Jennifer Walz Lowe

What is your current role and what are your primary responsibilities?

I am the Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction at... Spain Park High School! I am responsible for all things academics- making the master schedule, leading professional development, testing, technology, and supporting teachers any way I can. 

What skills from your time at SPHS have been most valuable to you?

I learned that I could be a leader, even as a pretty shy, quiet person. Some of my teachers saw things in me that I did not at the time, and they helped me realize things about myself that I did not know. 

How did your career path evolve?

If you had told me at 18 that I would be in this role at SPHS, I would have laughed! I started as a pre-nursing major and quickly realized that was not the path for me. I always enjoyed Spanish, and I come from a family of educators. Everything just fell into place. I was a Spanish teacher for 10 years, and I am now in my 7th year as a school administrator. When the opportunity came up to return to Spain Park, it was a no-brainer.

What advice would you give your past self about career planning?  about life planning?

It is okay to not know! Also, don't limit yourself to what you think you can or can't do. You are capable of way more than you think.

Who was your favorite teacher and why (and which class did they teach)?

Mrs. Nancy Hollis (who taught Calculus) is the person to told me that I should consider being a teacher. I would not be here if it were not for her. Mrs. Gia Graddy, our choir teacher, is another one of my favorites.

What extracurriculars did you participate in and how did that shape your time at SPHS?

Show choir- I developed strong friendships through this group.

What advice would you give students to maximize their high school experience?

Take the time to enjoy what you have now. Be kinder than necessary- you never know what someone is going through.

What are you most proud of since graduating from SP?

My husband Daniel (who graduated from Hoover High in 2004) and I both get to serve the city of Hoover for our jobs. Our work can be really tough at times, but it is so rewarding to get to give back to the place where we grew up. 

What did you love about being a student at SP?

We had a high school experience that was so unique, and we had so many opportunities that we would have never had if we had attended another school. I didn't realize how much our three years at Spain Park impacted me until I started working here this school year. It really is a special place.