This Fairfield native attended Talladega College (B.A.), The University of Alabama at Birmingham (M.A.) and Samford University for her administrative certification, Educational Specialist Degree (Ed.S.) and Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.). She has been in education for 17 years, 12 of which she worked administratively at the school level as an assistant principal (high school), principal (elementary) and, prior to that, a middle and high school teacher. Several of her numerous honors include CLAS Leadership Award 2017 State Winner/Recipient, CLAS Leadership Award (representing AAESA) nominee and National Distinguished Principal of the Year Top Three (2016 and 2018). She and her husband, Judge Reginald Jeter, have two boys, who are Hoover City School students.

What were you doing before you were named Hoover City Schools Director of Curriculum and Instruction?

Prior to coming to Hoover to serve in this role, I was the principal of Magnolia Elementary School in Trussville City Schools. I’ve been a school administrator for the last 12 years.

What will your responsibilities be in this new position?

My new position allows me the opportunity to work with all schools in the district. My focus will be on curriculum and instruction which is the foundation for all things. I will collaborate with the curriculum and instruction department, principals and instructional coaches in order to ensure that the most rigorous and targeted instruction is being provided for all students K-12. My duties encompass much more, but it all centers around teaching and learning.

Do you have any specific goals?

  • Maintain the Curriculum and Instruction Department’s pyramid of focus for all schools: “Learn, Teach, Inspire: College and Career Ready.”
  • Build effective and trustworthy relationships with all of our school’s administrators, academic coaches and teachers.
  • Be the best instructional leader possible. Give it my all each day because I know that what my role provides has a lasting effect on student learning and growth.
  • Be the lead learner. Study, read, research and reciprocate that for our teachers.

What’s something from your own education that you’ve applied to your work in the education field?

We study and learn strategies on what it takes to be an effective leader, and I’ve found success over the years in the area of relationship building for effective school leadership. I applied for this job because I want to be able to impact a greater number of students, teachers and administrators. As a leader in education I recognize one has to be able to build professional relationships with all, have knowledge of the core content and be intentional and efficient in leading successful schools. Serving in this role (Director of Curriculum and Instruction) gives me the chance to serve as a model and provide those best practices for the schools in our district.

Who are your mentors?

There are three individuals who wholeheartedly served as role models for me in one way or another. Dr. Yvette Richardson (State Board of Education) was a teacher at the elementary school I attended, then became my school principal at that same school at a very young age. Mrs. Barbara McCambry (former Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Fairfield City Schools) has been there to guide me, offer advice and encourage me to “stay the course.”

Dr. Pattie Neill (Superintendent of Trussville City Schools) saw potential in me years ago. When the opportunity presented itself to work with her as a school leader, she trusted me to lead my school, and I never let her down. My mom is my No. 1 role model in life, but I am very thankful for these three ladies for believing in me, giving me guidance and opportunities and most of all being an inspiration for me.

What would you say to someone new to Hoover about its school system?

Highlights of Hoover City Schools that I’ve observed:

​•Effective school-to-home (teacher-to-parent) relationships and communication

  • Rigorous academic program (various college and career options)
  • Leaders in innovation
  • Success in educating the “whole child” as they prepare for various walks of life
  • Diversity of the school system