Ann Haley, the current principal of John Colemon Elementary School in Smyrna, has been named the next elementary coordinator for Rutherford County Schools. 

“The interview team selected Mrs. Haley, an accomplished principal and educator with Rutherford County Schools, after interviewing several excellent candidates,” said Richard Zago, the district’s assistant superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. “Her achievements include being a highly effective teacher, an intervention coach, an assistant principal and the respected leader of John Colemon, which was named by the Tennessee Department of Education as among the top five percent in the state for student progress. 

“The district’s instructional staff is excited to welcome Mrs. Haley and continuing our tradition of exceptional student learning and growth.”

Haley is a veteran educator who has worked with students in Rutherford County for the past 25 years. She also taught for four years in Cannon County. 

During her career, she has served in several positions spanning all grade levels from kindergarten through eighth grade.

“First, I thank God for opening the door to this new chapter of my life,” Haley said. 

“I am grateful to Mr. Odom and Mr. Spurlock for entrusting me with this new task and giving me the opportunity to help make a difference in Rutherford County Schools,” said Haley, referring to Director of Schools Don Odom and Director of Schools-Elect Bill Spurlock.

“While I am sad to leave John Colemon, I am excited to begin this new journey,” she added.

Haley began her career with Rutherford County Schools as a seventh-grade math teacher at Roy Waldron School, a position she held for eight years. She then transferred to Wilson Elementary School when it opened and taught first grade. 

As part of a pilot program, Haley was next selected as one of five “intervention coaches,” who were tasked with helping teachers and students. 

She entered administration in 2011 as an assistant principal split between David Youree Elementary and Wilson Elementary before becoming the full-time assistant principal at Wilson with Principal Jon Dinkins. 

Four years ago, Haley was named the principal of John Colemon Elementary School, which was struggling academically at the time. Within two years under Haley’s leadership, the school received all 5’s from the Tennessee Department of Education, which is the highest score possible, and was named as one of the state’s “reward schools” for scoring within the top five percent in the state for student growth and progress. 

“It goes back to our teachers and them establishing a culture of high expectations and wanting students to do their best,” Haley said, adding, “We put kids first there. We let them know we have high exceptions for them and that they’ve got someone in their corner fighting for them.”

Haley was instrumental in getting support and funding approved to construct the new John Colemon Elementary School. The new building opened officially in January 2017 and replaced the old school, which was limited on space and relied on portable classrooms to serve all students in grades 3-5. 

As the elementary coordinator, Haley will work with elementary school principals and teachers to develop curriculum and classroom materials and provide support with local, state and federal regulations and requirements. 

Haley succeeds Lisa Bogle, who recently retired from the district after a long career with Rutherford County Schools. 

A new principal for John Colemon Elementary School will be announced later this summer.