By Barry H. Hendrix
John Sheffield has been named as the new Assistant Principal at Thomasville Elementary School.
A native of Jackson, he graduated from Jackson High School. He earned his Associate’s Degree from Coastal Alabama Community College in Thomasville and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Collaborative Special Education from the University of South Alabama in Mobile.
Sheffield later would earn a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and School Administration from the University of West Alabama in Livingston.
He previously was a special education teacher and football coach at Washington County High School in Chatom. He recently served four years as a special education teacher and football coach at Jackson Middle School.
JMS principal, Dr. Adam Andrews, was a mentor to Sheffield. He helped to inspire Sheffield to go into school administration. “I fell in love with helping others to reach their goals. I believe the number one aspect of leadership is to help others maximize their potential so that they can help others succeed.”
As a student at Jackson High School, two teachers, Gwen White (special education) and Benny Tubberville (math), encouraged Sheffield’s interest in an educational career.
Sheffield is excited about his opportunity at Thomasville Elementary School. “My personal philosophy is to educate every student, every day in every way,” he said. “I truly believe that education is a collaborative process. It truly takes a village.”
Sheffield wants to offer support to Principal Melisa Washington, students, staff, parents and stakeholders. The elementary grades are “the foundation,” he said. “Academics are important, but also character education with teaching core values.” Students must not only be taught the importance of academic instruction “but also how to be good future citizens.”
He is impressed with the Thomasville community. “You can’t go anywhere without seeing the ‘T’ logo. There is always something going on.”
He is married to Brooklyn, a special education teacher at Jackson Middle School.
When there is time away from work, the couple likes to travel. They are big sports enthusiasts and enjoy going to an Alabama Crimson Tide football game or an Atlanta Braves baseball game.