The Tennessee Department of Education has announced regional finalists for the annual Principal of the Year and Supervisor of the Year awards, and Tyner Academy's Carol Goss has been chosen.

These nine principals, chosen from among more than 1,700 across the state, as well as the nine supervisors, each with years of experience in Tennessee Education, were nominated by their peers for the state-level honors, which recognize administrators who have improved education for Tennessee students through their leadership.

“Principals and supervisors work to create better environments for teaching and learning in our schools,” said Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman. “This year’s nominees share the department’s commitment to raising standards for students and have lived out that goal with their innovative programs and strong visions.”

Principal of the Year regional finalists for 2012-13:

First Tennessee: Jeff Moorhouse, Morristown West High School, Hamblen County Schools

East Tennessee: Tom Brown, Holston Middle School, Knox County Schools

Southeast: Carol Goss, Tyner Academy, Hamilton County Schools

Upper Cumberland: Brad Schreiner, Merrol Hyde Magnet School, Sumner County Schools

South Central: Sandy Schultz, Broadview Elementary School, Franklin County Schools

Mid Cumberland: Jane Winter, Minglewood Elementary School, Clarksville/Montgomery County Schools

Northwest: Donald Ray High, Sharon School, Weakley County Schools

Southwest: Lori Leasure, Pin Oak Elementary School, Henderson County Schools

Memphis/Shelby: Frederick Malone, Bellevue Middle School, Memphis City Schools

Supervisor of the Year regional finalists for 2012-13:

First Tennessee: Reba Bailey, Hawkins County Schools 

East Tennessee: Alisa Teffeteller, Blount County Schools

Southeast: Jill Swafford, Polk County Schools

Upper Cumberland: Bobby Cox, Warren County Schools

South Central: Betty Farrar, Bedford County Schools

Mid Cumberland: Angela Rohen, Wilson County Schools

Northwest: Norma Gerrell, Paris Special School District

Southwest: Donna King, Hardin County Schools

Memphis/Shelby: Margaret Gilmore, Shelby County Schools

Candidates for these awards are nominated by regional study councils of principals and supervisors. Winners will be announced at the annual Tennessee Educational LEADership Conference in October. The Niswonger Foundation, based in Greeneville, will sponsor this year’s awards.

The 2011-12 Principal of the Year is Rita White, of Riverwood Elementary School in Memphis City Schools. The 2011-12 Supervisor of the Year is B.J. Worthington, of Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools.

For more information, contact Kelli Gauthier at 615 532-7817 or Kelli.Gauthier@tn.gov.