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The Tennessee Department of Education announced the nine finalists for the 2023-24 Tennessee Principal of the Year and Supervisor of the Year awards. The finalists include Dr. Brandon Williams from Hawkins County Schools and Shelley Green from Hamblen County Schools.

The finalists represent each of the state’s nine Center of Regional Excellence (CORE) regions, with three finalists in each Grand Division: West, Middle and East.

“I am excited to honor these individuals for their hard work, dedication, and recognition as finalists for the Tennessee Principal of the Year and Supervisor of the Year awards,” said Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education. “Tennessee has so many incredible principals and district supervisors that are passionate about student achievement and work diligently to support students across Tennessee.”

Each year an outstanding district supervisor is awarded the Tennessee Supervisor of the Year. To qualify, candidates must demonstrate a record of implementing innovative programs and managing and motivating students and staff. Additionally, the nominees must have a minimum of three years of experience as an administrator and a minimum of five years of experience in Tennessee public schools.

“Congratulations to each of the nine Tennessee supervisors for being recognized as a State Supervisor of the Year Finalist! You are to be commended for your exceptional work as an educational leader,” said Dr. Penny Thompson 2022-23 Supervisor of the Year. “This honor represents a culmination of dedicated leadership and support for both teachers in their significant role as educators and for students by ensuring that every child receives a high-quality education. I hope you enjoy the accolades as you are celebrated for your achievement and exemplary work.”

Williams was announced the finalist from the East Tennessee Region for supervisor of the year.

He has served as the Career & Technical Education Supervisor at Hawkins County Board of Education since 2019.

Before that he held several titles in that district since 2012, where he began teaching. In 2014 he was named the Energy Specialist.

He attended East Tennessee State University in 2005 where he received a Bachelor of Science in History Secondary Education.

He continued his education at Lincoln Memorial University where he received a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction in 2012.

The following year he returned to ETSU to receive his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, completing the program in 2016.

The Tennessee Principal of the Year award is awarded 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 of experience as a principal and a minimum of five years of experience in Tennessee public schools. In addition, all nominees must have a proven track record of exceptional gains in student learning.

“Congratulations on being recognized as one of the top nine finalists for Tennessee’s 2023 Principal of the Year! This nomination is a testament to your commitment and positive impact as an instructional leader,” said Kyle Loudermilk, 2022-23 Principal of the Year. “Your unwavering hard work and dedication is truly commendable. Best of luck as you continue this POY journey!”

Green, the principal at Lincoln Heights Elementary School, has dedicated more than 10 years to students in Hamblen County in a variety of leadership positions.

Since 2018 Green has held the title of principal at Lincoln. During her time as principal she led Lincoln to achieve Reward Status for two years and maintained an atmosphere of continuous improvement.

Green began her journey to become a teacher at Tusculum College in 2007, where she received her Bachelors of Arts in K-8 Education. She furthered her education in 2017 at Lincoln Memorial University, receiving her Masters of Art in Instructional Leadership.

Green has stated previously that she is a servant leader and her priority is to serve the staff, students and families to ensure that students get the best education possible.

As principal she created the PRIDE Program that asks students to reflect on good character traits, which she believes is just as important as learning.

“I think developing strong character in our students is the foundation to any other educational initiatives that we do at Lincoln,” she said. “I think our Patriot PRIDE Program is the most influential in our students’ education. Patriot PRIDE is a character building program. The PRIDE stands for Polite, Respect, Integrity, Discipline and Effort.

Principal and Supervisor of the Year finalists will proceed to an in-person interview that will be held 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 later this fall.