Jaclyn Wilson returns to Valley Forge as new principal

Jaclyn Wilson started her teaching career at Valley Forge Elementary 15 years ago. This year, she has come full circle as the school’s newest principal for the 2019/2020 school year.

“Coming here is like coming full circle,” Wilson said. “It has been a rewarding experience.”

Wilson comes back to Valley Forge with a decade and a half of experience, including time as a teacher and principal at Unaka Elementary and two years at Keenburg Elementary as assistant principal.

She said coming back to where she started is an exciting experience, because she will be working with a completely new generation of students.

“I look forward to working with the students again,” she said. “I get to work in the community again.”

She said Valley Forge has seen several years of academic success, and she looks forward to continuing that trend under her leadership.

“At previous schools, it was exciting to see them grow each year,” Wilson said. “Here, they are all new people.”

She said interacting with these new students and parents is among the most exciting things about her new position.

“I am most excited about the kids coming back,” Wilson said. “We have spent the past two weeks planning and planning. For me, it is about getting to know them.”

As a principal, her responsibilities also include directing fellow faculty members to a unified goal, as well.

“We have a wonderful staff,” she said. “They work to do what is best for the students.”

As for her, one of the main reasons she has continued her work in education is the challenge of it all.

“It is the challenge of increasing your academic level, showing growth,” she said.

Growth is one of the school’s main themes in a variety of areas.

“Through my leadership, I want to see the school grow,” Wilson said.

She said she tries to keep an open-door policy, so students, teachers and faculty can ask her for help or advice whenever they need.

“I am here to help, to work with them,” Wilson said.

Above all, she said she cannot wait to continue her work with the Valley Forge community.

“I am tickled to death to be back.”

SportsPlus

Local news

Woodby instructs all donations for Carter County be taken to Bristol Motor Speedway

Local news

In the Shelter of Each Other: Appalachian-tough community ensures Helene victims do not walk alone

Local news

VIDEO: Elizabethton Electric’s Chad Bowman gives update on power restoration efforts in Valley Forge

Local news

VIDEO: Pastor Bryant Collins provides update on supply deliveries across East Tennessee

Local news

VIDEO: More supplies arrive at Roan Street Church of God to aid community

Local news

Update: Hurricane relief center list continues to grow in Carter County

Local news

Mountain Electric estimates over 10,000 still without power in its service area

Local news

Carter County officials provide recovery updates, focus on damage, power outages, and volunteer efforts

Local news

Carter County receives critical aid through ongoing Blackhawk helicopter supply drops to remote areas

Local news

Hampton High School students to relocate to Keenburg

Local news

Elizabethton City Schools will provide free meals to students next week

Community

Fish and Chicken Feast Oct. 5 at Boozy Creek

Community

Senior Center Schedule

Local news

Internal review from plastics plant where three died finds ‘there was time to escape’ flood

Local news

Region A.H.E.A.D. activates small business flood recovery grant applications

Local news

Those unemployed due to Helene flooding encouraged to apply for benefits

Community

…Upcoming Events in Elizabethton

Local news

Elizabethton Police seek public’s help in identifying Walmart shoplifting suspect

Local news

FEMA assistance available to Carter, six other counties’ residents

Local news

Disaster Assistance Information

Local news

ETSU Martin Center announces season tickets for 2025 spring Broadway season

Local news

VIDEO: Connie Heaton of River Road shares flood experience

Local news

VIDEO: Journey’s End Road resident asks for boots on the ground

Local news

VIDEO: Volunteers help deliver supplies to Valley Forge, Hampton and Roan Mountain