Welcome to Thomas Jefferson Elementary website. I appreciate your interest in our school. I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself as principal and provide a little insight to the path that led me to Jefferson.  As a child growing up in Southwest Virginia I always dreamed of being a teacher.  I am entering my 30th year of living that dream of educating others and helping to make connections for students in the classroom, teachers in a building, and district-wide learning for all groups.  

I completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies with Elementary Education (PreK-8) from Carson Newman College. I obtained my Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction (K-12) from Tusculum College. My research focus for my Master’s program was the effects of fostering positive peer relationships in the elementary school classroom. I received my Education Specialist Degree in Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University with a research focus on the relationship between teacher job satisfaction and positive relationships among colleagues. My Doctorate of Education in Teaching and Learning was conferred from Liberty University with a dissertation focus on the relationship of administrators’ gender on teachers’ job satisfaction and organizational commitment.

My teaching career began on the elementary level (PK-7) in Lee County, VA teaching a combined second and third grade class.  After one year, I taught second grade where I remained for eight years.  I also completed an interim as principal/teacher for one semester. After moving to Kingsport, I secured a job in Scott County, VA where I taught first grade one year and fourth grade math the remaining three years I was there.  The next three years I served as the Associate Principal at Robinson Middle School and the Kingsport City Schools Section 504 Coordinator for two of those three years. I was then blessed with four wonderful years as Principal at John Adams Elementary and then served three years at the Administrative Support Center as Director of Professional Learning.  

I am so proud to be entering my seventh year at Jefferson Elementary School, which marks the longest placement in KCS so far.  As a mom to twin boys who attend this school, I am excited to have the opportunity to be a part of creating the environment and education we all want for our children.  As an educator, I am excited to continue creating a learning environment where students feel connected, capable, and confident.  As a leader, I am excited to share leadership experiences and the learning that resulted, to build capacity in all areas to reach and exceed potential, inspiring goals larger than ourselves.

Jefferson has a culture of excellence and recognizes the value of community and family.   Jefferson has and will continue to maintain a focus on service and leadership creating opportunities to realize their ability to contribute and add value to the lives of others, both locally and globally.  

Highlights from 2024-25

• Named 2024 Reward School by the Tennessee Department of Education.
• Named a 2024 TVAAS Level 5 School by the Tennessee Department of Education.  
• Raised $13, 539.60 for the Kids Heart Challenge.    
• Received five KCS Education Foundation grants spanning Academy, Related Arts, and three different grade levels.  
• An additional Pre-K program was added.
• Participated in a 2025 Book Blast by Books Are Fun and raised enough money that every student in the school was able to earn books to keep at home.
• Implemented a Jefferson News Team after piloting in Spring of 2024.  We trained new members and expanded the team in Fall of 2024 and was fully operational throughout the year.
• Replaced two structures on our playground over the summer of 2025 in partnership with the Kingsport City Schools and Jefferson PTO.
• Hosted internationally renowned puppeteer, Hobey Ford, in partnership with Jefferson Elementary and Jefferson PTO.  
• Participated and partnered with multiple community organizations and families for Hurricane Helene flood relief making multiple deliveries in supplies.
• Dedicated Faculty & Staff consisting of 41 classroom teachers and specialists in the areas of intervention, sped, art, literacy, library, music, and physical education who are assisted by over a dozen dedicated teaching assistants. We also house three district-wide programs for PK partnership, Academy, and a MAP 3-5 class.  Support services include a School Counselor, two Special Education teachers, a Speech Therapist, Instructional Design Specialist, EL teacher, and a full-time nurse
• Jefferson teacher representation as district-wide Teacher Leaders and Mentors
• Learning Walkthroughs focused on overall school improvement and celebration with feedback and reflection opportunities
• Vertical team meetings allowing multi-grade level teachers time to collaborate ensuring alignment and continuity throughout a student’s educational experience at Jefferson
• Innovative approaches including flexible seating and flexible small groups allowing for equitable access to receive instruction and express learning
• Coding instruction and STEM for all students through the library rotation fostering a culture of creativity and discovery

We look forward to your support and involvement. You are encouraged to participate in our PTO and join us for volunteer opportunities and school activities and events. If you have questions, suggestions, or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at 423.378.2270 or [email protected].

Dr. Stephanie Potter, Principal