The Tennessee Department of Education has honored Putnam County Elementary Instructional Supervisor Diana Wood as the Tennessee Supervisor of the Year.
Wood becomes the first supervisor from Putnam County Schools to receive the statewide honor. Wood said the award reflects the recent success of Putnam County Schools.
“I work alongside so many wonderful supervisors in Putnam County Schools,” Wood said. “Just our team of supervisors are so dedicated and so, to be able to represent them at the state level is an honor, but then being able to receive the award was also an honor.”
As an instructional supervisor, Wood spends a lot of time with administrators and teachers to ensure students receive a high level of instruction. Wood said students are what drive her every day to be successful.
“I went into education because I love kids, and I know that my life has been changed because of education, and I want to ensure that every child has the opportunities that I have had,” Wood said. “So that strong foundation in elementary school is so important. And learning to read, learning to do math on grade level those are really so important. So really what drives me every day is making sure that students are receiving a high-quality education and that they are being taught by confident, prepared teachers.”
Wood said so many people along the way have pushed her out of her comfort zone and encouraged her to use her talents and leadership skills. Wood said she hopes her receiving the honor will inspire others in the school system to work hard.
“Whatever we are doing in the school system, if we do it to the best of our ability, then the kids are going to be better for it,” Wood said.
Wood received the honor at Tennessee’s annual Excellence in Education Celebration in Nashville.
