by JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Dr. Erin Slater began her tenure as the superintendent for Johnson City Schools on Tuesday, bringing over 30 years of experience in various roles to the position.
“I’ve been a classroom teacher in a couple of different grade levels, and that really gave me the foundational skills to understand the workings of a school district and the workings of a school,” Slater said. “So having worked with different teams at different grade levels, I think, gave me a great foundation to know what a good classroom instruction looks like.”
Her experience includes being an assistant principal and principal, as well as an assistant superintendent and superintendent.
“Having that experience brought to Johnson City, I think, gives me a unique perspective on building on the wonderful things that are happening here.”
She said the system’s security protocols are one of those things she intends to build on.
“I was extremely impressed at how security and safety is addressed in this district,” Slater said. “In today’s age, [it’s important] to make sure that we have a system in place and security features in place, because our children are our number one priority and our number one responsibility.”
Slater said she can bring new eyes and perspectives to things that can be improved.
“It’ll start with teachers on high-level instructional strategies,” Slater said. “What does high-level instruction look like? Making sure that students are engaged, that we’re getting out of students what we need so that they can perform and be productive.”
News Channel 11 asked Dr. Slater about school vouchers, minimum teacher salaries and technology in the classroom.
She comes from a state in which school vouchers have been established for a few years.
“The state of Iowa was probably three years ahead of the state of Tennessee as far as implementing a voucher system coming from legislation,” Slater explained. “What my job is as a public school superintendent is to tell the story of Johnson City Schools and brag about all the wonderful things that we’re doing and the opportunities that we offer here in Johnson City.”
Slater also explained that Johnson City Schools already pays well above the state-required minimum.
“We pride ourselves on being one of the highest paid districts, to attract and retain the most high quality candidates as possible,” Slater said.
As for technology in the classroom, Slater said her goal is to create responsible digital citizens.
“There are times when it’s very appropriate to use technology and instruction, and there’s times where it really is better to have that face-to-face interaction,” Slater said. “But they have access to the resources that are appropriate for them to continue and extend their learning. So we just have to make sure that we’re educating students on what we model as responsible digital citizens, of how to use technology in an appropriate and in a learning way.”
Her goal now is to establish herself within the community and create relationships as a public servant.
“I want to be visible so that parents can see that, that’s important to me,” Slater said. “What we offer and what we do with kids is very important. So I want to make sure that visibility is the number one thing that I am focused on and looking towards. I feel very lucky to be a part of this organization and this city.”
The school system is holding a meet and greet for those interested in meeting Dr. Slater on Tuesday, July 15, at the central office board room.
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