Principal Named at Eakin Elementary School in Bedford County
Jul 11, 20243 min read
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tammy Garrett is pleased to announce the promotion of Meredith Gilliland for the principal role at Eakin Elementary School. Gilliland replaces Kathy Reed, who has transferred to the central office to coordinate English as a Second Language instruction for the district. Gilliland has been serving as assistant principal at Eakin for one year and before that as principal of the Bedford County Virtual School for two years.
“We’re pleased to have Mrs. Gilliland on board at Eakin Elementary after gaining experience in our district as both an assistant principal and a principal, who was in charge of the challenging startup of our virtual school,” commented Garrett. “With the challenges that she has taken on at BCS, paired with her growth mindset, Mrs. Gilliland will undoubtedly thrive as principal as she leads Eakin’s teachers in meeting the learning goals of our amazing Eakin Einstein students! Her enthusiasm and positive attitude are contagious and inspiring.”
Gilliland is entering her 20th year in education. She began her career with Murfreesboro City Schools where she taught 5th and 6th grade as well as a grades K-6 Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) lab. After earning her undergraduate degree in elementary education from MTSU, Gilliland obtained her Master’s in Education in Instructional Technology from Walden University and her Specialist in Education in Administration and Supervision from MTSU.
Gilliland shares that one of her core values is a commitment to building relationships with students, parents and colleagues.
“I am passionate about meeting the needs of the whole child and providing equitable, engaging learning experiences for all children,” commented Gilliland. “I believe it is our responsibility as educators to show students how to embrace a long-term view of success and to model a lifetime of learning.”
Further, Gilliland says her vision for Eakin is to create an atmosphere of caring, safety and support and to ensure that students understand it is okay to take risks, make mistakes, learn new skills and achieve their goals.
“I want the staff at Eakin to feel the same way. And I want our families to know their children are learning more than just how to read, write and solve math equations; they are also learning how to be a good friend, a member of a community and a responsible young person.”
Gilliland shared that she has felt welcomed, supported and encouraged since she joined the Eakin Elementary team and that BCS has been an incredible place to work.
“Our school system has given me opportunities to grow in ways I could have never imagined,” remarked Gilliland. “BCS values teamwork, growth and community involvement. These values support the love and care that BCS has for our students – past, present and future.”
With over 200 Eakin students moving to Cartwright Elementary this school year as the system works to achieve the goal of getting students out of portables, Eakin Elementary will feel like a different school, no doubt. Yet Gilliland says she and her fellow educators are looking forward to creating new memories and traditions with their smaller school.
Gilliland has been busy interviewing for the assistant principal position, which she just vacated, and has announced Angela Tyre for the spot. Tyre has been serving as an instructional coach for the school and has been in education for over 25 years.
“We had some outstanding applicants,” said Gilliland. “They’ve made this important decision very tough! Mrs. Tyre is organized, data driven, helpful, hard-working and a strong instructional leader; our team feels she is just what Eakin needs at this time.”
Gilliland, along with her husband and fellow-educator SCHS Assistant Principal Kayne Gilliland, are parents to three girls - Adeline, 15-years-old, Elizabeth, 11, and Evelyn, 6. She enjoys spending time with family, traveling, supporting her daughters’ many hobbies and reading.
“BCS has allowed my family to work and learn in a close-knit, supportive community. I am a proud BCS parent and proud to work for and grow professionally with this school district.”