Sheila Terrell

During the past four years, Sheila Terrell has been the assistant principal at Knox County Middle School. Prior to her principalship there, Mrs. Terrell's education career includes

• 2 years in 1st grade at Elzo Guthrie Elementary in Harlan County

• 2 years as the Split 3/4 grade teacher at Jesse D. Lay Elementary

• 17 years as the 2 nd grade teacher at Jesse D. Lay Elementary

• and 9 years as the SFA Facilitator/Curriculum Coach at Jesse D. Lay Elementary before moving to Knox County Middle.

There have been many enjoyable moments while at Knox County Middle.

" I think it’s hard for me to pick just one moment. I loved the excitement and pride when test scores were released and our school was in the top 10% in the state. I love when I work a ball game and we get a big win or our kids show the greatest of respect on and off the field and court. I love the conversations with students. I love when a teacher comes to the office and is excited to tell me that a struggling student just “got it”. It is these day-to-day things that make my time as a principal so worth it."

While she enjoys working with staff at KCMS, it is the connection to students that is the most enjoyable part of being in a leadership position.

"As much as I enjoy working with our staff who are passionate about and committed to our students, the students themselves provide the blessings in my life. There simply is nothing more rewarding than to connect with a student in a way that changes that student's life."

If her students see education as a future profession, there is plenty of advice and helpful tips that Mrs. Terrell can provide them with.

"If you are considering education as a career, you need to realize going in it is a demanding job if done correctly. You are not going to get rich and contrary to what the public may believe the hours are long. School may end at 3 but the job doesn’t. The advice I always give student teachers is to be prepared daily. Lessons should be well thought out and planned. Have high expectations for your students and yourself. Always be willing to learn, grow and change. I have loved what I do from my first day in a classroom. I have never regretted my decision, not for a single moment. However, do some research, and some self-reflection, and go in with your eyes open. At the end of the day when you can say you have touched the lives of kids for the good it’s the right career."

For staff at Knox County Middle, or any colleague in the Knox County Public Schools, that is looking to improve in the classroom or advance in the profession, Mrs. Terrell has advice to share.

"Start by being the best teacher you can be every day. Read and grow in the profession. Be a lifelong learner. Be visible. Take on leadership roles. Be involved in school or district initiatives. Develop a work ethic that is unquestionable. And above all, have a positive attitude and be supportive of your school and district."

When asked who was the one teacher that had the most impact on her, Mrs. Terrell selected Judith Unthank.

"Mrs. Judy Unthank was my inspiration to go into the education field. She was my Honor’s English teacher at Knox Central. She instilled in me a love for school that has never diminished. Her class was challenging but so fun and rewarding and I wanted to give that back to others. My senior year she mailed Christmas cards to all the Honor’s English students’ parents. I will never forget my mom cried when she got the card. She still talks about it to this day. It was those personal relationships that she built that made such an impact in my life."

Every principal must have time away to refresh and recharge, and for Mrs. Terrell, that is getaways.

"My husband and I love driving the corvette to Highlands, North Carolina to eat Fried Pimento Cheese Fritters served with Hot Pepper Jelly at The Inn on Main. (Well, I love the pimento cheese…Tim not so much!)"