Jacqueline Parsons embraces assistant principal role
By Brandi Miller for the FCT
When Lance Mitchell accepted the Red Bay High School principal position to begin the 2017-2018 school year, the assistant principal position became available. When the school year began, the position had yet to be filled, but a few days into the semester, Dr. Jacqueline Parsons was named as the new assistant principal for RBHS.
“I was sitting at the board meeting when the personnel list was approved for hire,” said Parsons. “It was a delightful yet humbling experience to receive all the congratulations from the central office personnel, co-workers and community.”
Parsons’ duties while in the assistant principal position will include teacher observations (Educate Alabama), Lead Alabama requirements, early warning, student parking, discipline, grants and serving on various committees.
Parsons will bring 17 years of experience as a special education teacher at RBHS with her into the assistant principal position. She earned an associate’s degree in liberal arts and associate’s degree in applied science with emphasis in computer systems technology from Northwest-Shoals Community College. She then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in special education from the University of North Alabama.
Parsons also went on to earn an educational specialist degree in administration from UNA. She then took her education to the highest level by earning a doctorate in educational leadership from Samford University.
Parsons has lots of goals she said she hopes to achieve while in her new position. For one, she said she hopes to positively impact the lives of students and help teachers grow as educators within their classrooms, plus foster a campus environment where learning is valued and teachers and students alike benefit from the mutually positive relationship. She also aims to solve issues that arise and that typically prevent either teachers or students from benefiting from the learning experience; remove obstacles to ensure a school culture conducive to learning for a successful school experience for all; and create an instructional environment in which all students are able to develop their optimal ability, both academically and socio-emotionally.
“I have a vision of the big picture and get excited to know my decisions will be instrumental in the academic and social growth of students and teachers,” said Parsons. “I have long desired to be in a position to motivate and make sure no one gives up on the students – they are our future.”
Because Parsons was hired after the school year began, she didn’t have the opportunity to address the faculty and students in the traditional beginning of the year assembly and faculty meeting. She has a message she would like to share:
“To the seniors, this is the last year of your time at Red Bay School,” said Parsons. “Continue to build and strengthen friendships as you complete your education. Participate in senior activities, as these will be the memories you will cherish for a lifetime.
“To underclassman and faculty – I look forward to working with each of you to make this the best year experienced at RBHS.”
