TDOE Announces 2022-23 Principal and Supervisor of the Year
District and School Leaders Receive Statewide Recognition
Nashville, TN – This evening at the annual Excellence in Education celebration, the Tennessee Department of Education announced the 2022-23 Principal of the Year and Supervisor of the Year, along with the two 2022-23 Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) state finalists.
“Each of these individuals plays an essential role in public education in our state by helping to ensure their students receive the best possible education,” said Commissioner Penny Schwinn. “I am inspired by the dedication of our outstanding education leaders across Tennessee, who prioritize the success of our students, educators, and state. Thank you for putting students first.”
Dr. Kyle Loudermilk, principal of John Sevier Middle School in Kingsport City Schools, was selected as the 2022-23 Tennessee Principal of the Year out of nine Principal of the Year finalists, representing Tennessee’s eight CORE regions, as well as Shelby County-Municipals area.
Dr. Loudermilk has prioritized developing educator capacity and collaboration to increase student achievement, set high expectations, and progress toward closing the achievement gaps for all students. Additionally, Dr. Loudermilk implemented the district’s “Leader in Me” program, which promotes leadership, culture, and academics. Also, Dr. Loudermilk is an alumni of the Governor’s Academy for School Leaders program.
"It is an honor to celebrate Dr. Loudermilk on this awesome accomplishment,” said Chris Hampton, 2021-22 Tennessee Principal of the Year. “I have had the opportunity to work closely with Kyle as a colleague. I have worked with very few people who demonstrate the passion for learning and commitment to culture than Kyle has. He is fully invested in our school community, and I can't think of a better person for this recognition."
“Congratulations to Tennessee’s 2022-23 Principal of the Year,” said Tyler Salyer, 2021-22 Tennessee Principal of the Year. “This is such a prestigious honor that validates the work and sacrifices you have made for the students, faculty members, and families in your care. As you continue to serve, you do so as an example to other administrators from across our great state.”
Of nine Supervisor of the Year finalists representing Tennessee’s eight CORE regions, as well as the Shelby County-Municipals area, Dr. Penny Thompson, Pre-K Director and Instructional Coordinator in Lebanon Special School District, was selected as the 2022-23 Tennessee Supervisor of the Year.
Dr. Thompson’s dedication to literacy is shown in her support of the district’s teachers. She has created and led professional development on how to teach reading, ultimately raising student achievement in phonological and phonemic awareness. Additionally, Dr. Thompson organized a Pre-Kindergarten Registration and Health Fair for families to complete applications, receive free health screenings, and consult with community service providers. Dr. Thompson currently serves on the Reading 360 Advisory Council, the TN Early Literacy Network, and the Mid-Cumberland Literacy Network.
“Congratulations to our new Supervisor of the Year,” said Robert Langford, 2021-22 Supervisor of the Year. “Tennessee educators are the best in the nation as are our supervisors across the state. I am thankful each day for the great group of Tennessee leaders and educators.”
“Congratulations to the 22-23 Supervisor of the Year,” said Rory Hinson, 2021-22 Tennessee Supervisor of the Year. “It has been an honor to be a part of this amazing process. Public education is one of the most valuable resources we have in Tennessee. It is so powerful to hear of the successes school districts are having across our state. Administrators play a key role in these successes by supporting their teachers and students."
During the celebration, the department also recognized Principal and Supervisor finalists for the three Tennessee grand divisions.
Kristine Walden, principal of City Park Elementary School in Athens City Schools was named the East Grand Division Principal of the Year. April Sneed, principal of Whitworth Buchanan Middle School in Rutherford County Schools, was named the Middle Grand Division winner. Kristie Wilson, principal of Camden Elementary School in Benton County Schools, was named the West Grand Division winner.
Dr. Greg Wallace, Supervisor of Safety and Health in Johnson City Schools, was named the East Grand Division Supervisor of the Year. Dr. Rebecca Farley, Supervisor of Instruction for 3rd-8th Grade and Homeschool Coordinator for Cumberland County Schools, was named the Middle Grand Division winner. James Fields, Director of Operations for Tipton County Schools, was named the West Grand Division winner.
Additionally, this evening, the department announced the 2022-23 Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) state finalists, who will go on to compete against state finalists from across the country for the National RISE Award.
Jody Hancock, a special education assistant at Alvin C. York Institute in Fentress County, and Whitney Kee, a school nurse at Camden Elementary School in Benton County Schools, the 2022-23 Tennessee RISE Award state finalists.
For information about the 2022-23 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.
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