COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — Putnam County Schools is proud to announce that Heather Tinch, principal of Burks Elementary School, has been named the 2026-27 Tennessee Principal of the Year by the Tennessee Department of Education.

The prestigious honor was announced this evening in Nashville during the Tennessee Department of Education’s annual Excellence in Education celebration. The event recognizes outstanding educators and education leaders from across the state, including Tennessee’s Teacher of the Year, Principal of the Year, Supervisor of the Year, Novice Teacher of the Year honorees, Aspiring Educator Award recipient, and Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) state finalists.

Tinch was selected as the 2026-27 Tennessee Principal of the Year, representing outstanding school leadership from across Tennessee’s eight CORE regions and the Shelby County-Municipals area.

Tinch is the third PCSS administrator to earn state honors in the last four years. Jere Whitson, Principal, Tina Francis, was the Tennessee Principal of the Year for 2023-2024. PK-4 Curriculum Supervisor Dr. Diana Wood was named the Tennessee Supervisor of the Year for 2025-2026.

“We are so fortunate in Putnam County to have educators with the heart to lead, mentor, and set an example for our students,” said Corby King, Director of Schools for Putnam County Schools. Mrs. Tinch is a shining example of our leaders who share a heart for students, teachers, and the community. We are so proud of her, Burks Elementary, and our PCSS community.”

Tinch’s leadership at Burks Elementary is anchored in a relentless focus on teaching and learning, with decisions centered on what is best for students. Her leadership also extends beyond academics as she works to cultivate a school culture where students feel seen and valued, families feel genuinely connected, and faculty and staff feel supported and empowered.

“I am truly overwhelmed and incredibly grateful for this honor,” Tinch said. “I love what I do, and I love the students, faculty, staff, families, and community I get to serve every day. This recognition may bear my name, but it belongs to all of us at Burks Elementary. I couldn’t be prouder to represent our school, our community, Putnam County Schools, and now the state of Tennessee.”

Tennessee Commissioner of Education Lizzette Reynolds praised the educators and leaders recognized during the statewide celebration.

“Our students’ success is made possible by education leaders who consistently demonstrate dedication, vision, and commitment to excellence,” Reynolds said. “I am inspired by the outstanding leaders across Tennessee who work tirelessly to support students, empower educators, and strengthen their communities. Thank you for your leadership and service, and for always putting students first.”

For Putnam County Schools, Tinch’s recognition is not only a celebration of her leadership but also a reflection of the educators, students, families, and community members who make Burks Elementary a special place to learn and grow.

“Mrs. Tinch leads with both excellence and heart,” King said. “Her commitment to students and her ability to encourage and empower those around her embody the kind of leadership we value throughout Putnam County Schools. We are excited for the entire state of Tennessee to see what the Burks Elementary community already knows — Mrs. Tinch is an exceptional educational leader.”

Putnam County Schools congratulates Heather Tinch, the faculty and staff of Burks Elementary School, its students and families, and the entire Burks community on this outstanding statewide achievement.

Northeast Elementary physical education teacher Derek Zachary was named a finalist for the Tennessee Teacher of the Year.