Springfield Public Schools names new administrators

(From Springfield Public Schools)

Springfield Public Schools announced Wednesday the selection of the district’s assistant director of early childhood education and new principals for Campbell Early Childhood Center and Jeffries Elementary. These appointments are effective July 1.

Tammy Flowers, the current principal of Campbell Early Childhood Center, has been promoted to serve as the district’s assistant director of early childhood education for the 2023-2024 school year. SPS has significantly expanded access to early childhood programming in recent years. The Wonder Years preschool program is now offered at multiple elementary sites and four early childhood centers districtwide, emphasizing language development, literacy, math and social interaction. Tammy has served as principal of Campbell Early Childhood Center since 2018.

Prior to joining SPS, Tammy served as the coordinator of early childhood in St. Joseph, overseeing early childhood special education, Title 1 preschool and Parents-as-Teachers. Past teaching experience includes instruction at Missouri Western State University and Baptist Bible College. She completed undergraduate studies in elementary education at Missouri Western State University and graduate work in educational administration from William Woods University.

“I am thrilled to continue serving SPS in this leadership capacity, which allows me to collaborate in new ways to expand learning opportunities for our community’s youngest learners,” she said.

Kayla Hollister-Graham will follow Tammy Flowers as the next principal of Campbell Early Childhood Center, where she has most recently served as a behavior interventionist. Prior to joining SPS in 2018, she taught fifth grade in the Avilla R-13 School District.

Kayla graduated from Central High School with an International Baccalaureate Diploma prior to completing undergraduate studies in early childhood education at Missouri State University and graduate work in educational leadership at Northwest Missouri State University.

“Campbell Early Childhood Center holds a special place in my heart,” said Kayla. “I am excited for the opportunity to continue serving our early childhood students and their families in this new role.”

Dr. Christen Glenn will serve as the next principal of Jeffries Elementary, effective July 1. Christen joined SPS in 2012 as a fifth grade teacher, later serving as a learning specialist. In her district role with professional learning, she worked with principals to align training with their school action plans and helped develop early career teachers. She has served as a principal for Explore summer learning and currently serves as the assistant principal at Delaware Elementary.

Prior to joining SPS, Christen taught in the Marionville R-IX School District. She completed undergraduate studies in elementary education and graduate work in educational administration, both from Missouri State University, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Southwest Baptist University.

“I am so excited to join the Jeffries community as we continue the journey toward reaching our greatest potential,” she said. “I look forward to building relationships with staff, families and community partners while working together to support growth. I cannot wait to get started!”