November 16, 2023
By MEALAND RAGLAND-HUDGINS
Rutherford County Schools
Rock Springs Middle School Assistant Principal Lori Scott has held several jobs during her 25 years as an educator, a career she considered because of a high school teacher’s encouragement.
A native of Nashville, Scott was recently named a recipient of the Superstar Teacher award by the J. Harmon Home Team. She holds degrees from Middle Tennessee State University and Carson-Newman University.
The nomination letter for the recognition highlights Scott’s time as an educator, first with Metro Nashville Public Schools and now with Rutherford County Schools. She was an English Language Arts teacher for several years before becoming an academic interventionist, helping students who struggled with reading skills. She then became an instructional coach at RSMS, allowing her to work with teachers and students.
“Her impact as an administrator is even greater and her passion for education is commended,” the nomination letter said.
Scott recently shared how she got started in education, the career path she may have taken and something her students would be unlikely to guess about her.
Q: What made you want to become a teacher?
A: When I was a sophomore in high school, my Algebra teacher had me assisting a few students in class. He would always say that I would make a great teacher. After hearing that so often, it made me want to pursue it as a career.
Q: If you weren’t an educator, what do you think you’d be doing now?
A: I love to talk! I think I would have loved to be a news anchor.
Q: What’s one thing about you that students would be surprised to know?
A: In middle school, I played a little bit of softball, but my main sport was Baton Twirling. I spent countless hours with that baton! I mentioned it one student, and she had never heard of baton twirling!
Q:Thanksgiving is just around the corner. What are you thankful for?
A: I am extremely thankful for my husband and children. Both of my children are adults; one is a CPA and the other is in her first year of teaching first grade. I couldn't be prouder of the adults they have become. I am very thankful for my husband because we are now empty nesters, and I am grateful to have him to move into this next chapter of my life. Last, I am thankful for Rock Springs Middle School. It is the absolute best place to be! The faculty, staff, and students are my family, and I am so thankful for all of them.