Administrators receive state’s highest mark of recognition through rigorous application process
NASHVILLE—Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn announced the nine finalists for the 2019-20 Tennessee Principal of the Year and Supervisor of the Year awards today. The finalists represent each Center of Regional Excellence (CORE) region in the state, with three finalists in each Grand Division (West, Middle and East). BonDeCroft Elementary Principal Sara Cope of White County is a finalist for Principal of the Year, and Bonnie Patterson of the Cannon County school system is a finalist for Supervisor of the Year.
“Strong leadership is vital to the success of our students,” Schwinn said. “I’ve traveled the state and have seen first-hand how leaders positively impact our students on a daily basis. These are the people who go above and beyond for our kids and educators. It is my pleasure to recognize and celebrate these dedicated leaders who support education across the state.”
The Tennessee Principal of the Year award is given 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’ experience as a principal and a minimum of five years’ 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 2019-20 Principal of the Year are:
Each year an outstanding public school supervisor earns distinction as the Tennessee Supervisor of the Year. To qualify, candidates must demonstrate a record of implementing innovative programs and managing and motivating students and faculties. Additionally, the nominees must have a minimum of three years’ experience as an administrator and a minimum of five years’ experience in Tennessee public schools.
The nine finalists for 2019-20 Supervisor of the Year are:
Principal and Supervisor of the Year finalists will proceed to an in-person interview that will be held in 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 at a banquet on Nov. 5, during the department’s LEAD Conference in Nashville.
