FACULTY FEATURE: Stacy Carson, Candy's Creek Cherokee Elementary

It didnโ€™t take long for Stacy Carson to learn she belonged in a classroom. 

She studied Wildlife Biology and Education at the University of Tennessee at Martin. After graduation, Carson took a job at the Chattanooga Audobon Society, which allowed her to work with Tennessee Aquarium on environmental education and outdoor education experiences. 

Her education journey in Cleveland started as a teacher at E.L. Ross Elementary School in 1999. After 20 years of educating Ross Rockets, Carson decided to take a step outside of her comfort zone. 

In 2019, Carson became the instructional facilitator of Cleveland City Schoolsโ€™ newest school building, Candyโ€™s Creek Cherokee Elementary School. 

โ€œIt was one of the hardest decisions Iโ€™ve ever made because the classroom is where all of the best things in the building happen,โ€ Carson said. โ€œAs an instructional facilitator, the more time I get to spend in the classroom, the more fulfilling this position is. Teachers are the most creative, powerful force in the building and what they do is so important.โ€

It was a unique experience as she worked with new staff members to navigate various challenges amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

โ€œI found that it was really helpful to have a group of teachers who could face change,โ€ Carson said. 

In the Fall, the Tennessee Department of Education recognized Candyโ€™s Creek as a Reward School for the 2021-2022 School Year. 

โ€œIt came on the heels of two of the hardest years in the history of education and the fact that the state looked at the hard work thatโ€™s being done by the teachers and students in this building, and recognized it as being worthy of reward school recognition, was a huge compliment,โ€ Carson said. 

She is proud to be part of the Candyโ€™s Creek family and credits the campus culture for making coming to work each day a joy!  

โ€œLearning excites me because learning is powerful for children but I also am really proud of the character development that takes place,โ€ said Carson.

Weโ€™re so glad Mrs. Carson is part of Candyโ€™s Creek and Cleveland City Schools! Thank you for your hard work and dedication to our students!