Newport Independent Schools hired a veteran educator with experience as an administrator as the new principal of Newport Intermediate School.
Jennifer Michael just completed her tenth year in public education and her seventh year at Newport.
“I hired Jennifer as a business teacher at Newport High School when I was the principal,” said Newport Independent Schools Superintendent Tony Watts. “She did a great job then, and she has continued to impress me throughout her tenure in Newport.”
Michael taught business and marketing for five years, served three years as an assistant principal, and spent a year as an educational recovery leader with the Kentucky Department of Education.
“I love celebrating every success, working with students through their challenges, and helping them become a productive citizens in the community,” she said. “I also enjoy working with the teachers. Just like students, we must foster the growth of our teachers. We want to help teachers grow, give them leadership opportunities, and always push them to be creative and collaborative.”
Michael said her favorite aspect of working in education is the students, and plans to set high expectations for the students and the staff.
“Newport has been home to me. I have been a teacher and assistant principal in the district, and I believe as principal, with the help of my staff we can have a positive impact on students’ lives and build lasting relationships with the community,” Michael said. “As principal, I always want to remember the child in the chair and ensure that everything we do is focusing on the students, their needs, their successes, and their future.”
Michael plans to focus on the Multi-Tiered System of Supports, setting high expectations for students, growth and retention of staff, and implementing systems that positively impact Newport students.