Principal Spotlight: Dr. Kelley Weiss

Chattanooga, TN– In celebration of Principals Appreciation Month, we proudly recognize Dr. Kelley Weiss, principal of Wallace A. Smith Elementary, who has dedicated seven years to Hamilton County Schools. Originally from St. Charles, Missouri, Weiss brings with her a wealth of experience and dedication to serve her students, staff, and community.

Weiss began her educational journey at Coastal Carolina University, where she earned her Bachelors in Biology. She then went on to University of Maine to earn both her Masters in Science Education and her CAS in Education Leadership. She later continued her studies at Liberty University where she received her Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction.

Her career began as a middle and high school science teacher before she transitioned into administration at a 6-12 school. In 2012, Weiss made the switch to elementary education, soon finding a rewarding new path at Wallace A. Smith after serving at Alpine Crest and DuPont Elementary Schools.

Now in her third year at Wallace A. Smith, Weiss’s vision for the school centers on fostering student growth and happiness. “I always want to know that my students are achieving their best,” she said. “I want them to grow academically, grow as people, and I also want them to leave school missing it, so they want to come back and learn again. I want them to be excited about coming here.”

Weiss serves as a lead learner, coach, and role model, but she also learns from the community as well. “The community as a whole is so amazing and supportive,” she said. “I am constantly bragging about how compassionate our students are, how they are so willing to help each other, and the kindness they share with each other. I am always impressed on how our teachers are able to create such collaborative classrooms and how they really work to let the kids drive the learning. And our parents are so engaged and invested in their child’s learning. It's overwhelming the amount of support that we get as a school.”

“My favorite thing about this job is working with the kids and watching them get a new idea. Every day here is like a tiny celebration. They love learning,” she said, highlighting the infectious enthusiasm that fills the school. “When students are really excited to show me something or connect with me, it's so special.” Describing her work as “pure joy,” Weiss notes one of her favorite parts of the day: car line. “It gives me a chance to connect with families each day. I get to say hello to every student as they come in and make sure that they know they are welcomed. That's important to me. I want them to feel like they are seen.”
With many exciting programs and features at Wallace A. Smith, Weiss notes her favorite parts of the school: “I sound like such a kid, but I love our new playground. We just put it in two years ago and I’m incredibly proud of it. And our new STEM lab– there's so many ways the kids get to be engaged there.” Weiss loves the places in the school where children are able to be themselves and grow.

As we celebrate Principals Appreciation Month, we are reminded of the significant impact that leaders like Dr. Kelley Weiss have on their schools. Her dedication, passion, and commitment to student success makes Wallace A. Smith Elementary a truly exceptional place for learning. Thank you, Principal Weiss, for everything you do!