TDOE announces 2025-26 Principal and Supervisor of the Year

For Immediate Release:

12/5/2025

TDOE Announces 2025-26 Principal and Supervisor of the Year

District and School Leaders Honored with Statewide Recognition

Nashville, TN — This evening at the annual Excellence in Education celebration, the Tennessee Department of Education (department) announced the 2025-26 Principal of the Year and Supervisor of the Year, along with the two 2025-26 Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) state finalists.

“I am honored to recognize each of these individuals who play key roles in transforming students’ futures by creating positive and lasting changes in their districts and schools,” said Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education. “I am inspired by the dedication of these outstanding education leaders across Tennessee for prioritizing the success of students, educators, and communities.”

Deanna Jones, principal of Bailey Station Elementary School in Collierville Schools, was selected as the 2025-26 Tennessee Principal of the Year. Jones believes academic excellence and joyful learning are powerful partners in the classroom. She works to support engaging instruction, deep curiosity, and moments of celebration that make learning come alive. Additionally, Jones implemented and organized a district-wide interscholastic public learning community, which enabled collaboration across schools and content areas to promote leadership, culture, and academics.

“Congratulations, Deanna Jones! Your leadership shapes a brighter future for every student you serve. Your work is valued and appreciated,” said Kelley Harrell, 2024-25 Tennessee Principal of the Year. “Being Tennessee Principal of the Year is a reminder that strong schools are built by dedicated people united in purpose. I’m thankful for the exceptional staff, students, and families who make school communities successful.”

Diana Wood, PreK-4 Instructional Supervisor in Putnam County Schools, was selected as the 2025-26 Tennessee Supervisor of the Year. Wood believes that collaborative networks have become a pivotal avenue for working collectively with other stakeholders in the area. She serves on the Bright Start Tennessee steering committee, a multi-county initiative dedicated to designing high-quality early care and education systems through community partnerships. This initiative allows her to emphasize the importance of family partnerships, even before formal school enrollment. Additionally, Wood is honored to serve as a member of the Tennessee Literacy Council, her local Child Advocacy Center’s Board of Directors, and is a passionate advocate for children and families.

“Congratulations to the 2025-26 Tennessee Supervisor of the Year,” said Cathy Pressnell, 2024-25 Supervisor of the Year. “This recognition honors your leadership and work that frequently happens behind the scenes. From career and technical education programs to curriculum and instruction, and everything in between, the day-to-day work in schools simply would not happen without stellar leadership from district supervisors. They represent all that’s best about leading in public education, and I am beyond grateful to have been recognized in this way and to get to celebrate our newest award recipient!”

During the celebration, the department also recognized Principal and Supervisor finalists for the three Tennessee grand divisions.

Jessica Conatser, principal of Grand Oaks Elementary School in Anderson County Schools, was named the East Grand Division Principal of the Year. Cailtin Bullard, principal of the Discovery School in Murfreesboro City Schools, was named the Middle Grand Division winner. Amy Wooley, principal of West Chester Elementary School in Chester County Schools, was named the West Grand Division winner.

Holly Flora, elementary chief academic officer in Kingsport City Schools, was named the East Grand Division Supervisor of the Year. Lori Sexton, CTE supervisor in Bedford County Schools, was named the Middle Grand Division winner. Megan Gaschler, professional development and evaluation supervisor in Germantown Municipal Schools, was named the West Grand Division winner.

Additionally, the department announced the 2025-26 Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) state finalists, who will compete against state finalists from across the country for the National RISE Award.

Celby Glass, a safety and attendance supervisor in Franklin Special School District, and Julie Seymour, the STEAM coordinator at Discovery School in Murfreesboro City Schools, were named the 2025-26 Tennessee RISE Award state finalists.

More information about the 2025-26 Tennessee Principal and Supervisor of the Year finalists can be found on the department’s website. Visit the Educator Recognition webpage for more information on the Tennessee Principal of the Year award, the Tennessee Supervisor of the Year award, and the RISE award.

For Tennessee Department of Education media inquiries, email Edu.MediaInquiries@tn.gov.