, striving to pour encouragement, direction, and joy into the lives of every student, teacher, and family she serves. She believes academic excellence and joyful learning are not separate goals, but powerful partners. In every classroom, she works to support engaging instruction, deep curiosity, and moments of celebration that make learning come alive.

Her passion extends to the teachers she leads. She sees educators not just as professionals, but as difference-makers. She works to create a culture where they feel trusted, empowered, and inspired to grow into their fullest potential. Mrs. Jones leads with heart and purpose, believing that when children leave her school, they should carry more than knowledge. They should carry confidence, a sense of belonging, and the unshakable belief that they are capable, valued, and deeply loved.

Benefits of Participating in the Tennessee Principal of the Year Program

What are the benefits to principals?

By participating in the Tennessee Principal of the Year program, school leaders have the opportunity to:

·         be celebrated and honored for making exceptional gains with students,

·         expand knowledge of education policy and participate in local, state, and national policy discussions,

·         serve on state-level committees and consult on department initiatives,

·         act as a 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 Principal of the Year program, districts and schools 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 school leaders.

What does the Tennessee Principal of the Year do?

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

·         Share their expertise with the department.

·         Identify and advocate for educational issues.

Eligibility & Selection Process

A Principal of the Year Nominee must:

• have a minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in public schools.;
• have a minimum of one (1) year of experience as a principal; and
• at all levels of recognition, must be employed as a principal in a Tennessee public school system.

Directors of schools will nominate one principal from each district using the online Principal and Supervisor of the Year Nomination Form, which will open for the 2027-78 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

Projected 2027-28 Timeline Coming Soon!