The Tennessee Department of Education yesterday announced the nine finalists for the 2020-21 Tennessee Principal of the Year and Supervisor of the Year awards. The finalists represent each Center of Regional Excellence (CORE) region in the state, with three finalists in each Grand Division-West, Middle, and East.

“All across the state, our exceptional school and district leaders are working tirelessly to ensure that students are safe, fed and continue to have access to high-quality learning opportunities—all while leading their communities through a totally new era of education,” said Tennessee Department of Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn. “Strong leadership is vital to the success of our students and educators, and I am grateful to these incredible leaders who are doing so much to serve students.”

Nominated in the area includes:

PRINICIPAL OF THE YEAR

Stephanie Barnes from The Phoenix School in Cumberland County

Marvin Feezell from Philadelphia Elementary in Loudon County

SCHOOL SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR

Rebecca Farley – Cumberland County

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’ experience as a principal and a minimum of five years’ experience in public schools. In addition, all nominees must have a proven track record of exceptional gains in student learning.

Principal and Supervisor of the Year finalists will proceed to an 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 of nine and announced this fall.