Chara Hess Rand Recognized As Field Award Recipient
Chara Hess Rand, Principal at Isaac Litton STEM Magnet Middle School in the Metro Nashville Public Schools, has been named as the recipient of the William J. and Lucille H. Field Award for Excellence in School Principalship for the State of Tennessee in the Secondary Division.
The Field Award was established to recognize school leaders who demonstrate leadership excellence through commitment to the values of civility, candor, courage, social justice, responsibility, compassion, community, persistence, service, and excellence. Administered by the Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies within the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences the Field Award identifies a Tennessee secondary school principal whose life and work are characterized by leadership excellence and encourages secondary school principals to pause and reflect upon their current leadership practice and to consider their experience, challenges, and opportunities in light of the personal values that they embody.
After serving as an Assistant Principal in the Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) for four years, Rand was appointed the executive principal oof Isaac Litton STEM Magnet Middle School in 2015. Since that time, she has effectively served a diverse community of learners in East Nashville, “where curiosity, creativity, and academic growth come together.”
According to Adrienne Battle, superintendent of MNPS, “Chara Rand models excellence, community, and persistence through transformative leadership that elevates student achievement, strengthens teacher capacity, and cultivates a culture where every learner is known and valued.”
Rand’s stewardship at Isaac Litton STEM Magnet Middle School has resulted in Level 5 and Reward School statuses as well as Tennessee’s first Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Lighthouse Award. Rand holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Fisk University, a master’s degree in Elementary Education from Tennessee State University, and an Education Specialist’s degree from Union University.
On behalf of the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, congratulations, Chara Hess Rand!