By GRAYSON LEE CAVALIERE
Rutherford County Schools
Tory Atwood has been named as Rutherford County Schools new Attendance Coordinator. Atwood succeeds Kim Edwards who is retiring this year with 25½ years of service with RCS.
In this Q&A, Atwood introduces herself and gives an account of her previous work with RCS:
Q: Tell me about your career in education so far:
A: I moved here from Texas in 2005 and started at Rutherford County in 2007. I coached several sports. Blackman first, and then Stewarts Creek. At Blackman High School I was a science teacher, softball coach, volleyball coach and swim coach. At Stewarts Creek I started out as a science teacher, volleyball coach and basketball coach. Then I became science department chair.
Q: How did you transition from coach to Attendance Coordinator?
A: Based on my coaching experience I was told I’d probably be a pretty decent administrator. I started doing that and became an assistant principal at Stewarts Creek High School. Currently I am over testing and the master schedule. I like details. I like logistics. I like puzzles. So, this position appealed to me because I Thought, this is kind of combining all the things I’m really good at and enjoy figuring out. I’m also a believer in standard operating procedures because if you have that clarity, it takes some of the stress from other people – so that’s what I like to do.
Q: Tell me what you enjoyed about being an AP?
A: I enjoy working with kiddos and helping them understand and learn from mistakes. I also really enjoy working with the teachers and helping them to be the best that they can be, making sure they get what they need to be successful in supporting them. With AP work I get to do something different every single day. I may walk in and have a plan for the day, but that’s not necessarily what I'm going to do.
Q: What did you like about working at Stewarts Creek?
A: We have great students. We have kind of built up the culture at our school as a tight ship with good relationships. We have high expectations. We want you to do your very best, but we’re going to have a lot of fun while we do that. High school kids need to understand that it’s not always work, work, work... but it’s not always play, play, play. Finding that balance is important. Our kids at our school understand that everybody is there to support them.
Q: What gets you motivated on a Sunday night?
A: Every day knowing that I can help someone. Whether it be a kid, a teacher, or another AP. I know that I can help someone do something easier. Whether it be teaching a student how to use time management tricks or helping a teacher with something going on in their personal life. It’s just getting up every day and knowing I can solve a problem for someone that will make it easier for them if I can put the stress on myself.
Q: What do you hope your impact as Attendance Coordinator will be?
A: I hope they will remember that I helped to make sure we’re getting what we need for every kid. I want to make sure every kid is accounted for and create policies, procedures – an operating manual if you will – to help people. I feel like with this position, just making sure we’re consistent across the board. I feel like when and if I walk away from the position, if I can provide consistency in making sure everybody is doing it the same way so we are successfully receiving what we should be receiving.
Q: What is something you are passionate about not related to school.
A: Animals – my dogs! I’m passionate about my family. They live in Texas. My mom’s here right now and stays for a couple of months during testing, so making sure I can have those ties. My friends, making sure I have quality friendships. But I enjoy working! I know I’m weird.