Principal's Corner
Principal
931-684-7852
I am excited to be the principal of Eakin Elementary! This year will be my 20th year as an educator. I started my career in Murfreesboro as a 6th, 5th, and STEAM teacher. I joined Bedford County Schools in 2021 as the Bedford County Virtual School principal and moved to Eakin as the Assistant Principal in 2023. I have a Master's Degree in Instructional Technology from Walden University and an EDS in School Administration from MTSU.
I grew up in Fort Worth, Texas and Memphis, Tennessee, but I have lived in Middle Tennessee for the last 25 years. I have been married to Kayne Gilliland for 18 years. He served as the Shelbyville Central High School Band Director for many years, and recently made the switch to assistant principal at SCHS. We have three precious daughters: Adeline (15), Elizabeth (11), and Evelyn (6). I love to travel, spend time with my family, support my daughters' many hobbies, and read. We love everything Disney and spend many of our breaks at Disney World.
Sharing my commitment to education and building relationships with students, parents, and colleagues, is one of my core values. I am passionate about meeting the needs of the whole child and providing equitable, engaging learning experiences for all children. I believe that it is our responsibility as educators to show students how to embrace a long term view of their success and to model a lifetime of learning.
I will do my best to support you and your students daily. I want your children to love school and know they they are safe while they are in our care. Please feel free to reach out to me anytime with praises or concerns. I know that by working together we can help your child have a successful year!
Meredith Gilliland
