Hello Grandview Families,

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Tara Churchwell. I grew up not too far from here in Surgoinsville, Tennessee. I am married and have three sons. I have been blessed with a grandson as well. I began my administrative career at Grandview Elementary as an Assistant Principal in January 2019, then became the Principal in August 2020.

I continued my education journey after graduating from Volunteer High School at East Tennessee State University, where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education. I then went on to receive my Master’s Degree and EDS in Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University. After that, I completed my Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of the Cumberlands. I have endorsements in general education and deaf education. I have experience as a PK-8 special education teacher, Deaf Educator, 6th-grade ELA teacher, and RTI2 Coordinator.

I look forward to serving the students, staff, and stakeholders of Grandview Elementary. My passion is working with and building positive relationships with students and teachers and watching them grow as learners. I consider myself to be a lifelong learner and will do everything in my power to make sure our students grow and learn to become successful adults in our society.

Dr. Tara Churchwell

Principal

On Site 504 Coordinator

Dr. Rachel Heaton

          Hello, it is a pleasure to introduce myself to you as your Assistant Principal. I want to take this opportunity to tell you a little bit about myself and my background so that you can begin to get to know me. 

      I am originally from Kingsport, TN, where I graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School. I attended college at ETSU, where I majored in Child and Family Studies and Human Development and Learning. After my first round of college, I didn't really know what I wanted to do, so I spent some time teaching high school colorguard, and during that time, I realized that I wanted to be a teacher. To achieve this goal, I attended Milligan College and worked on my Masters of Education in K-6. After graduating from Milligan, I taught 4th grade at West Elementary School in Morristown, TN for two years until my husband and I moved back to the Tri-Cities. Upon moving back to the area, I taught 6th grade ELA at Robinson Middle School in Kingsport, TN for 7 years. During my time at Robinson, I went back to ETSU and pursued my Doctorate of Education. After graduating from ETSU a second time, I began my career as an administrator by serving as Associate Principal at Andrew Jackson Elementary in Kingsport for the past two years. This brings me to now, where I am beginning a new journey in Washington County Schools. I am excited about beginning this journey with you, and I look forward to learning about what makes Grandview special in the coming year!

        I currently live in Johnson City with my husband, and our very spoiled Yorkie. When I am not at work, I enjoy cooking, gardening, listening to True Crime podcasts, and reading. While we do not have children of our own, we have three amazing nieces and nephews that fill our hearts with love and joy.

        I know that this year is one full of uncertainty, but I am confident that by working together, we can face whatever obstacles may come our way. We can all agree that this will not be a normal year, but please be assured that Mrs. Churchwell and I are working alongside the leadership team and with guidance from the district to make sure we have a well thought out plan of action in place for whatever format of learning we may be presented with in the coming year. I thank you in advance for your flexibility and open-mindedness as we work together in our new normal.  

        Thank you for allowing me to introduce myself to you, and I wish you a healthy and peaceful end to the summer break.