Ashoka
Thomas Magnet School
The vision at Thomas Magnet School is to develop citizens that create an enduring and positive impact on any endeavors they pursue. Thomas Magnet School is located in a rural Tennessee town known for agriculture and pencil manufacturing. Their school learning environment is based on Paideia Socratic Seminars, which help students learn to express their thoughts and opinions by communicating openly during regularly held seminars
Janice Womble
Janice believes that for leaders who are constantly growing professionally, there are many “transformative moments” in which they experience a leap in growth. One of her moments would be when Janice was selected as Tennessee Principal of the Year. It was both an honor and a very humbling moment in her professional career. It propelled her to get up every morning, expecting to achieve things and to set goals that I never thought possible. No one accomplishes a moment such as that without strong school support and teachers who are willing to challenge themselves as much as they challenge their students. Challenging students to set high goals and providing the support necessary to achieve those goals is the type of teachers Janice was fortunate enough to lead. It was just as important to create a climate within the school that welcomed everyone and provided a safe and caring environment so that our children could excel