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Heather Tinch Named 2026-27 Tennessee Principal of the Year
PUTNAM COUNTY — Putnam County Schools is celebrating a major statewide honor for one of its school leaders.
Heather Tinch, principal of Burks Elementary School, has been named the 2026-27 Tennessee Principal of the Year. The prestigious honor was announced in Nashville during the Tennessee Department of Education’s annual Excellence in Education celebration.
Tinch has been recognized for her leadership, commitment to teaching and learning, and dedication to creating a school environment where students feel valued, families feel connected, and teachers and staff are supported and empowered.
“This recognition may bear my name, but it belongs to all of us at Burks Elementary,” Tinch said. “I couldn’t be prouder to represent our school, our community, Putnam County Schools, and now the state of Tennessee.”
The statewide recognition adds to an impressive record of achievement for Putnam County Schools administrators. Tinch is the third Putnam County Schools administrator in four years to receive a top statewide honor.
Those honors include:
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2026-27 Tennessee Principal of the Year: Heather Tinch, Burks Elementary School
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2025-26 Tennessee Supervisor of the Year: Dr. Diana Wood, PK-4 Curriculum Supervisor
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2023-24 Tennessee Principal of the Year: Tina Francis, Jere Whitson Elementary School
Putnam County Schools is also celebrating Derek Zachary, a physical education teacher at Northeast Elementary School, who was named a finalist for Tennessee Teacher of the Year.
District officials said the statewide recognitions reflect the dedication of educators, students, families and staff members throughout Putnam County Schools.
For the Burks Elementary community, Tinch’s selection represents both an individual achievement and a reflection of the work taking place throughout the school.
With her selection as Tennessee Principal of the Year, Tinch will now represent Burks Elementary, Putnam County Schools and the local community on the statewide stage.
