Lauderdale County Schools is proud to announce that Tabatha DePriest, a teacher at Halls Elementary School, and Melinda Hutcherson, Assistant Superintendent, have been named regional finalists for the 2026–2027 Tennessee Teacher of the Year and Tennessee Supervisor of the Year awards, respectively.
Selected by the Tennessee Department of Education, the finalists represent outstanding educators and leaders from each of Tennessee's eight Centers of Regional Excellence (CORE) regions, along with the Shelby County Municipal region. DePriest was named the Southwest CORE Teacher of the Year finalist, while Hutcherson was selected as the Southwest CORE Supervisor of the Year finalist.
"This is an incredible honor for Lauderdale County Schools," said Mrs. Selina Sparkman, Director of Schools. "Mrs. DePriest and Mrs. Hutcherson represent the very best of our district. Their dedication to students, staff, and our community is evident every day, and we are thrilled to see their work recognized at the state level."
The Teacher, Principal, and Supervisor of the Year programs recognize outstanding educators who demonstrate excellence in leadership, innovation, and service to students. Statewide winners and Grand Division winners will be announced this fall during the Tennessee Department of Education's annual Excellence in Education Banquet.
Lauderdale County Schools congratulates Mrs. DePriest and Mrs. Hutcherson on this well-deserved recognition and wishes them the very best as they continue through the statewide selection process.
A copy of the original Press Release is provided below: