Knoxville Principal Tanna Nicely Receives $10,000 Gift for Educational Leadership Excellence

 

Knoxville Principal Recognized for Educational Excellence

Knoxville, TN – Principal Tanna Nicely of South Knoxville Elementary School has been honored for her exceptional leadership and commitment to student learning, a recognition that highlights her dedication over a decade of service. On December 5, 2024, David Coffey, a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives, presented Tanna with a personal gift of $10,000 to acknowledge her contributions to education.

Who is Tanna Nicely?

Tanna Nicely has served as the principal of South Knoxville Elementary since 2014, following her prior role as assistant principal at Sarah Moore Greene Elementary. Under her leadership, the school has excelled, achieving an impressive 80% proficiency rate among third graders in reading. This achievement places South Knoxville Elementary at the top of schools in Knox County, especially significant considering the socioeconomic challenges faced by many of its students.

What Led to the Recognition?

The recognition was prompted by Coffey’s visit to the school, which he described as critical for understanding the successes of education in Tennessee. During his visit, Coffey highlighted the importance of education as a primary concern for state governance and expressed hope that learning from effective models could contribute to broader improvements. “I wanted to visit SKES because I thought education was the most important issue,” Coffey explained. He noted that Tanna’s approach and results serve as a model for other schools across the state.

When Did the Recognition Occur?

The formal recognition took place on December 5, 2024, after a discussion between Coffey and Nicely regarding her strategies for successful student outcomes. Coffey shared that he and his wife, Pat, decided to personally fund the $10,000 gift as a way to support her leadership.

Why is This Recognition Significant?

This acknowledgment is not merely a financial reward but a signal of what effective leadership can foster in educational settings. Tanna Nicely attributes the success of her school to teamwork rather than personal accolades. “It’s a team effort. I’m not in the classroom. We expect them to learn,” she stated. This humble approach reflects her belief in the foundational role of community support, business partnerships, and educational staff in shaping student achievement.

The Future of Educational Recognition

Following this successful initiative, David Coffey plans to expand this personal recognition program to include a total of $40,000 in educational rewards for the upcoming year. This will be divided between the highest-achieving principals and those whose schools have shown marked improvement. “If this works, it could be picked up across the country,” Coffey remarked. He emphasized the essential role of K-3 reading proficiency in paving the way for future academic success.

The Impact of Community Support

Tanna Nicely describes South Knoxville Elementary as a “hidden gem” where a strong community belief fuels the school’s efforts. The relationships built over her decade-long tenure have fostered an environment where students, teachers, and parents collaborate to achieve educational excellence. “All of us have a story, and we want to tell yours,” stated Tanna, reflecting her commitment to creating a supportive and enriching atmosphere within the school.

As South Knoxville Elementary continues to thrive under her leadership, the community looks forward to more innovative approaches that can provide similar results in other schools across the region. In a system where every achievement counts, Tanna Nicely’s story serves as a reminder of the powerful impact that dedicated educators can have on their students and communities.