Education Commissioner Candice McQueen announced the nine finalists for the 2018-19 Tennessee Principal of the Year and Supervisor of the Year awards Tuesday, including Principal Dr. Marthel Young from East Brainerd Elementary and Supervisor Arlette Robinson from Bradley County. The finalists represent each Center of Regional Excellence region in the state, with three finalists in each Grand Division (West, Middle, and East).
"We know that strong leadership plays a key role in the ultimate success of our students, schools, and state, and these 18 finalists represent some of the best leaders in Tennessee,” Commissioner McQueen said. “It is an honor to recognize them for their years of dedication to our students and their track records of success.”
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 2018-19 Principal of the Year are:
West Tennessee
Shelby/Municipals, Barbara Harmon, Germantown High, Shelby County
Southwest, Vicki Shipley, Munford Middle, Tipton County
Northwest, Jared Foust, Crockett County High, Crockett County
Middle Tennessee
Mid Cumberland, Monica Fox, Gladeville Elementary, Wilson County,
Upper Cumberland, Angela Cossey, Woodland Elementary, Cannon County
East Tennessee
Southeast, Dr. Marthel Young, East Brainerd Elementary, Hamilton County
East Tennessee, Sydney Upton, Sunnyview Primary, Knox County
First Tennessee, Joseph Ely, Lincoln Heights Middle, Hamblen County
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 2018-19 Supervisor of the Year are:
West Tennessee
Shelby/Municipals, Angela Delloso, Lakeland School System
Southwest, Jennifer Kent, Lauderdale County
Northwest, Betsy Allison, Henry County
Middle Tennessee
Mid Cumberland, Dr. Emily Mofield, Sumner County
South Central, John Fanning, Lincoln County
Upper Cumberland, Dr. Regina Merriman, Cannon County
East Tennessee
Southeast, Arlette Robinson, Bradley County
East Tennessee, Maria Warren, Loudon County
First Tennessee, Amy Burchette, Newport City School
Principal and Supervisor of the Year finalists will proceed to an in-person interview that will be held in in the coming months 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 Oct. 4, during the department’s LEAD Conference in Nashville.
For more information about the Principal or Supervisor of the Year program, contact Paul Fleming, assistant commissioner of teachers and leaders, at Paul.Fleming@tn.gov.