About Us

Mrs. Shawn Smith

Shawn Smith is a seasoned educational leader with a distinguished career spanning several decades. She has served as Principal of Copper Ridge Elementary since 2023, following six years as Assistant Principal from 2017 to 2023. Prior to her administrative roles, Ms. Smith held the position of Lead Teacher at Copper Ridge Elementary from 2012 to 2017 and taught Kindergarten and 2nd Grade at the same school from 2000 to 2017. She began her teaching career at Ridgedale Elementary, where she taught Kindergarten from 1985 to 2000. Ms. Smith holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Supervision from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (1992), and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a Minor in Music from Louisiana College (1984), reflecting her enduring commitment to academic excellence and student development.

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Mrs. Emily Jellicorse

Ms. Jellicorse joined the staff at Copper Ridge Elementary as Assistant Principal in 2025. Prior to Copper Ridge, she served in a variety of schools and leadership positions.  In 2003 Mrs. Jellicorse began her educational career at Rush Strong School as a 2nd grade teacher, where she taught for two years before moving to Arkansas. After returning to East Tennessee in 2008, she taught 3rd grade at Carter Elementary before moving to Holston Middle School where she taught 8th grade ELA and served as a Mentor and Master Teacher under the TAP Program. In 2015, she served as the Instructional Coach at Gresham Middle School before beginning her journey into school administration. She has served as an assistant principal at Gresham Middle School and Gibbs Elementary and executive principal Chilhowee Intermediate and Carter Elementary Schools.

Mrs. Jellicorse believes that "every child deserves a champion." She believes in addressing the needs of the whole child and values social-emotional learning to ensure students are ready to learn.

Education Credentials:

• Bachelor of Arts, Carson-Newman College
• Master of Science Degree, The University of Tennessee
• Educational Specialist Degree, Lincoln Memorial University

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