Tennessee Names 2019-20 Principal, District Supervisor of the Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 5, 2019
CONTACT: Jennifer Johnson
OFFICE: (615) 532-6260
Tennessee Names 2019-20 Principal, District Supervisor of the Year
NASHVILLE—A Hamilton County high school principal and a Gibson County
supervisor have been honored for their work in Tennessee education during the
annual banquet on Tuesday night.
Dr. LeAndrea Ware, principal of the Howard School in Hamilton County Schools, was
named Tennessee’s 2019-20 Principal of the Year. Having previously served as
principal at East Lake Academy and in district administration roles, Ware was chosen
as the interim principal of the Howard School in 2017-18 and was named principal
this year. Known for her energy and passion, Ware works each day to create an
environment of success for all students.
Dr. Michelle Goad, instructional supervisor for grades 5-8 and testing coordinator in
Gibson County Special School District, was named Tennessee’s 2019-20 Supervisor of
the Year. Goad has served in this role for 11 years and previously served as a teacher
and instructional coach in the district. Goad is committed to providing every student
with high-quality education and is always willing to try new initiatives based on
teachers’ feedback and data.
Both awards were announced at an honorary banquet in Nashville during the
department’s LEAD conference, a statewide convening for Tennessee’s leaders in
districts, schools, and classrooms.
“As a former principal, I’m continually inspired by the caliber of principals and
supervisors that we have across this great state, and I am truly honored to recognize
these outstanding individuals who work each day to make sure our students are
receiving the best possible education,” said Commissioner Penny Schwinn.
The annual Principal of the Year and Supervisor of the Year awards recognize
administrators who have helped provide educational opportunities for Tennessee
students through leadership, programs, and vision. Ware and Goad were among nine
principals and nine district supervisors, respectively, selected as regional finalists
after being nominated by their peers for the title.
The winners for the three Tennessee grand divisions were also recognized at the
honorary banquet.
Ware was named Tennessee Principal of the Year and East Grand Division winner.
Sara Cope, principal of BonDeCroft Elementary School in White County Schools, was
named the winner for the Middle Grand Division. Varissa Richardson, principal of
Munford Elementary School in Tipton County Schools, was named the winner for the
West Grand Division.
Goad was named the Tennessee Supervisor of the Year and West Grand Division
winner. Jennifer Malone, supervisor for Loudon County Schools, was named East
Grand Division winner. Bonnie Patterson, supervisor for Cannon County Schools, was
named Middle Grand Division winner.
For questions about the Principal or Supervisor of the Year program in Tennessee,
please contact David Donaldson, assistant commissioner of human capital, at
David.Donaldson@tn.gov. For media inquiries, please contact Jennifer Johnson,
director of communications, at Jennifer.Johnson@tn.gov.