Words by Anna Lee Vaughn | Images by Ryan McGill
Local educator Dr. Cammie Channell is excited to begin serving as the Assistant Principal at Jasper’s Memorial Park Elementary School in the upcoming school year.
Raised in a family of educators, Cammie has built an extensive educational background for herself. “Education is in my blood and has been a huge part of my life. Of course, when I was younger, I tried to go a different route, but the good Lord has a way of steering you in the direction you need to go,” she says.
Cammie attended Auburn University and earned a bachelor’s degree in business. She has always loved children and grew up babysitting, giving swimming lessons, and working with children through different volunteer programs. Ultimately, this passion for educating children won out, and Cammie returned to school to pursue a master’s degree in early childhood education at Samford University. As she begins her 20th year in education, she cannot imagine doing anything else.
Her first teaching job was at T.R. Simmons Elementary, where she served for 12 years, teaching second, third, and fourth grades. She then taught at Memorial Park Elementary for two years before transitioning to Cordova Elementary as a second-grade teacher and reading specialist. “This experience has been so valuable to me, and I know it will help me contribute in this new leadership role,” states Cammie.
Cammie says that over the years, she has been blessed to work for administrators who guided her and allowed her to be actively involved in the leadership of school committees and initiatives, which piqued her interest in school leadership. “Their mentorship and encouragement mean so much to me,” says Cammie. She completed her administrative certification and later her doctorate at Samford University.
Cammie has been married to Brandon Channell for 20 years. They have two sons, Cade (17) and Evan (14), who are both actively involved in school and sports. They are all very supportive and excited for her.
She jumped at the chance to work at Memorial Park Elementary. “This position fits perfectly into my family and work life,” says Cammie. “I’m looking forward to having a positive impact and working with the school’s principal, Eric Rigsby. Park is already an amazing school, and I love getting to come back to my elementary school to serve in this role. I’m incredibly excited about this opportunity to support these students, teachers, and families.” WL
