Dr. Amy Connifey-Marlin, assistant principal, was selected as the TASSP Assistant Principal of the Year. This allows her to compete in July against other state assistant principals to win the NASSP Assistant Principal of the Year title.

This level of recognition is a significant honor. For years, Connifey-Marlin has dedicated her life to advancing children’s education. She started her journey at the University of Alabama, where she was undecided until she chose education as her major junior year. She began teaching as an elementary physical education teacher in Houston, Texas, before coming to Tennessee.

In Tennessee, she served as a teacher and assistant principal in elementary, middle, and high schools in Rutherford County. In 2004, she worked as an assistant principal for half the day at Blackman Elementary and then moved to Blackman Middle. This allowed her to form a close bond with several students in the community.

“All the kids want to know that you care about them and that you have an interest in them,” said Connifey-Marlin.

At Blackman High School, she is the Senior Class Vice Principal. She deals with discipline issues, the ACT, issuing textbooks, and the keys for the building. She also supervises the fine arts, CTE, and business programs here.

She was nominated by the school board members and later completed the paperwork to be selected as the Tennessee State Assistant Principal.The national competition looks at paperwork that includes school demographics, academic involvement in the school and ACT scores to choose the winner of the National title.

“She is a long time community member and has known not only students but also many members of the staff for a long time. She has her ear to the ground and absolutely has her finger on the pulse of the school. For me, as someone new to the community and the school three years ago, her knowledge and experience continue to be invaluable!,” said Dr. Leisa Justus, Blackman High School principal.

Congratulations to Dr. Connifey-Marlin, and good luck to her at the national competition!