The Tennessee Department of Education and the Tennessee School for the Deaf (TSD) have officially opened applications for the position of Superintendent, marking the next phase of the national search following the planned retirement of Dr. Sandra Edwards at the conclusion of the 2025–2026 school year.
To support this process, the Tennessee Department of Education has partnered with Innivee Strategies, Inc. to conduct a community-centered executive search focused on identifying a leader who can guide TSD’s three campuses with clarity, consistency, and vision.
About the Opportunity
The next Superintendent of the Tennessee School for the Deaf will build upon the strong foundation established by Dr. Edwards and her team, leading a statewide school system that prioritizes:
- Bilingual education excellence
- Language access and development
- High-quality academic and extracurricular opportunities
- Trust-building and transparent leadership across campuses
This role requires a leader who understands Deaf education, values diverse Deaf experiences, and can unify multiple campuses around a shared mission for student success.
Leadership Prospectus Now Available
A comprehensive Superintendent Leadership Prospectus is now available for interested candidates. The prospectus provides:
- An overview of the Tennessee School for the Deaf and its three campuses
- A leadership profile shaped by community and system priorities
- Key responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations for the role
- Detailed application instructions and timelines
Candidates are strongly encouraged to review the full prospectus before applying.
Application Information
Applications are now being accepted and will receive full consideration if submitted by: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Interested candidates should review the official posting and submit application materials through the Tennessee Department of Education’s career portal:
Questions related to the search process may be directed to: [email protected]
About Tennessee School for the Deaf
The Tennessee School for the Deaf operates three campuses across the state, providing comprehensive educational services to Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. TSD is committed to language access, academic excellence, and preparing students to thrive as confident, capable members of their communities.
About Innivee Strategies, Inc.
Innivee Strategies is a Deaf-led management consulting firm specializing in executive search, organizational development, strategic planning, and leadership development for organizations serving Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities nationwide.
