TDOE Announces 2023-24 Tennessee Principal, Supervisor of the Year Finalists
Administrators Receive Highest State Recognition for Dedication to Excellence
NASHVILLE, TN— Today, the Tennessee Department of Education announced the nine finalists for the 2023-24 Tennessee Principal of the Year and Supervisor of the Year awards. The finalists represent each of the state’s nine Center of Regional Excellence (CORE) regions, with three finalists in each Grand Division: West, Middle, and East.
“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 Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education. “Tennessee has so many incredible principals and district supervisors that are passionate about student achievement and work diligently to support students 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 three years of experience as a principal and a minimum of five years of experience in Tennessee public schools. In addition, all nominees must have a proven track record of exceptional gains in student learning.
The nine finalists for 2023-24 Tennessee Principal of the Year are:
| CORE Region | Principal | School | District |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shelby/Municipals | Renee Meeks | Sea Isle Elementary | Memphis-Shelby County Schools |
| Southwest | Christopher Morris | Crestview Middle School | Tipton County Schools |
| Northwest | Laura Pitts | South Fulton Middle/High School | Obion County Schools |
| CORE Region | Principal | School | District |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid Cumberland | Don Bartch | Overall Creek Elementary | Murfreesboro City Schools |
| South Central | Layne Draper-Talbott | East Side Elementary | Bedford County Schools |
| Upper Cumberland | Tina Francis-Hodges | Jere Whitson Elementary | Putnam County Schools |
| CORE Region | Principal | School | District |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southeast | Angel Hardaway | North City School | Athens City Schools |
| East Tennessee | April Meyers | Clinton Middle School | Anderson County Schools |
| First Tennessee | Michelle Green | Lincoln Heights Elementary | Hamblen County Schools |
"Congratulations on being recognized as one of the top nine finalists for Tennessee’s 2023 Principal of the Year! This nomination is a testament to your commitment and positive impact as an instructional leader," said Kyle Loudermilk, 2022-23 Principal of the Year. "Your unwavering hard work and dedication is truly commendable. Best of luck as you continue this POY journey!"
Each year an outstanding district supervisor is awarded the Tennessee Supervisor of the Year. To qualify, candidates must demonstrate a record of implementing innovative programs and managing and motivating students and staff. Additionally, the nominees must have a minimum of three years of experience as an administrator and a minimum of five years of experience in Tennessee public schools.
The nine finalists for 2023-24 Tennessee Supervisor of the Year are:
| CORE Region | Supervisor | District |
|---|---|---|
| Shelby/Municipals | Reggie Jackson | Memphis-Shelby County Schools |
| Southwest | Brooke Shipley | Tipton County Schools |
| Northwest | Amy Davis | Benton County Schools |
| CORE Region | Supervisor | District |
|---|---|---|
| Mid Cumberland | Kristian Dennison | Cheatham County Schools |
| South Central | Julie Haynes | Bedford County Schools |
| Upper Cumberland | Dorothy Marlene Holton | Cumberland County Schools |
| CORE Region | Supervisor | District |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast | Susan Arlette Robinson | Bradley County Schools |
| East Tennessee | Joshua Reese | Loudon County Schools |
| First Tennessee | Brandon Williams | Hawkins County Schools |
“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.”
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 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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