Dr. Jimica Howard named new principal of Shelby Traditional Academy

Veteran JCPS educator has served as a teacher, counselor and assistant principal at elementary, middle schools

Dr. Jimica Howard has been named the new principal of Shelby Traditional Academy.

Dr. Howard is a 17-year veteran of Jefferson County Public Schools, having served as a teacher, counselor and assistant principal in both elementary and middle schools.

picture of new shelby principal jimica howard
“I am passionate about improving the lives of students and committed to achieving excellence for each and every Shelby Shark,” Dr. Howard said.  “I truly appreciate this opportunity and look forward to the amazing things that we will accomplish together.”

Most recently, she served as assistant principal at Slaughter Elementary, where she worked with a team to ensure that every student had equitable access to rigorous, engaging, multicultural, and standards-based learning experiences, ultimately helping the school exit CSI (comprehensive school improvement) status.

“At my core, I am an instructional leader who is committed to the success of every student and will ensure that my community of educators know and believe that we are the gatekeepers of teaching and learning,” she said.  “This belief extends to every student.”

“From her work in the 2019 Emerging Leaders cohort to her vast experiences from classroom teacher to counselor to assistant principal, Dr. Howard will bring to Shelby Elementary School a passion for improving the lives of students through supporting teachers to reach levels of excellence,” said Dr. Nate Meyer, assistant superintendent of Accelerated Improvement Schools. “We are excited to have this dynamic instructional leader who is committed to the success of every student join the community of Shelby to inspire excellence in teaching and learning.”