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Cannon County Director of Schools Mr. William F. Curtis is pleased to announce that Principal Angela Cossey of Woodland School and Dr. Regina Merriman, former Supervisor of Federal Programs/Pre-K have been announced as State Finalists in their respective categories.
Tennessee Commissioner of Education, Dr. Candice McQueen announced that these two Cannon County educators are in the top nine finalists for the prestigious state-wide award.
"We know that strong leadership plays a key role in the ultimate success of our students, schools, and state, and these 18 finalists represent some of the best leaders in Tennessee," McQueen said. "It is an honor to recognize them for their years of dedication to our students and their track records of success."
Principal Angela Cossey, Upper Cumberland Principal of the Year
The Tennessee Principal of the Year award is given annually to a school leader for outstanding service in education and exceptional leadership that drives overall improvements in his or her school. To qualify, candidates must have a minimum of three years' experience as a principal and a minimum of five years' experience in Tennessee public schools. In addition, all nominees must have a proven track record of exceptional gains in student learning.
Principal Angela Cossey has served Cannon County Schools for the past 4 years as Principal of Woodland School. She has been an educator for the past 12 years.
Prior to joining Cannon County Schools she served as a teacher, instructional coordinator, and assistant principal for Coffee County Schools. Mrs. Cossey is a lifelong resident of Cannon County and graduated from Cannon County High School.
She earned her Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, and Educational Specialist Degree in Instructional Leadership from Tennessee Technological University. She is married to Josh Cossey and they have one daughter, Whitleigh.
Director Curtis stated, "Cannon County Principal of the Year, Mrs. Angela Cossey is truly an outstanding educator and instructional leader. She personifies our mission and vision of Cannon County Schools, 'Preparing All Students for their Future' through our vision by being 'Engaged in Excellence Every Day!' We are ecstatic that we have the Upper Cumberland Principal of the Year serving the students of Woodland School here in Cannon County and one of the Finalists as Principal of the Year in the State of Tennessee!"
Supervisor Dr. Regina Merriman, Upper Cumberland Supervisor of the Year
Each year an outstanding public school supervisor earns distinction as the Tennessee Supervisor of the Year. To qualify, candidates must demonstrate a record of implementing innovative programs and managing and motivating students and faculties. Additionally, the nominees must have a minimum of three years' experience as an administrator and a minimum of five years' experience in Tennessee public schools.
Dr. Regina Merriman has served Cannon County for the past 40 years. During her tenure with Cannon County Schools, she has been assigned as a teacher at East Side School and Woodbury Grammar before assuming her current position as the district's Pre-Kindergarten and Federal Project Director. Dr. Merriman also serves on the Board for the Tennessee Association for Supervision and Curriculum and the Adams Memorial Library.
Dr. Merriman is a member of the Woodbury Lions Club where she serves as the District Essay Chairperson. Dr. Merriman is married to Mr. Jimmy E. Merriman of Woodbury. They have two grown children and five grandchildren.
Dr. Merriman retired from the Cannon County School System on July 31, 2018, and was honored by the Cannon County Board of Education at the July 12th, 2018 School Board Meeting.
She currently serves as a Kindergarten Teacher at Boyd Christian School in McMinnville, Tennessee.
Director of Schools Curtis stated, "It is an incredible honor to have the Upper Cumberland Supervisor of the Year and Finalist for Supervisor of the Year for the State of Tennessee having worked in Cannon County! Dr. Merriman is an outstanding example of what a supervisor is and does every day for students and teachers in a small county school system. It is a tremendous honor and distinction that one of Cannon County's finest be recognized for her contribution as the 'capstone' of her career in public education!"
Principal and Supervisor of the Year finalists will proceed to an in-person interview that will be held in in the coming months 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 Tennessee Principal and Supervisor of the Year will be selected from this group and announced at a banquet on October 4th, 2018 during the department's LEAD Conference in Nashville.
The Cannon County Board of Education and Cannon County Schools offers congratulations to these two wonderful and deserving educators. We honor them for demonstrating to the entire State of Tennessee that Cannon County Schools are "Preparing All Students for their Future" by being the "New E-3 - Engaged in Excellence Every Day, To become one of the highest performing schools in the State of Tennessee!" We are CANNON, and CANNON SUCCEEDS!
