Burks Elementary School will have a statewide voice on rural education following principal Heather Tinch’s selection as the Tennessee Principal of the Year.
Tinch said the recognition highlights the culture of excellence maintained by faculty and staff in Monterey despite the challenges faced by a rural student population. Tinch said the achievement reflects the broader commitment to instruction and student support services found throughout the Putnam County school district.
“To be able to take to the state level our small town of Monterey,” Tinch said, “You know our students here, and be able to have a voice for them at the state level is a privilege for sure.”
Tinch said she intends to focus her statewide platform on the issue of chronic absenteeism. Tinch said Burks Elementary has already implemented internal systems that have resulted in student absenteeism rates significantly lower than the state average.
“I would love to be able to work with administrators from across the state to be able to get their kids in school because being in school it has to happen before learning can take place,” Tinch said. “So I’m really excited about the possibility to be able to expand that statewide.”
Tinch said the school operates on the belief that all students can learn regardless of their background or the barriers they face. Tinch said the success of the students in rising to these challenges is the primary driver behind the state honor.
“To be named the state Principal of the Year, it is my honor and privilege to get to do what I do every single day,” Tinch said. “And be able to have a voice for them at the state level is a privilege for sure.”
Tinch said she watched the current Burks building being constructed block by block while she was commuting to her first teaching job in Fentress County. Tinch said she never expected at 22 years old that she would eventually lead the school she saw being built.
“I’m so proud of my school, I’m so proud of this community, the work that we’ve all done, and yes, it absolutely will go down as one of the most memorable and special things that has ever happened in my career,” Tinch said. “But absolutely being recognized for that at the state level was really beyond any of my wildest dreams.”
Tinch said she hopes that when she passes the title to the next recipient, the faculty and students at Burks will have made a lasting impact on communities across Tennessee.