Jennifer Shirley
Following the announcement of Dr. Jessica Ainsworth as the next superintendent of Carroll County Schools, the Carroll County Board of Education is continuing to elevate leaders from within as it prepares for next school year.
Executive Director of Teaching and Learning Jennifer Shirley will become Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning beginning July 1, replacing Ainsworth at the executive cabinet level.
Shirley’s new role will provide strategic leadership and oversight for the district’s Pre-K through Grade 12 instructional program to ensure high levels of student achievement, instructional coherence, and continuous improvement across all schools, as well as exceptional children’s services, English for speakers of other languages, gifted programs, professional learning for the system’s 2,000 employees, and wraparound services for students.
“Mrs. Shirley is someone who understands Carroll County inside and out,” Ainsworth said. “She has deep experience in our Teaching and Learning Department and a great appreciation for our purpose to positively change lives. I look forward to seeing her impact in this new role.”
Shirley is a Villa Rica native who started her teaching career at Lithia Springs Elementary School in 1998 before coming to Carroll County in 2000. She was assistant principal at Ithica Elementary School before serving as principal at Temple Elementary. In 2014 she joined the district office staff where she has served in multiple roles overseeing accountability, testing, elementary, middle and high schools. She holds bachelor’s, master’s and specialist degrees, all from Jacksonville State University.
“This district has a strong reputation for putting students first and fostering a culture of excellence, and I am excited to build on that foundation as Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning,” Shirley said. “I look forward to working collaboratively with our educators, staff, families, and community to support high-quality instruction, expand opportunities for all learners, and ensure every student is prepared for success.”
