Murfreesboro City Schools administrator Cathy Pressnell won 2024-25 Tennessee Supervisor of the Year recognition from the state.
Pressnell serves as coordinator of reading for grades 3-6 for the Murfreesboro district, according to a press release announcing her recognition from the Tennessee Department of Education.
“Cathy has created literacy plans that have directly improved classroom work and positively impacted student learning,” the press release said. “She is a dedicated leader who encourages teacher development to ensure every student can successfully read and flourish in and outside of the classroom.
The Murfreesboro district that serves over 9,200 children from pre-K through sixth grade at 13 schools provided the following comment from Pressnell to The Daily News Journal in response to earning statewide recognition.
“It’s an incredible honor to receive the Tennessee Supervisor of the Year award,” Pressnell said.
“This recognition is a reflection of the incredible folks in Murfreesboro City Schools I have the privilege of working with every day. Their dedication, hard work, and passion inspire me to be better, and I’m grateful for all they do.”
Cathy Pressnell
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Pressnell’s comment further said leadership isn’t about individual achievement.
“It’s about fostering an environment where everyone ― leaders, teachers, and students ― can thrive and reach their full potential. Together, we’ve achieved so much, and I’m excited about the opportunity to spotlight the remarkable work happening in our district and state this year.”
In addition to state recognition as a schools supervisor, Pressnell recently won a 2024 Celebrity Spelling Bee in November in Murfreesboro, district spokeswoman Lisa Trail confirmed.
The Murfreesboro district provided the following comment about Pressnell winning the state award from Sheri Arnette, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction
“Dr. Cathy Pressnell is so well-deserving of this award,” Arnett said.
“She is a champion for student and teacher excellence. Not a week goes by that I have not received a shoutout from teachers and administrators around the importance and value of Cathy’s Professional Learning sessions. She definitely pushes us all to be better leaders.”
The district also offered the following comment about Pressnell from Murfreesboro Schools Director Trey Duke:
“Dr. Pressnell is a fierce advocate for public education, teacher development and giving every child the right to literacy,” Duke said.
“She is an exemplary district-level leader whose work results it true academic outcomes from students. There is no doubt that her leadership has greatly contributed to the consistent year-over-year increases in literacy scores we have seen in MCS that has raised our proficiency to previously unreached levels.”
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The press release from the Tennessee Department of Education included a comment praising Pressnell from the previous school year’s Tennessee Supervisor of the Year winner, Arlette Robinson.
“Your dedication, leadership, and unwavering educational commitment have set you apart,” Robinson said. “This recognition is a testament to your hard work and your positive impact on education. We are proud to celebrate your achievements.”
Reach reporter Scott Broden with news tips or questions by emailing him at sbroden@dnj.com. To support his work with The Daily News Journal, sign up for a digital subscription.
Tennessee educator of the year winners
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2024-24 Tennessee Supervisor of the Year: Cathy Pressnell, coordinator of reading for grades 3-6 in Murfreesboro City Schools
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2024-25 Tennessee Principal of the Year: Kelley Harrell, principal of John Adams Elementary School in Kingsport City Schools
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2024-25 East Grand Division Principal of the Year: Christie Amburn, principal of Loudon Elementary School in Loudon County Schools
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2024-25 Middle Grand Division Principal of the Year: Tera Brooks, principal of Prescott South Middle School in Putnam County Schools
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2024-25 West Grand Division Principal of the Year: Sharonda Rose, principal of Rivercrest Elementary School in Bartlett City Schools
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2024-25 East Grand Division Supervisor of the Year: Dana Yost, director of federal projects and media supervisor in Bradley County Schools
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2024-25 Middle Grand Division Supervisor of the Year: Mick Shuran, director of federal programs and instruction in Manchester City Schools
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2024-25 West Grand Division Supervisor of the Year: Leighann Horne, director of special education in McKenzie Special School District
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2024-25 Inspiring School Employees who will compete as Tennessee finalists for national recognition: Teresa Lawson, a parent liaison in Hamblen County Schools; and Tina McCracken, a secretary in Bradley County Schools
Source: Tennessee Department of Education
This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Murfreesboro schools’ Cathy Pressnell wins TN Supervisor of the Year