Meet Jennifer Scott, New Principal At Barnett Shoals Elementary

Jennifer Scott, the new principal of , is probably more excited than most of her students about school starting on Aug.8.

Scott, who previously served as assistant principal and summer school principal of , replaced principal Sue Holt at Barnett Shoals.

She seems very qualified, with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Georgia and an education specialist degree in curriculum and instruction from .

With the start of school less than a month away, Scott says her main goal is to build on some the things that are already happening at Barnett Shoals.

“Barnett Shoals is a great school,” she said. “There are a lot of great things happening here. There are great programs and a very diverse student population with a great deal of parental support, and the PTO provides a lot of avenues to get parents involved.”

After watching and working with her mother, a preschool teacher, Scott says she knew from an early age she wanted to be an educator. She has always drifted towards jobs that involved working with children.

“I think I’ve always known I wanted to be an educator, even from elementary age,” she said. “I’ve always had a desire to work with children. It’s something I feel has always been a passion of mine.”

When she started working at Timothy Road as a classroom teacher 14 years ago, her colleagues knew she was meant to be a leader.

"She was an exceptional classroom teacher and showed great leadership skills as a team leader and member for the school’s leadership team," said Angela Hardeman, principal of Timothy Road.

"She believes in working collaboratively with parents, and she will provide a nurturing and challenging learning environment for the students.  She works closely with the teaching staff and will support them in helping all students to achieve at the very highest level."

Jennifer, 38, and husband Larry have two sons, Tre, 11, and Jenson, 8. The younger Jenson will attend Barnett Shoals and Tre will go to Clarke Middle School.

She hopes to experience the same community atmosphere at Barnett Shoals that she saw at Timothy Road.

“I came from a school that had a very strong community and family-oriented atmosphere. It was a wonderful place to work and a wonderful place for my children to attend school. I’m excited to come here to a place that has similar characteristics and will provide that same atmosphere that I’m used to.”

She was recommended for the job by Superintendent Philip Lanoue, according to an article in the Athens Banner-Herald.

In that article, Lanoue spoke highly of Scott saying, "Ms. Scott has exceptional experiences and leadership qualities that are a perfect match for Barnett Shoals Elementary School.”