Hamilton County Schools on Friday announced new leadership appointments to support continued academic progress across the district. Robin Bambrey has been named the new director of Elementary Teaching and Learning, and Talley Caldwell will become the new principal of Hardy Elementary School.
"I am excited to welcome Robin Bambrey and Talley Caldwell to their new roles,” said Superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson. “Early learning sets the foundation for a student’s educational journey. Ms. Bambrey’s experience with implementing curriculum and instructional coaching and data-informed decision-making will continue to push our elementary learning strategies forward to support student success. Mr. Caldwell’s focus on creating a supportive learning environment for students and staff while maintaining high expectations for all learning will build on the existing success of Hardy Elementary.”
Hamilton County Schools looks forward to supporting Ms. Bambrey’s move into her new role while she works to support Mr. Caldwell’s transition into leading Hardy Elementary.
Ms. Bambrey holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix and a bachelor’s in Elementary Education from York College of Pennsylvania. She will bring over two decades of experience to her new role.
Ms. Bambrey’s career has been defined by her strategic use of data to enhance student achievement and her commitment to high-quality instructional materials. During her tenure as Principal at Hardy Elementary, she collaborated closely with instructional teams to analyze testing data, resulting in significant growth, such as a rise in TVAAS scores and improved proficiency on state assessments. Her focus on data-driven instruction has created a culture of continuous improvement, with targeted coaching cycles that support teachers in implementing effective, standards-aligned resources.
Additionally, Ms. Bambrey’s previous roles as assistant principal and literacy coach highlight her deep expertise in literacy and curriculum development. At Barger Academy, she led efforts that boosted reading proficiency and fully implemented differentiated reading instruction, fostering a school environment where every student had access to tailored, impactful learning experiences.
“The position of Director of Elementary Teaching and Learning is a cornerstone in the academic development of elementary students in Hamilton County,” said HCS Chief Academic Officer Blake Freeman. “Mrs. Bambrey, with her remarkable leadership skills and principal experience, is the perfect fit to lead us forward. Her appointment follows a comprehensive search that attracted applicants from local and national backgrounds, reaffirming our confidence in her selection.”
Mr. Caldwell has been named as the new principal of Hardy Elementary School. With over a decade of leadership experience, including his recent role as Assistant Principal at Brainerd High, Mr. Caldwell brings a strong background in fostering student growth and building effective teacher support systems. He is a graduate of the HCS Principal LEAD preparation program and holds a Bachelor of Science in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation from Tennessee Wesleyan College. He earned a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Carson Newman University, along with his Principal License.
Throughout his career, Mr. Caldwell has demonstrated a commitment to student progress through data-driven instruction and collaborative teacher development. At Brainerd High, he spearheaded the Success Academy for ninth graders, using assessment data from TNReady, ACT, and other benchmarks to guide purposeful groupings and targeted learning strategies. His experience with Response to Instruction and Intervention-Behavior (RTI2B) helped address student well-being needs, creating a supportive environment for student achievement.
Mr. Caldwell’s approach centers on creating a nurturing and inclusive atmosphere that equips teachers to be successful in their classrooms and empowers students to reach their potential.
“I look forward to joining the Hardy Elementary community,” he said. “I believe the strength of our community lies in the bonds we create within our families. Together, we can nurture a supportive environment where every individual thrives, ensuring a brighter future for all.”
As he steps into his new role at Hardy Elementary, he brings a strong foundation in educational leadership and a clear vision to build on the school’s successes, support each teacher’s growth, and enhance learning outcomes for every student.
“Talley Caldwell is a dedicated leader with a deep understanding of what it takes to support students and teachers," said Deputy Superintendent Dr. Sonia Stewart. "His history of fostering academic growth and building strong, supportive relationships within the school community makes him the ideal choice to lead Hardy Elementary. Building on the school’s success under Ms. Bambrey’s leadership, I am confident in his ability to inspire excellence and cultivate an environment where every student can thrive."