Angela Jones
On Sept. 8, the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) announced the nine finalists for the 2022-23 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 of the Grand Divisions of West, Middle, and East.
In the Northwest CORE region of West Tennessee, Benton County Schools have reason to be especially proud this year, as finalists for both the principal and supervisor of the year categories hail from this excellent school district.
Camden Elementary School Principal Kristie Wilson was named the principal of the year finalist for the Northwest region, while Supervisor Brandy Milner, Benton County Schools supervisor of instruction for grades 6-12, was named the supervisor of the year finalist for the region. Milner also received recognition as the Northwest region supervisor of the year finalist for the 2020-21 award.
“Benton County Schools are blessed to have these two education leaders on our team. They represent the best of what we have to offer our students and their families,” said Director of Schools Mark Florence. Last May, Florence himself was named School Superintendent of the Year for the Northwest Tennessee Region by his peers within the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents (TOSS).
The Principal of the Year distinction is awarded annually to a school leader for outstanding service in education and exceptional leadership that drives overall improvements in his or her school. Candidates must have a minimum of one year of experience as a principal and three years of experience in public schools. In addition, all nominees must have a proven track record of exceptional gains in student learning. Wilson readily qualifies for such recognition.
“As Camden Elementary School principal, Kristie is one of the most energetic and dedicated educators I have ever had the privilege to work with,” Florence said. “She is always looking for different ways to motivate students and staff to grow, all while making sure they’re enjoying the journey.”
Each year an outstanding public-school supervisor earns distinction as the Supervisor of the Year. To qualify, candidates must demonstrate a record of implementing innovative programs and managing and motivating students and faculties. Nominees must have a minimum of three years’ experience as an administrator and five years’ experience in Tennessee public schools. Milner easily meets these benchmarks.
“Brandy works tirelessly to make sure the students and staff in Benton County Schools have what they need to be successful. She has high expectations of herself and our teachers, and her goal is for all students in Benton County to reach their full potential,” Florence said. “We are all thrilled that she is being recognized again for her dedication and hard work.”
“Principals and supervisors play a foundational role in the success of their teachers and students, and we are fortunate to have so many incredible principals and supervisors in the state of Tennessee,” said TDOE Commissioner Penny Schwinn. “I am inspired by these outstanding leaders who continually work to support students and school communities across Tennessee.”
Principal and Supervisor of the Year finalists will proceed to an in-person interview 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 overall Tennessee Principal and Supervisor of the Year will be selected from this group and announced at a celebration to be held later this fall.
