Collierville, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Education announced Friday that Deanna Jones, principal of Bailey Station Elementary School, has been named the 2025–26 Tennessee Principal of the Year during the department’s Excellence in Education celebration. This marks the first time a Tennessee school district has produced both Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year honorees in the same academic year. Dr. Brandi De La Cruz of Collierville High School was named Tennessee Teacher of the Year in August.

“Being named Tennessee Principal of the Year is an honor I share with the incredible teachers and staff who pour their hearts into BSE every day,” said Jones. “Our students challenge and inspire me, reminding me why this work matters. And to our BSE families—there truly are none like you. This recognition belongs to all of us, together. I’m so happy and grateful!”

Jones believes academic excellence and joyful learning are powerful partners in the classroom. She works to support engaging instruction, deep curiosity, and moments of celebration that make learning come alive. Additionally, Jones implemented and organized a district-wide interscholastic public learning community, which enabled collaboration across schools and content areas to promote leadership, culture, and academics. 

“Deanna Jones exemplifies the kind of principal who lifts every classroom—pairing strong academics with joyful learning and building collaboration that benefits students and teachers alike,” said Director of Schools Dr. Russell Dyer. “We are proud that the state recognized her work with the Tennessee Principal of the Year award; it is a well‑earned honor that reflects the excellence at Bailey Station Elementary and across Collierville Schools.”

Jones has served as principal of Bailey Station Elementary since 2020, after helping open the school in 2005 as an assistant principal. Her career in education began in 1991 as a third- and fifth-grade teacher at Farmington Elementary in Germantown, where she taught for 13 years. Jones came to Collierville in 2004 as an assistant principal at Sycamore Elementary before moving to Bailey Station the following year.

Jones becomes the second principal from Collierville to win the award. Tyler Salyer, former principal at West Collierville Middle School and Collierville Elementary School, earned the recognition in 2021.

More information about the 2025-26 Tennessee Principal of the Year finalists can be found on the department’s website. Visit the Educator Recognition webpage for more information on the Tennessee Principal of the Year award, the Tennessee Supervisor of the Year award, and the RISE award.