Principal Spotlight: LEAD Cameron’s Briana Shelton
LEAD Cameron’s Briana Shelton knew she wanted to be an educator before leaving high school. She started volunteering at Smithson Craighead Academy, a public charter school in Madison, during her senior year and fell in love with helping students overcome challenges in the classroom. Now, Shelton is finishing up her first full semester as principal at LEAD Cameron, and her passion for serving students and families has only grown stronger.
“The students and families at Cameron make my job fun and exciting,” Shelton said. “I’ve learned more through my work with each student and family than I could have ever imagined. I am a better person because of each of them!”
Her volunteer experience made the decision to study education in college an easy one. Shelton earned a degree from Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky, and focused on honing skills in math education and learning and behavioral disorders.
After graduating, Shelton returned home to her native Nashville to begin her teaching career. Since then, she’s gained experience teaching math and exceptional education in grades 5 through 8, coaching teachers, and as an assistant principal.
“This is my 8th year with LEAD and at Cameron,” Shelton said, “Nashville is my home. There is no greater honor than serving my home community through my love of education.”
In her role as assistant principal of instruction, Briana had a significant hand in the achievement of a Level 5 TVAAS growth score for the 21-22 school year. She’s excited to build on that growth with an implementation of a robust reading program this year and is seeking to further enhance historically successful programs and curriculum at Cameron. She recognizes that what makes Cameron exceptional is the vow to always develop and grow and is committed to always working to refine and improve the instructional practices.
Shelton and her husband are raising three sons. They’re surrounded by many extended family members in the Nashville area and enjoy time spent together with family.
“Having grown up as the middle of three sisters, I’m looking forward to seeing our three boys develop the same bond my sisters and I have,” Shelton said, “As you can imagine, there is never a dull moment at home for my husband and me.”
