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KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Dr. Janice Irvin has been named the Kingsport City Schools Director of Early Childhood Education and Principal of Palmer Early Learning Center, effective July 1, 2024.
Previously, Dr. Irvin has served as principal of John F. Kennedy Elementary School and as associate principal at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School. She has also taught at George Washington Elementary School, Andrew Jackson Elementary School, and at V.O. Dobbins. Dr. Irvin has been employed by Kingsport City Schools since 2006.
“I am thrilled to take on this district-wide role with Kingsport City Schools,” said Dr. Irvin. “Having started my career nearly 20 years ago in a Pre-K classroom, I am excited to once again focus on our youngest learners. With an emphasis on school readiness and holistic child development, I am humbled by the opportunity to work with Kingsport’s youngest students and their families. Serving our community as the Principal of Palmer Early Learning Center is a multifaceted role and I am eager to begin supporting our community, especially as a former parent of both Washington ECLC and Palmer Center students.”
Dr. Irvin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Milligan University, a Master’s degree in Education Leadership and Policy Analysis from East Tennessee State University (ETSU), and a Doctorate in School Leadership from ETSU. She currently serves as the President of the Tennessee Principals Association and is a member of the National Association of Elementary School Principals.
“It is with great pride that KCS welcomes Dr. Irvin to the Director of Early Childhood Education and Palmer Center Principal position,” said KCS Superintendent of Schools Dr. Chris Hampton. “Dr. Irvin has demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities for almost two decades of employment with KCS. Most notably, she has served Kennedy Elementary and the Lynn Garden community as principal for the last eight years. Among her successes include leading the school to a National Blue Ribbon Lighthouse Status and serving as president of the Tennessee Principals Association. Congratulations to Dr. Irvin and we look forward to great success in this new endeavor.”
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Previously, Dr. Irvin has served as principal of John F. Kennedy Elementary School and as associate principal at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School. She has also taught at George Washington Elementary School, Andrew Jackson Elementary School, and at V.O. Dobbins. Dr. Irvin has been employed by Kingsport City Schools since 2006.
“I am thrilled to take on this district-wide role with Kingsport City Schools,” said Dr. Irvin. “Having started my career nearly 20 years ago in a Pre-K classroom, I am excited to once again focus on our youngest learners. With an emphasis on school readiness and holistic child development, I am humbled by the opportunity to work with Kingsport’s youngest students and their families. Serving our community as the Principal of Palmer Early Learning Center is a multifaceted role and I am eager to begin supporting our community, especially as a former parent of both Washington ECLC and Palmer Center students.”
Dr. Irvin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Milligan University, a Master’s degree in Education Leadership and Policy Analysis from East Tennessee State University (ETSU), and a Doctorate in School Leadership from ETSU. She currently serves as the President of the Tennessee Principals Association and is a member of the National Association of Elementary School Principals.
“It is with great pride that KCS welcomes Dr. Irvin to the Director of Early Childhood Education and Palmer Center Principal position,” said KCS Superintendent of Schools Dr. Chris Hampton. “Dr. Irvin has demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities for almost two decades of employment with KCS. Most notably, she has served Kennedy Elementary and the Lynn Garden community as principal for the last eight years. Among her successes include leading the school to a National Blue Ribbon Lighthouse Status and serving as president of the Tennessee Principals Association. Congratulations to Dr. Irvin and we look forward to great success in this new endeavor.”
Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a public school district located in Kingsport, Tenn., serving students in Sullivan and Hawkins county. The district is comprised of 13 schools, including a Pre-K, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, a high school program of choice, and an alternative learning program; with a total enrollment of over 7,400 students.
KCS has been ranked the "#1 Best Place to Teach in Tennessee" by the 2023 NICHE Best Schools Ranking and the City of Kingsport has been voted as the "Nicest Places in America" in the October 2022 Reader's Digest.
For more information visit www.k12k.com, listen live on WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, or call the KCS Administrative Support Center at (423) 378.2100. We’re social too; follow us on Facebook (kcsdistrict), Instagram (kcs__district), Threads (@kcs__district), X (@kcs__district), LinkedIn (kcsdistrict), and check out our YouTube Channel (@kcs__district).