In celebration of Principals Appreciation Month, we proudly recognize Dr. Jamelie Johns, principal of Normal Park Museum Magnet School, whose leadership bridges both the upper and lower school campuses. With 23 years of service in Hamilton County Schools and five years as principal at Normal Park, Dr. Jamelie Johns works to lead a caring, supportive, and creative environment that fosters learning, collaboration, and connection.
Dr. Johns began her educational journey at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she earned her undergraduate degree in psychology and completed a master’s in elementary education. She later earned her Education Specialist degree from Tennessee Tech and her doctorate from Carson-Newman University.
Before becoming principal, Dr. Johns spent eight years teaching at Battle Academy, where she also served as a math coach, supporting teachers and helping strengthen math instruction. Her leadership expanded to the district level as a math and science director, where she worked closely with schools and instructional coaches across the county. She went on to serve as assistant principal at Nolan Elementary for three years and then stepped into her role at Normal Park.
Here, Dr. Johns and her staff are focused on finding connections through learning, bringing academics, creativity, and community together. “Our professional development is all around getting back to making connections,” she said. “We’re ensuring that students exhibit their learning in meaningful ways and that teachers are building those connections across all areas. From classroom content to related arts and our learning expeditions.”
Learning expeditions are an essential part of Normal Park’s approach, giving students hands-on experiences throughout the community. Students might visit the Tennessee Aquarium to study environmental impact or explore history through art and performance pieces at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center. “The teachers are so thoughtful in how they plan these experiences,” Dr. Johns said. “They make the learning purposeful and connected.”
Her leadership is defined by support and care. “I want to show, and try to show, that I really care,” she said.
“Whether that’s connecting with students and families through what’s going on in their personal lives or being a part of events here at school, I want people to know that I care about them. It is humbling to be trusted to lead a school where there are so many excellent teachers and families who really care about learning.”
For Dr. Johns, some of her most meaningful moments come during Exhibit Nights, when students share their learning with families. “Seeing the kids talk about their work and the excitement they have when showing their families, that’s really joyful,” she said.
As both a principal and a parent at Normal Park, Dr. Johns sees the impact of Normal Park firsthand. “Seeing how the learning that’s happening in my daughter’s classroom is shaping who she is as a person, that’s why we do what we do,” she said. “It makes a difference for kids.”
As we celebrate Principal Dr. Jamelie Johns during Principals Appreciation Month, we honor her dedication, care, and commitment to bringing learning to life for every student and teacher at Normal Park. Thank you, Dr. Johns, for all you do!
