Principal's Bio

Dr. Chontel Bridgeman – Principal, North Parkway Middle School

Dr. Chontel Bridgeman brings over 33 years of experience in education to her role as principal. A proud Jacksonian and product of the Jackson-Madison County School System, she graduated with honors from Jackson Central-Merry High School. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science, Master of Education, and Education Specialist degree from Middle Tennessee State University. She later completed her Doctor of Education degree at Vanderbilt University.

Throughout her career, Dr. Bridgeman has served at multiple levels of education—from teaching in elementary and intermediate classrooms to instructing at the collegiate level. She has also held administrative roles at both the elementary and middle school levels.

Dr. Bridgeman has been recognized for her excellence in education with numerous awards and honors, including Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers and Teacher of the Year. She was a nominee for the prestigious Disney American Teacher Award and received the Black Alumni Achievement Award from Middle Tennessee State University. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, she successfully secured multiple grants aimed at introducing girls in underserved communities to STEM opportunities.

Deeply committed to community service, Dr. Bridgeman began volunteering as a teenager through the American Red Cross Volunteen Program, working with children in local daycare centers and churches. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (since 1991) and has actively contributed to organizations such as the Junior League of Murfreesboro, Youth Action League, and Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Her lifelong mission has centered around enhancing the education, safety, and overall well-being of youth.

Outside of her professional life, Dr. Bridgeman values quality time with her family. She enjoys traveling, reading, and watching movies.  Her husband and daughters are also proud products of the Jackson-Madison County School System.

As principal of North Parkway Middle School, Dr. Bridgeman is committed to empowering teachers with the tools and support they need to make a meaningful impact in the classroom. Her vision is to ensure every student achieves academic success, receives social and emotional support, and participates in enriching extracurricular opportunities. She is also dedicated to strengthening the school’s culture of inclusivity, care, and high expectations—because at NPMS, Panthers are One Pride. Protect the Den.