Dear Saint Joseph School Community,

We are pleased to introduce our new principal starting this summer for the 2021-22 school year, Amy Lavender. After an intensive interview process with several excellent candidates, our search committee felt Amy’s experience, education, and dedication to excellence in Catholic education made her the best choice to help our school move forward into the future. Amy will work with Mr. La Haie to ensure a smooth transition when she starts July 1st. 

Amy started her career as an educator 21 years ago at Holy Rosary Academy. Over the past two decades, her experience includes teaching various grade levels, serving as the Director of Instructional Programs and as the Vice Principal of HRA.  Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Aquinas College, a Master’s of Education from Cumberland University, and an Administration and Supervision certification from Carson Newman University.

During her long career in education, she has been assigned and led many educational initiatives for the school. She was pivotal in the leadership of drafting and submitting HRA’s second National Blue Ribbon Award.  In addition, Amy led the staff through the strenuous school COGNIA accreditation process, as well as managed the development of the School Improvement Plan for the academy.
           
Amy is passionate about coaching and mentoring teachers in their instructional craft. Named Teacher of the Year twice, she understands best practices and effective teaching designed to meet the needs of all learners.  She is committed to the concept of lifelong learning and continuous improvement for students, teachers and staff, and embraces innovation and challenges to the status quo.

This past year she has worked with the pastor and principal of HRA to develop and implement Covid-19 protocols. Effectively implemented, these protocols have resulted in zero known Covid transmissions within the school, critical to remaining open during the pandemic, and meeting the educational as well as social development needs of its students.

Amy and her husband are both proud products of Catholic education in the Diocese of Nashville. As such, they were committed to provide the same benefit for their three children who have all attended Catholic schools. They are long-time parishioners of St. Stephen Catholic Community, and residents of Old Hickory, TN. Amy looks forward to leading our school towards a bright future of community growth, faith formation, and academic excellence.

Please join me and all of the Saint Joseph Community in welcoming Amy as the new principal of Saint Joseph School.

Yours in Christ,