Phone: (731) 664-2500
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Dr. Teresa McSweeney
Chief Innovation Officer
McSweeney, who began her education career as an English teacher at Jackson Central-Merry High School and later served as the Principal at Rose Hill School, has been named the new Director of Innovation. She has a track record of bringing new ideas to JMCSS. In 2020, McSweeney started the district's first cyber school, Jackson Academic STEAM Academy (JASA).
"Great things are happening in my hometown," McSweeney said. "I want to be part of something that will have an impact on the future." As the Chief Innovation Officer, McSweeney will assist the district in rethinking school, providing opportunities for students, and overseeing grant funds. She is also committed to bringing in the latest technology to prepare students for competition in the digital workforce.
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Mrs. Molly Plyler
Director of STEM & Computer Science
Returning to the Jackson-Madison County School System, formerly serving as the Marketing & Entrepreneurship Teacher at Liberty Technology Magnet High School, Plyler is the Director of STEM & Computer Science. Plyler also serves as a Code.org CSD and CSF Facilitator with the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network. Other professional highlights include being named the 2009 NABT's Outstanding Biology Teacher of TN; writing curriculum for TVA and Code.org; receiving a special invitation from Princeton University to attend the HHMI Molecular Biology Summer Institute; and developing educator & student Computer Science and Robotics workshops at theCO and Jackson Christian School.
"It is an honor to return to the district and pursue cutting-edge opportunities for our students and faculty," Plyler said. "We are excited to see the Innovation Impact Institutes become a model emulated by other school districts around the state." Plyler's role will work directly with district teachers, students, and industry partners to advance JMCSS STEM and Computer Science opportunities.
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Mrs. Katrina Tate-Taylor
Innovation Impact Coordinator
Taylor, a proud Lane alumna, comes to the Department of Innovation from Lane College as their Student Success Specialist. She will serve JMCSS as the Innovation Impact Coordinator. Taylor has a long history of working for higher education institutes and aiding pre-college students in their academic endeavors. She is also a certified Global Career Development Facilitator.
"I'm very appreciative in everything I do, so when it comes to the Innovation Impact Institute partners, I get excited about the opportunities coming to our students," says Taylor. "It brightens my day in so many ways to see how the students change and evolve each year." Taylor's role will coordinate the Innovation Impact Institutes in cooperation with high school staff and impact partners.
