Jennifer Brownlee, Assistant Principal
Be the change you wish to see in the world. ~Mahatma Gandhi
Many days, I wear a silver bangle around my wrist with this quote engraved on it.
I want to improve our world by creating better educational opportunities for every student I meet. The bangle reminds me to put the needs of my students first in the decisions I make as an administrator. Teachers have the opportunity every day to make a difference in the life of a student by providing high-quality, exciting opportunities to learn something new, to discover a new passion or idea or solution to a problem. It's my privilege to work alongside so many amazing teachers and children!
I graduated from Auburn University in 1994 and began teaching Middle School in Nashville, TN. After marrying my college sweetheart, I taught middle school, fifth grade and first grade in Atlanta before relocating to St. Louis, MO to pursue graduate work along with my husband at Covenant Theological Seminary while teaching Middle School again. We then headed back to Tennessee, making our home in Chattanooga, where we worked as Houseparents at Tennessee Baptist Children's Home. After a teaching hiatus while my two children were toddlers, I returned to the classroom again here in Chattanooga, first at Howard Middle School teaching 7th grade, followed by Normal Park Museum Magnet School, teaching 5th grade. Next, compelled by my undying passion for curriculum and instruction, I was fortunate to serve HCDE as a Literacy Coach, working alongside some of the very best leaders and teachers in our county. So while it has been a long journey to finally reach OKES as an assistant principal, I am truly grateful for our community of students, parents, teachers and volunteers who desire to see the Orchard Knob community thrive! Together, we improve each other's lives, and that is the most important change to see in the world!