| Sources |
- [S23] Atchley Funeral Home, (http://www.atchleyfuneralhome.com/), 25 Nov 2008.
Rev. Donald Rolen obituary
- [S106] The Mountain Press, 13 Aug 2012.
Rolen no longer interim at SMS
BY RACHEL OSBORN
SEVIERVILLE — Though she served as interim principal for the final portion of the 2011-2012 school year, Donna Rolen can’t wait to continue building relationships with students and other members of the faculty at Sevierville Middle School.
“The staff and faculty is a family,” Rolen said. “We’re always there for each other. We have a good working relationship. I appreciate that.
“Getting to know the kids (is my favorite). I enjoy that because that’s what makes a difference in education. If you know your kids and where they’re coming from, they’re more apt to learn.”
Rolen grew up in the area, attending the middle school before going on to Carson-Newman to receive a bachelor’s in science and a master’s in curriculum and instruction from Lincoln Memorial University. Rolen also obtained an Ed.S. from LMU.
Though she loves working with the students, Rolen didn’t begin her college career with the intention of becoming a teacher. She started out as a pre-med student at Carson-Newman, before switching her major to education during her sophomore year.
“Half-way through (college), I decided I wanted to make a difference in another way,” she said. “That’s what led me to teaching. I see myself as servant for the community.”
Rolen started out teaching sixth-grade science at Sevierville Middle, before switching over to teaching eighth-graders. She has also been an assistant principal at the school for the last three years and an interim principal during the second-half of the 2011-2012 school year.
Her children with husband Jason — 8-year-old Shelby and 6-year-old Callie — attend Sevierville Primary School.
Rolen enjoys seeing the students get to know each other, as well members of the staff, within their teams.
“I like the team concept,” she said. “They’re there with the same group all day long. It’s important for middle schoolers to build a family network with the kids and staff.”
Her goals for the upcoming year include improving test scores through the use of math and reading intervention programs. Rolen also hopes to include more technology in the curriculum and day-to-day teaching, like having building-wide wifi access and integrating iPads and tablets into the classrooms.
“That’s the way of the future in schools,” Rolen said. “It’s more hands-on and interactive. Students get to see things come to life, not just in a textbook.”
Through fundraising and the support of the school’s PTO, Rolen hopes to make these things happen.
Over the summer, Rolen and other members of the staff have dealt with maintenance issues; cleaned the building; painted; waxed floors and got classrooms ready, to prepare for the new school year.
Rolen believes a good principal would have lots of managerial qualities, including good communication skills with teachers, staff, students and parents; visibility in the hallways and classrooms, giving students an opportunity to build a relationship with them; flexibility; compassion and organizational tendencies.
Rolen thinks she’s the best at keeping things organized.
“As a teacher, you want that,” she said. “In the classroom, you want that time preserved. I deal with time commitments — scheduling and time keeping — so teachers can focus on teaching.”
rosborn@themountainpress.com
- [S58] Marriage Certificate.
Groom's Name Bride's First Name Bride's Maiden Name County Date of Marriage File #
ROLEN JASON P DONNA R MYERS SEVIER 05-20-2000 28311
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