Tennessee Names 2014-15 Principal, Supervisor of the Year

NASHVILLE – A Hamilton County elementary school principal and an Anderson County supervisor have earned top honors for their work in Tennessee education.

Ronald Hughes, principal of Apison Elementary School in Chattanooga, was named Tennessee’s 2014-15 Principal of the Year. He has served as principal at Apison Elementary for the past six years, and spent three decades working in Tennessee education.

Timothy Parrott, director of secondary education and career and technical education in Anderson County, was named Tennessee’s 2014-15 Supervisor of the Year. Parrott spent the first ten years of his two-decade education career as a classroom teacher before transitioning to roles in administration.

Both awards were announced Tuesday during a statewide conference for education leaders.

“Strong leadership plays a fundamental role in student learning, and it is our honor to recognize these individuals that have led their district and school to great success,” said Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman. “We are grateful for what they have done to prioritize the needs of students and improve outcomes for kids.”

The annual Principal of the Year and Supervisor of the Year awards recognize administrators who have helped build a better education for Tennessee students through their leadership, programs, and vision. Hughes and Parrott were among nine principals and eight supervisors selected as regional finalists after being nominated by their peers for the title.

The winners for each grand division were also recognized Tuesday.

Hughes was named the Tennessee Principal of the Year and East Grand Division Winner. Beth Unfried, principal of Norman Smith Elementary in Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools, was named the winner for the Middle Grand Division. Sharon McNary, principal of Richland Elementary in Shelby County, was named the winner for the West Grand Division.

Parrott was named the Tennessee Supervisor of the Year and East Grand Division Winner. Vivian McCord, federal programs supervisor in Dickson County Schools, was named the winner for the Middle Grand Division. Michelle Goad, instructional supervisor in Gibson County Special Schools, was named the winner for the West Grand Division.

For more information, contact Ashley Ball at (615) 532-6260 or Ashley.M.Ball@tn.gov.