The Tennessee School Counselor Association has named Dr. Trudy J. Hill-Jones of Memphis-Shelby County Schools’ Winchester Elementary as the 2025 Tennessee School Counselor of the Year, recognizing her unwavering commitment to student achievement and her dynamic leadership in the field of school counseling. 

With nearly two decades of dedicated service, Dr. Hill-Jones has had a lasting impact on education in Tennessee. Since 2008, she has served in MSCS, empowering students and families with purpose and passion.  

Dr. Hill-Jones’ path to school counseling is as inspiring as the work she does now. Early in life, she struggled within the school system, dropping out of high school three times before finally graduating. “I never had one adult in a school setting ask me what was going on with me or what I needed - until that third time,” she shared. “One teacher asked, ‘What’s wrong? What do you need?’ and in that moment, it felt like a sack of potatoes had been lifted off my shoulders. Someone cared enough to ask.” That moment stayed with her and planted the seed for a career spent asking others those same questions. “I always knew I was meant to help people. I wanted to be the person who speaks up for those who don’t always feel seen or heard.” 

She lives by the personal mantra: EDUCATE. ADVOCATE. EMPOWER. INSPIRE. It’s not just a motto; it’s her mission. “If people don’t know, they can’t make the right decisions,” she explains. “I educate students and parents alike. Sometimes what looks like not caring is really just not knowing.” Her advocacy stretches beyond students to include families and colleagues. She insists on giving students a voice and teaching them to use it. “We often tell students to listen to us, but we have to listen to them too,” she says. “That’s how we empower them.” 

Dr. Hill-Jones is also known for her transparency with students. “For a long time, I was afraid to share my story,” she said. “But I realized that if I wanted to truly reach them, I had to live my truth.” That openness has become a cornerstone of her counseling practice and a source of connection with students navigating their own challenges. “Even on the hardest days, I remind myself: I am a Hope Dealer, a Dream Builder, and a Difference Maker.” 

At Winchester Elementary, where she currently serves, Dr. Hill-Jones is widely admired for her warmth, leadership, and impact. “Dr. Hill-Jones is an absolute pleasure to work with! She is a true educator and advocate for students and families. I am thankful that she chose Winchester and we are grateful for her,” said Dr. James Patton, principal at Winchester. “This recognition is so well deserved and she is an outstanding representative of the school counseling community. We are proud of her, and we love her!” 

The recognition as Tennessee School Counselor of the Year is a powerful affirmation of her efforts. “I was starstruck,” she said, recalling the moment she received the email. “I thought, is this for real?” As the news spread publicly, the full weight of the honor settled in. “It feels full-circle. I’ve worked really hard, and this recognition means so much.” 

For those just starting out in the field of school counseling, Dr. Hill-Jones offers this advice: “Be your authentic self. Stay positive, always. Advocate for your students with courage and compassion, and never underestimate the power of small wins. The work you’re doing matters more than you know.” 

On behalf of the Tennessee School Counselor Association, Board Chair Dr. Amy E. Baltimore shared in the celebration: “Thank you for joining us in celebrating this extraordinary educator and showing appreciation for the lasting impact she continues to make across our schools and communities.” 

Dr. Hill-Jones sums it up simply: “I don’t just work with students – I invest in futures. I show up every day to plant seeds of hope.” 

For more information, visit www.tennesseeschoolcounselor.org or follow @tennesseeschoolcounselor on social media.  

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