The only Associations with their focus on principals are those such as the Tennessee Principals Association. All our members are principals, have been principals or desire to be principals. TPA's entire program of work, structure of organization and benefits delivery systems were planned around the professional and personal development of its members.
Our contact information for the Executive Director is 423.794.6664 or tnprinassoc@comcast.net . To reach the Membership Processor call 423.245.5687 or tpamembership@embarqmail.com . To contact any board member by e-mail go to the Leadership Team section on this site or look on the back of any of the Frontline newsletters.
Our best known products are the the Journal (Tennessee Principal) edited by Catherine Prentis of Cockrill Elementary School in Nashville, the Frontline newsletter issues prepared by Lauren Partin and Ernest Bentley, Jr., the Annual Conference (this year in Pigeon Forge on December 2nd and 3rd at the Music Road Hotel and Inn), our Legislative Lobbyist and legal mind in Stephen Smith, our Electronic Modules which award TASL credits through a partnership with Niswonger Foundation and all of the benefits associated with the TPA/NAESP affiliate relationship (million dollar liability coverage, legal assistant package, publications and so forth).
Nationally TPA is a part of a 25,000 member network of principals. Within the state hundreds of principals operate as colleagues and available human resources to each other. It would be great to have you join with us both to enjoy the benefits mentioned above and to contribute from your areas of strength. Download the membership form and fax it to 423.245.5687 today!
From its early years as a K-8 principal group this association has expanded its membership eligibility to include middle school and secondary school administrators, so that today all PreK-secondary principals are eligible to become members. The governing board is composed of an Executive Committee, District Directors for 9 geographic areas or zones and appointees for priority initiatives selected for long range development by the association. The Executive Committee is presently made up of the elected officers (President, President Elect, Vice President, and NAESP State Representative), the Past President, and the appointed Secretary, Treasurer, and Executive Director. These individuals are Brian Partin, Sharon McNary, Rick Wilson, Teresa Dennis, Constance Hayes, Kim Headrick, Dr. Debra Bentley and Dr. Ernest Bentley Jr.
The District Directors and the NAESP State Representative have traditionally served as the core recruitment and benefits liaisons with members across the state. With the expansion of eligibility to upper grade administrators there may be increasing need to rethink this structure and customary strategies. Currently the District Directors include Steve Barnett in 9, Julie Thompson in 8, LeeAnn Mills in 7, Marsha Newman in 6, Donna Rhoton in 5, Marti Phillips and Jane Lezon in 4, Calvin Bailey in 3, Teresa Jackson in 2, and Elaine-Stewart Price and Dr. Terri Evans in 1. Directors are appointed to 3 year terms on a staggered schedule with a two term maximum.
Initiative Board appointments in 2010/2011 will include Catherine Prentis as editor for Tennessee Principal, Pattye Evans for Beginning/Retired, Kimber Halliburton as Legislative Liaison, Dr. Sam Shaw for Research, Linda Irwin for Professional Development, Sonya Cathey for Middle Schools and Dr. Niyah Griffin for Independent Schools. Dr. Nancy Meador serves as NAESP Zone 4 District Director. All Initiative appointments are annual recommendations by the President which are approved by the Executive Committee. Initiative appointments may be renewed for additional one-year terms.
You can find all board members in the "Our Team" link located in the top menu.
Hello Principals,
This year, more than ever, it is imperative that you belong to an association that's primary focus is the principal. With all of the changes happening, we need an association that is there to support principals. There are so many benefits of being a member of TPA. These benefits include: Liability insurance up to one million dollars, professional development through on-line courses and the annual state principals leadership conference, legislative support, publications, and networking.
TPA offers Professional development through the annual fall conference, which will be held in Memphis on November 17-18 and online courses. The three courses currently available are: Data Practices of the Successful School Administrator, Managing Time, and Professional Learning Communities. TASL credit is approved for these sessions.
Throughout the year, we tackle legislative issues by meeting with our local and state elected officials to let them know where TPA stands on educational issues. In July, members of the executive board went to Washington, D.C for the NAESP National Leaders Conference. We met with Senator Alexander, Congressman Cohen, Congressman Roe, and Congressman Cooper and expressed our concerns with ESEA, as well as other issues pertinent to our roles as educational leaders.
In my opinion, the biggest benefit of being a member of TPA is the networking available to each and every one of us. I have met principals from all across the state of TN and the United States who are encountering the same problems I am, and it helps to hear how they are handling these same issues. “The principalship is a lonely profession. Lack of time, overload of responsibilities, uncertainty about their roles in leading change, fear of appearing unknowledgeable, and the stress of attempting to balance professional and personal lives puts the principals in a difficult position to meet expectations.” (Michael Fullen and Andy Hargreaves) The role of the principal is ever-changing, but it has never been so crucial and impactful as it is today. For that very reason, I encourage each of you to make an effort this year to truly collaborate with other principals throughout your school system, as well as throughout the state of Tennessee. If you make that commitment, I truly think you will see the benefits. I would also like to challenge each member to find one person who is not a member and encourage him or her to join TPA. It is imperative that we continue to strengthen our association one member at a time. Together, we can make a difference for all principals in the state of TN, which will in turn have a greater impact on all of the children of Tennessee.
I look forward to serving as your TN Principals Association President! If I can help you in any way this year, please do not hesitate to ask.
Sharon K. McNary
TPA President
Senators Alexander and Corker with Drs. Nancy Meador and Ernie Bentley at the Tennessee Tuesday breakfast on February 7, 2012
Drs. Nancy Meador and Ernie Bentley with new friends from Kentucky at the foot of the Martin Luther King Memorial.
Martin Luther King Memorial
Martin Luther King Memorial
Martin Luther King Memorial