NASHVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) — One Clarksville-Montgomery School System administrator is in the running for Tennessee Principal of the Year. Jessica Harris, principal at Minglewood Elementary School, is one of nine finalists in the running to receive this prestigious honor.
Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn recently announced the nine finalists for the 2019-20 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).
“It’s amazing, I’ve just been so blessed. I’ve worked at several different schools in the district. I’ve been at Hazelwood, I’ve been at Byrns Darden and I’ve been at Minglewood for almost a year. What my teachers and my staff have done for the kids, that’s the real reward. It’s definitely an honor to be recognized by the state in this manner so I’m really excited,” said Harris.
“Strong leadership is vital to the success of our students,” Schwinn said. “I’ve traveled the state and have seen first-hand how leaders positively impact our students on a daily basis. These are the people who go above and beyond for our kids and educators. It is my pleasure to recognize and celebrate these dedicated leaders who support education across the state.”
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.
Principal and Supervisor of the Year finalists will proceed to an in-person interview that will be held in in the coming weeks. 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 Nov. 5, during the department’s LEAD Conference in Nashville.