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    J.Garrett

    Executive Principal: Jennifer Garrett

    Welcome to Knox County Virtual School! My name is Jennifer Garrett, and I am the executive principal for Knox County Virtual School. I am excited that you decided to join our school, and I look forward to serving you this school year. 

    Virtual learning is an innovative approach to instruction that creates opportunities for students to have deep engagement and ownership in their learning. We combine rigorous instruction and a flexible learning schedule to help meet students where they are and support them in their academic success. Our connections and relationships with students allow us to support their social-emotional health and academic achievements. 

    Ms. Garrett joined Knox County Schools in 1998 as a teacher at Karns Elementary School. She has also worked as a TPaCK technology coach at Sterchi Elementary. She was selected to be part of the Leadership Academy in 2016 and placed at Dogwood Elementary School as an assistant principal. She worked as campus manager at Paul Kelley Volunteer Academy and assistant principal at L&N STEM Academy. In 2019, she was named the principal of Paul Kelley Volunteer Academy. She currently serves as the principal of the district’s Virtual Schools. Ms. Garrett received a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Western Michigan University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Tennessee.

     C. Layton

    Assistant Principal: Chris Layton

    I have been in education for over 18 years as a teacher, a coach, and an administrator. I have spent my career as a classroom teacher in both middle school and high school. I have spent the past eight years of my career as an administrator and this school year is my fourth with Knox County Schools. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to help open and build the virtual school in response to the district's needs for the 2020-2021 school year. I am so excited about our future and where we will be taking our school for the years to come. 
     
    I have been blessed with an amazing wife, who is also an educator with KCS schools and three wonderful children. I am passionate about education and helping all students find their opportunities to learn, share and grow. I believe we have an amazing opportunity to work with our students and families to change lives that will one day change the world. 

    Assistant Principal: Amy Jones

    Over the past 19 years, my journey in education has been diverse and fulfilling. I began teaching kindergarten at Rocky Hill Elementary, where later I expanded my expertise to include 1st and 4th grades. In 2016, my passion for fostering effective learning led me to the role of an instructional coach at Spring Hill Elementary. Transitioning into administration in 2021, I served as an assistant principal at Spring Hill Elementary. In 2022, I assumed the role of assistant principal at Knox County Virtual School, continuing my dedication to fostering an environment of excellence in education. I earned my bachelor's degree in psychology/social work from Middle Tennessee State University, embarked on the journey to teaching by obtaining my teaching license at South College, and furthered my education at Carson Newman University where I earned my master's degree in leadership and administration.

    I believe in fostering a classroom environment that nurtures not only academic growth but also the holistic development of each student, instilling a love for lifelong learning. I value building positive relationships with my students, their families, and colleagues, recognizing the significance of a supportive network in the educational journey.