February 27, 2024
By JAMES EVANS
Rutherford County Schools
Dr. Jimmy Sullivan has been through lots of graduations.
He graduated from Walter Hill Elementary School, Oakland High School, Tennessee State University, Middle Tennessee State University, and Lipscomb University, where he completed a doctoral program in Learning Organizations and Strategic Change.
He now has another prominent accomplishment by becoming the only current director of schools in Tennessee to complete the AASA National Superintendent Certification program — an intense 20-month leadership program.
Sullivan is one of only three Tennessee superintendents to have completed the program.
“I always believe you have to keep learning and improving no matter what season of your career you’re in,” Sullivan said. “The role of the director of schools has many responsibilities, but the No. 1 responsibility is to ensure students are learning, and I want to ensure I am modeling that same behavior for everyone in our school communities."
“We are very, very proud to have the only superintendent in the state of Tennessee to have fulfilled these obligations,” School Board Chair Shelia Bratton said.
The certification process is provided by the AASA, the School Superintendents Association. The program is tailored for superintendents who have been in the job seven years or fewer or those seeking to refresh their skill set. The forums, seminars and coaching provide opportunities to define and examine issues that surface in real-life situations. These issues include:
- Providing world-class instructional leadership;
- Building and managing a district budget;
- Mastering effective communication and political skills;
- Using 21st century technology effectively in instruction and management;
- Managing superintendent/school board relations; and
- Designing a career path for oneself.
The AASA National Superintendent Certification Program is a collaborative effort with AASA, its state affiliates, and business and corporate leaders. The master teachers and guest instructors have all been sitting superintendents and have demonstrable track records of success.
Dr. Sullivan became the Rutherford County Director of Schools in July 2022. During that time, the school district has received some of the highest performance rankings offered in Tennessee.