Robert E. Lee Elementary School Principal Mary Gilbert has been named one of eight finalists for the 2025-26 Principal of the Year Award from the Tennessee Department of Education.

“I am beyond honored to receive this recognition,” Gilbert said. “The truth is, this moment represents all of us at REL and the Tullahoma City Schools. Every single day, we champion our students, believe in their potential and lift one another. I am deeply grateful to my husband and family, the TCS Board of Education, our Director of Schools, Dr. Catherine Stephens, our district leadership team, the incredible REL staff, our amazing students and families and this entire community. Everyone’s support, trust, and partnership made this recognition possible.”

In November 2024, TCS announced that Gilbert had been named the District’s Principal of the Year. With that award, she moved forward to the regional competition, where she was selected as a regional Principal of the Year semifinalist before being named a finalist for Principal of the Year this week.

The Tennessee Principal of the Year award is granted annually to a school leader for outstanding service in education and exceptional leadership that drives overall improvements in their school. To qualify, candidates must have a minimum of three years of experience as a principal and a minimum of five years of experience in Tennessee public schools. Additionally, all nominees must have a proven track record of achieving exceptional gains in student learning.

Joining Gilbert on the list of state finalists are: Caitlin Bullard (Discovery School); Krista Mann (Rogersville Middle School); Bob Pritchard (Cleveland High School); Jessica Conaster (Grand Oaks Elementary School); Deanna Jones (Bailey Station Elementary School); Melissa Palk (Northeast Elementary School); and Amy Wooley (West Chester Elementary Schools).

The Tennessee Principal of the Year will be announced at the annual Excellence in Education Celebration on Friday, Dec. 5. During this event, the state’s Department of Education will recognize each of the eight Principal of the Year finalists, announce each Grand Division winner, and award this year’s Principal of the Year recipient.

“I am ecstatic that Mrs. Gilbert has been named a state finalist for Principal of the Year,” said TCS Director of Schools, Dr. Catherine Stephens. “I am incredibly proud of Mary and her leadership at REL, coupled with tremendous teachers and staff who ensure amazing things happen for our lions each day. We are blessed to have some incredible principals inside our district, and Mary is the perfect representative for TCS. I look forward to the banquet in December and celebrating Mary further. No matter the outcome, we already have a proven winner in Mrs. Gilbert.”

To learn more about the Tennessee Principal of the Year and Supervisor of the Year Awards, go to the website here.