TDOE Announces 2023-24 Principal and Supervisor of the Year

From TDOE: This evening at the annual Excellence in Education celebration, the Tennessee Department of Education announced the 2023-24 Principal of the Year and Supervisor of the Year, along with the two 2023-24 Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) state finalists.

“I am thrilled to honor these exceptional leaders with the well-deserved 2023-24 Principal and Supervisor of the Year awards,” said Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds.“These individuals are dedicated to providing the best for our students every day, and I am proud to have them representing our great state.”

Mrs. Tina Francis, principal of Jere Whitson Elementary School in Putnam County Schools, was selected as the 2023-24 Tennessee Principal of the Year. Mrs. Francis encourages and serves as a role model in community support by building partnerships between educators, dedicated school staff, students, families, and members of the community to best support her students and provide opportunities that they can take beyond the classroom.

“Mrs. Francis’ dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to her school community has made a profound impact,” said Kyle Loudermilk, 2022-23 Tennessee Principal of the Year.“This recognition is not just a testament to her outstanding qualities but also a reflection of the remarkable year students had under her guidance. Her selection as Principal of the Year is well-deserved and a source of inspiration.”

Mrs. Arlette Robinson, Career and Technical Education (CTE) Director in Bradley County Schools was selected as the 2023-24 Tennessee Supervisor of the Year. Mrs. Robinson is dedicated to career-aligned pathways for all students to successfully transition into college and careers. Additionally, she worked on the committee to develop the Partnerships in Industry and Education (PIE) Innovation Center, a renovated factory to provide education and workforce opportunities. Her grant writing has brought Bradley County Schools over $11M.

“Congratulations to the 2023-24 Supervisor of the Year,” said Penny Thompson, 2022-23 Supervisor of the Year.“ This is a wonderful recognition of her contribution to education in Tennessee, and an honor that she can celebrate with her district leaders, teachers, and other stakeholders who have worked in tandem with her to achieve student gains in learning.”

During the celebration, the department also recognized Principal and Supervisor finalists for the three Tennessee grand divisions.

Michelle Green, principal of Lincoln Heights Elementary School in Hamblen County Schools was named the East Grand Division Principal of the Year. Don Bartch, principal of Overall Creek Elementary School in Murfreesboro City Schools, was named the Middle Grand Division winner. Dr. Renee Meeks, principal of Sea Isle Elementary School in Memphis-Shelby County Schools, was named the West Grand Division winner.

Dr. Brandon Williams, Career and Technology Supervisor in Hawkins County Schools, was named the East Grand Division Supervisor of the Year. Kristian Dennison, Secondary Academic Supervisor in Cheatham County, was named the Middle Grand Division winner. Brooke Shipley, K-5 Supervisor for Tipton County Schools, was named the West Grand Division winner.

Additionally, the department announced the 2023-24 Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) state finalist—Becky Clark, the coordinator of Student Information Services in Kingsport City Schools, and Travis Pierce, a school maintenance supervisor at Camden Elementary School in Benton County Schools— who will go on to compete against state finalists from across the country for the National RISE Award.

For information about the 2023-24 Tennessee Principal and Supervisor of the Year finalists, click here. For more information on the Tennessee Principal of the Year award, the Tennessee Supervisor of the Year award, and the Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) award, click here.

For Tennessee Department of Education media inquiries, email Edu.MediaInquiries@tn.gov.