Two area educators were among nine finalists for the 2020-21 Tennessee Principal of the Year and Supervisor of the Year awards. The Tennessee Department of Education announced the finalists this week.
Both educators represent the southeastern region of the state.
Cleveland Middle School Principal Leneda Laing is among the finalists for Principal of the Year. Bradley County District Supervisor Ruth Ann White is a finalist for Supervisor of the Year.
According to the education department, the next step is a panel interview that will be held in the coming weeks. The panel is made up of department staff and other education leaders. Winners for each Tennessee Principal and Supervisor of the Year will be selected and announced this fall.
To qualify, candidates must have a minimum of three years’ experience as a principal and a minimum of five years’ experience in public schools. In addition, all nominees must have a proven track record of exceptional gains in student learning.