Longtime Lindbergh Schools employee and former Missouri Teacher of the Year Tara Sparks has been named principal of Truman Middle School, effective July 1.

As director of assessment and student services in Lindbergh’s Curriculum and Instruction Department, Sparks coordinates the development of middle-school curriculum; oversees student assessments districtwide, including the Missouri Assessment Program test; and works closely with Special School District. She also directs district guidance and nursing staff, and developed Lindbergh’s 504 procedures to ensure compliance for assisting students with special needs.

Before her role as an administrator, Sparks taught eighth-grade English at Sperreng Middle School for eight years. She also led Sperreng’s Professional Development Committee and wrote the application for the school’s National Blue Ribbon award, which it received in 2001.

Sparks also teaches education specialist and education master’s courses at Missouri Baptist University. She earned her doctorate and specialist degrees in education from St. Louis University, her master’s degree from Lindenwood University and her bachelor of science in education from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

In 2004, Sparks was named Missouri Teacher of the Year, the highest state honor a teacher can achieve. She was also named Lindbergh Teacher of the Year in 2003, received the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award and was a nominee for Disney Teacher of the Year in 2002.

Sparks will replace Jennifer Tiller, who recently accepted a position as director of secondary education with the Pattonville School District.