Tennessee Principal of the Year is three-time Tennessee Tech graduate
Tennessee Tech University is celebrating one of its own after alumna Heather Tinch, a three-time graduate of the university and principal of Burks Elementary School in Monterey, was named the 2026-27 Tennessee Principal of the Year by the Tennessee Department of Education.
The honor was announced during the Tennessee Department of Education’s annual Excellence in Education celebration in Nashville, which recognizes outstanding educators and school leaders from across the state.
Tinch earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Tech in 1999, followed by a master’s degree in instructional leadership in 2007 and an educational specialist degree in instructional leadership in 2008.
Her connection to Tech extends beyond her own educational journey. Tinch's daughter, Lexi, is also a two-time Tech graduate, giving Tinch the unique perspective of experiencing the university both as a student and as a parent.
“My years at Tennessee Tech gave me much more than my degrees,” said Tinch. “I received a quality education right here in the Upper Cumberland that prepared me well for a career in education, but I also built relationships that have continued throughout my life and career.”
Tinch added that one of the most valuable lessons she gained as a student was witnessing the lasting impact educators can have on their students.
“The relationships I experienced there helped shape not only the educator I became, but also the kind of school leader I strive to be today,” she said.
After graduating as salutatorian of her high school class in nearby Jamestown, Tinch said a full scholarship to Tech helped seal her decision to enroll.
“That opportunity, combined with the familiarity I already had with the university, made Tech a natural choice for me,” she explained.
Tinch has served as principal of Burks Elementary since 2021 after serving as vice principal at Prescott South Middle School from 2013 to 2021. Under her leadership, Burks Elementary has earned recognition as a Tennessee Reward School for three consecutive years.
“This award is incredibly meaningful to me because I see it as a reflection of the work happening every day at Burks Elementary,” said Tinch. “While my name may be attached to the recognition, no principal accomplishes anything alone. I am fortunate to work alongside an incredible group of educators who love our students, support one another, and continually strive to help every child succeed.”
Lisa Zagumny, dean of Tech’s College of Education & Human Sciences, said Tinch’s achievement reflects both her commitment to students and the impact of Tech graduates across the education profession.
“We are very proud of Heather and this well-deserved recognition,” said Zagumny. “She exemplifies the leadership, dedication and heart that define so many Tennessee Tech alumni serving in schools across Tennessee and beyond. Her commitment to students, educators and her community is inspiring, and we are honored to celebrate this achievement with her.”
Tinch’s recognition continues a strong Tech presence among the state’s top education honorees. Putnam County Schools educator Derek Zachary, a Tech alumnus and physical education teacher at Northeast Elementary School, was recently named a finalist for Tennessee Teacher of the Year.
For Tinch, the award is ultimately about the people she serves each day.
“I am truly overwhelmed and incredibly grateful for this honor,” she said. “I couldn’t be prouder to represent our school, our community, Putnam County Schools and now the state of Tennessee.”