Dear Family,

It is with great excitement that I write to you as the new Assistant Principal at Gardendale Elementary for 22-23.

I am incredibly grateful and excited to join the Gardendale Family! I look forward to working in partnership with Mrs. Rogers and you all - to continue the work of advocating for and providing all students and families with an exceptional educational experience. Prior to joining Gardendale, I was an Interventionist and Second Grade Teacher at Minor Community School for 5 years and Crumly Chapel Elementary for 13 years.  I enjoy the challenges of education, working with teachers, parents, and students. 

On a more personal note, I am a proud product of JEFCOED, having attended Alliance Elementary and Oak Grove High School.  My husband Barry and I enjoy spending time with our two children, Evan (14) and Lauryn (9). My family lives in Oak Grove and my children attend school there.  We love exploring the outdoors, camping, and being together.   We are active in our church, Bayview Baptist.  

I am committed to working alongside Mrs. Rogers - as we continue to provide leadership and build a structure of collaborative relationships in the school and community -  so that ALL students have a variety of opportunities to succeed!  I look forward to meeting all students and families this coming school year!   

I can’t wait for the 2022-2023 school year to begin. If, throughout the course of the year, you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me via email or phone. I can be reached at jhiggins@jefcoed.com or 205-379-3555.  

Experience:

Gardendale Elementary School; Gardendale, AL 

Assistant Principal 2022-Current  

Minor Community School; Birmingham, AL

Second Grade Teacher and Interventionist, 2017-2022

Crumly Chapel Elementary School; Birmingham, AL

Second Grade Teacher, 2004-2017

Education:

The University of Alabama at Birmingam - Masters (M.A.) in Instructional Leadership, December 2014

University of Montevallo- Bachelors (B.S.) in Elementary Education (PK-6), May 2004