What priorities can I bring to the Anderson County School Board?
- Building a culture that truly values education
- Knowledge of family dynamics and hurdles our children face
- Commitment to empower teachers who directly influence our children
What experiences do I bring?
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice
- Lecture/Workshop leader
- Author and Continuing Adult Education facilitator
Personal Statement
Because of my work with individuals and families in our community, I have seen firsthand some of the problems that students, families, and teachers face within the school system in our county. Since first deciding to run for the vacated Anderson County District 6 School Board seat, I have talked with many students, teachers and members of the community about their concerns.
The new Diploma Project and Race to the Top programs bring with them many significant changes for Anderson County Schools over the next four years. Important decisions relating to how this funding will be allocated for school programs is determined by the school board. These changes will directly affect the education of our children, the professional opportunities for our teachers, as well as administrative decisions concerning the funding and implementation of school programs.
I care deeply about our children and families and feel that my background and experience can provide a new perspective to the School Board as it ventures forward. I have worked with numerous children, families, and staff of the county school system, and as a result, I have gained a unique perspective on how top-level decisions impact families, staff, and students. I believe this perspective can contribute greatly to helping the Board effectively meet the upcoming challenge.
The teachers and staff in our schools are facing many new challenges related to funding, programs, class sizes, staff reductions, etc. The overall morale among employees is an important aspect of providing an environment that is conducive to learning and growth. Communication, leadership, and accountability are essential for a progressive school system. Teachers are an asset to our community. They have specific information about what is or is not working in the classrooms. Teachers interact with our children daily. Their dedication and commitment to education deserves respect. The new procedures for evaluating teacher performance can be both constructive for them as well as for the system as a whole. As an active school board member, I am concerned that the evaluations be fair, just, and impartial, acting in the best interest of the students, staff, and teachers so that our school system not only benefits but flourishes. After all “teachers make all other professions possible.”
I have been in private psychotherapy practice in Oak Ridge for over a dozen years. As a mental health provider, I bring a wealth of knowledge in dealing with constantly changing government policies and in working to keep a business afloat when revenue streams are dynamic. As a Rule-31 mediator, I can also bring mediation experience and skills to both the Board and staff. I also bring personal leadership abilities, a caring heart, creativity, a dependable work ethic, and a genuine desire to work in unity and cooperation with the other board members. During these difficult fiscal times, I want to be do my part to support Anderson County Schools moving through the 21st century, fostering excellence so that all students can reach their maximum potential and enter the world encouraged about learning so that they become active involved citizens in their communities.
Our children are truly our most precious resource. I believe that, as individuals, we are called to use our time and talents for the betterment of others. Serving on the Anderson County School Board will allow me to bring my life’s work to bear on the effort to raise our education system for the benefit of the entire community.
ELECT...
Ellen
Hitchcock
Anderson County
Board of Education
District 6
Key Work
Voting Information
Contact Ellen
About Ellen
Home