CCSD Educator Named Assistant Principal Of The Year Finalist

CANTON, GA — A Cherokee County School District educator has been named a finalist for the 2019 Georgia Assistant Principal of the Year recognition. Jessica Whitley, an assistant principal at Creekview High School, is one of five leaders announced Wednesday as finalists for the award presented by the Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals.

The winner of the award, which is open to middle and high school assistant principals statewide, recognizes “outstanding school leaders who have succeeded in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students.”

The judges will select a winner based on achievement in four categories of specific standards: Personal Excellence; Collaborative Leadership; Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment; and Personalization. The winner will be announced next month and then represent the state in the competition for the National Assistant Principal of the Year title.

“We’re so proud of Jessica for her outstanding service to Creekview’s students and teachers that helped her earn this recognition,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian Hightower said. “We’re committed to growing leaders, and Jessica’s honor is a sign of her commitment to continuous improvement to better serve her school and community.”

(For more news like this, find your local Patch here. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here)

In addition to being a vital part of the administrative and leadership team, Whitley’s specific areas of oversight at Creekview include ensuring high-quality services for students with special needs, whether they’re Special Education, English Learners or hospital home-bound students, or are in need of intervention and extra support to succeed and graduate on time.

Now in her fourth year as an assistant principal at Creekview, Whitley previously served as a school counselor and teacher, including at Etowah High School. She earned her bachelor of business administration degree from Texas State University, master of education degree from the University of West Alabama, and specialist in educational leadership degree from Lincoln Memorial University. She's also a graduate of the Superintendent’s Leadership Academy.

Image via Cherokee County School District