Hamilton County Schools leadership appointments have been announced

Hamilton County Schools announced new leadership appointments Friday to support continued academic progress in the district. Robin Bambrey has been named the new director of elementary teaching and learning, and Talley Caldwell will become the new principal of Hardy Elementary School.

“I am excited to welcome Robin Bambrey and Talley Caldwell to their new roles,” said Superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson. “Early learning lays the foundation for a student’s educational journey. decision-making will continue to drive our elementary learning strategies to support student success. Mr. Caldwell’s focus on creating an enabling learning environment for students and staff, while maintaining high expectations for all learning, will build on the existing success of the Hardy element.”

Hamilton County Schools looks forward to supporting Ms. Bambrey’s transition into her new role as she works to support Mr. Caldwell’s transition to leadership of the Hardy element.

Ms. Bambrey holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from York College in Pennsylvania. She will bring over two decades of experience to her new role.

Ms. Bambrey’s career has been defined by her strategic use of data to enhance student achievement and her commitment to high-quality instructional materials. During her tenure as principal at Hardy Elementary, she worked closely with instructional teams to analyze test data, resulting in significant growth such as an increase in TVAAS scores and improved proficiency on state assessments . Her focus on data-driven instruction has created a culture of continuous improvement, with targeted training cycles that support teachers in implementing effective, standards-aligned resources.

In addition, Ms. Bambrey’s previous roles as assistant principal and literacy coach highlight her deep expertise in literacy and curriculum development. At Barger Academy, she led efforts that increased reading proficiency and fully implemented differentiated reading instruction, fostering a school environment where every student had access to personalized, impactful learning experiences.

“The position of Director of Elementary Teaching and Learning is a cornerstone in the academic development of Hamilton County students,” said HCS Chief Academic Officer Blake Freeman. “Ms. Bambrey, with her outstanding leadership skills and principal experience, is well suited to lead us forward. Her appointment follows a comprehensive search that attracted candidates from local and national backgrounds, reaffirming our confidence in her selection.”

Mr. Caldwell has been named the new principal of Hardy Elementary School. With over a decade of leadership experience, including his recent role as Assistant Principal at Brainerd High, Mr. Caldwell has a strong track record of fostering student growth and building effective support systems for teachers. He is a graduate of the HCS Principal LEAD preparation program and holds a Bachelor of Science in Health, Physical Education and Recreation from Tennessee Wesleyan College. He earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Carson Newman University along with his master’s degree.

Throughout his career, Mr. Caldwell has demonstrated a commitment to student progress through data-driven instruction and collaborative teacher development. At Brainerd High, he led the Success Academy for ninth graders, using assessment data from TNReady, ACT and other benchmarks to guide purposeful grouping and targeted learning strategies. His experience with Response to Instruction and Intervention-Behavior (RTI2B) has helped address the well-being needs of students by creating a supportive environment for student achievement.

Mr. Caldwell’s approach focuses on creating a nurturing and inclusive atmosphere that equips teachers to be successful in their classrooms and empowers students to reach their potential.
“I look forward to joining the Hardy Elementary community,” he said. “I believe the strength of our community lies in the bonds we create within our families. Together, we can cultivate a supportive environment where every individual thrives, ensuring a brighter future for all.”

As he enters his new role at Hardy Elementary, he brings a solid foundation in educational leadership and a clear vision to build on the school’s successes, support the growth of every teacher, and improve learning outcomes for every student.

“Talley Caldwell is a dedicated leader with a deep understanding of what it takes to support students and teachers,” said Assistant Superintendent Dr. Sonia Stewart. “His history of fostering academic growth and building strong and supportive relationships within the school community make him the ideal choice to lead Hardy Elementary. Building on the school’s success under Ms. Bambrey’s leadership, I am confident in her ability to inspire excellence and foster an environment where every student can thrive.”