Joey Hassell
Director, Career-Technical Education
Milan Special School District
Joey Hassell currently serves as the director of career-technical education for the Milan Special School District. He also serves as an independent contractor for Instruction Partners, a national non-profit based in Nashville, where he supports curriculum implementation and instructional leadership. He also serves as an advisor for a charter school in Memphis-Shelby County Schools, Tennessee Career Academy, that is set to open in July 2024. Prior to his current role, Hassell served as the superintendent in Haywood County Schools, TN for 5 ½ years. Hassell facilitated a vision for all adults to work together to foster students’ knowledge and desire for opportunities after graduation.
From January 2, 2013 – June 30, 2016, Joey was an Assistant Commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Education. Within the department, Hassell led the division of Special Populations and Student Support. Additionally, Hassell has been a special education teacher, middle school assistant principal, high school principal, and superintendent, and he has served students in these roles Lake and Lauderdale Counties in Tennessee.
In 2019 and 2012, Joey was named Superintendent of the Year for the Southwest Region of Tennessee, and in 2016, Disability Rights Tennessee recognized him with their annual Freedom Award. He is a 2010 graduate of WestStar Leadership and a 2020 graduate of the Delta Leadership Institute.