Cannon County Director of Schools William F. Curtis has named Mrs. Stephanie Alexander as Principal of Short Mountain Elementary School. The position became available upon the retirement of Mr. Robert Pitts, who has served as Principal at Short Mountain Elementary School for the past sixteen years and fifty-three years as an educator.
Mrs. Stephanie Alexander is a twenty-two year veteran teacher from the Short Mountain Community. She began her teaching career in Cannon County Schools at Short Mountain Elementary in 1998-1999 School Year. Mrs. Stephanie Nokes Alexander received her Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Middle Tennessee State University in 1998. She spent the next seven years teaching fourth grade at Short Mountain Elementary. She then served as the Title I teacher at Short Mountain and East Side schools for four years. In 2007, she became the assistant principal under Mr. Robert Pitts and earned her Master of Arts in Instructional Leadership from Tennessee Technological University in 2008. Upon the retirement of Ms. Joanne Ramko, Mrs. Alexander transitioned to the first grade teaching position for two years prior to becoming the eighth grade homeroom teacher shortly after the retirement of Mrs. Anita Arnold. For seven years, Mrs. Alexander taught 7th/8th grade math and science while continuing her responsibilities as assistant principal. She was also a junior beta sponsor for sixteen years. In 2018, Mrs. Alexander was named as an instructional coach for the district.
Stephanie and her husband, Tommy, reside in the Short Mountain community with their children Rachel and Luke. Tommy is a manager with Yorozu Automotive in Morrison. Rachel is completing her bachelor’s degree in Speech Language Pathology at MTSU. Luke will be attending MTSU in the fall to pursue a degree in Agribusiness. Stephanie is the daughter of Gerry and Rita Nokes.
Upon being named, Mrs. Alexander stated, “I am very excited for the opportunity to return home to serve the students and families of the wonderful Short Mountain Community! I look forward to once again working with the faculty and staff who consistently go above and beyond to ensure the academic success and emotional well-being of all students. For 22 years, I have been blessed to be a part of the Cannon County Schools family where I have the privilege to work alongside many wonderful educators who have a heart for children! I appreciate the support, guidance and encouragement that I have received throughout my career and look forward to once again working in my community!”
Director of Cannon County Schools – Mr. William F. Curtis stated the following, “I am excited to announce Mrs. Stephanie Alexander as Principal of Short Mountain Elementary School. She is a proven veteran educator, well respected among her peers, and has tremendous support in the community. I am extremely appreciative of her willingness to be the leader of the team to achieve our Mission of Cannon County Schools and specifically Short Mountain Elementary School – ‘Preparing ALL Students for their Future’ through our VISION – ‘The New E3 = ‘Engaged in Excellence Every Day!’ Mrs. Alexander has demonstrated excellence in the classroom at multiple schools and as an Instructional Coach – 6th Grade -12th Grade for the entire School District. She is a perfect fit to follow long-time Principal ‘Dean’ Mr. Robert Pitts, as she worked as his Assistant Principal for many years, and will do outstanding work at Short Mountain Elementary School.”
Principal Alexander will be meeting with the Director of Schools William F. Curtis and former SMS Principal Mr. Robert Pitts in the next few days working on a transition plan. She will then meet with other School District Personnel, and SMS faculty and staff at a date to be determined after July 1st, 2020.
We are certainly very glad to announce this hire and are excited about the future at Short Mountain Elementary School.