If you've spent any time in a Weakley County elementary school, you've likely felt Terri Stephenson's influence before you ever knew her title. She's the one who shows up in the classroom, not to check a box, but as a coach bringing encouragement and a readiness to roll up her sleeves alongside her teachers. And in recognition of her leadership and impact, the Tennessee Department of Education has named her the 2026-2027 Northwest TN Supervisor of the Year, an honor Weakley County Schools is excited to share with the community.
This honor recognizes supervisors who lead and motivate both students and staff, hold high standards, and bring a genuine commitment to excellence by pairing innovative ideas with exceptional results in student learning.
Terri Stephenson serves as the county's Elementary Supervisor of Instruction, a role that touches nearly every part of a young student's school experience. In this role, she supervises all Weakley County PreK–5th grade teachers, overseeing curriculum, instruction, and professional development, ensuring that all students across Weakley County are receiving consistent, high-quality instruction, no matter which school they attend.
Her leadership also extends to directing the PreK program and writing and managing the funding grant that gives Weakley County's youngest learners access to a strong start in school. To further support families who do not have school-age children yet, she also started the Early Childhood Resource Center, which supports all families in Weakley County in childhood development from birth to five years old.
“I’m so proud to represent Weakley County Schools in this honor. Watching the teachers that I work alongside every day grow, and in turn watching that growth reach the children in our county, is the very best part of my job,” said Stephenson.
While the role of Elementary Supervisor of Instruction is required by the state of Tennessee, in Weakley County, it’s far more than a requirement on paper. For Stephenson, it’s a way to connect each teacher in the county, making sure instruction is strong in every classroom across every school in the district.
Stephenson is known across WCS for her positive, proactive approach — teachers describe her as a true coach, someone who goes the extra mile without being asked. That support matters more than it might seem: when teachers feel equipped and encouraged, kids feel it in the classroom every single day.
Assistant Director of Schools Betsi Foster emphasized that Stephenson has played a key role in setting the high standards for teachers and students that have helped earn Weakley County Schools its recognition as a top school district in the state of Tennessee.
“Mrs. Stephenson embodies exactly what we’re committed to in Weakley County Schools: showing up for our teachers so they can show up for our students,” shared Foster. “Mrs. Stephenson’s expertise and dedication make our schools a better place.”
The Tennessee Department of Education will announce the state winner for Supervisor of the Year in October. Beyond the recognition itself, the Supervisor of the Year serves as a spokesperson and advocate for the education profession, helping to expand knowledge of education policy and engaging in policy discussions at the local, state, and national level.
Weakley County Schools is proud to be home to the greatest educators in Tennessee and is honored to celebrate Terri Stephenson in this well-deserved recognition.
For more information on Weakley County Schools, please visit www.weakleyschools.com or follow us on Facebook.