Breckon Pennell

Principal

It brings my heart joy to serve as the principal of Riverside Elementary School, as our teachers, families, and community come together to provide an exemplary educational experience for every child.   Riverside is incredibly special, as our student body represents diverse populations both ethnically and economically and are surrounded by a community of business owners, local organizations, community volunteers, and faith institutions who readily support and invest in our school.  Our families take pride in their children’s education, and we work together as we endeavor toward each child’s successes both academically and in personal well-being.  We offer core academics, as well as enrichment and intervention opportunities for students.  Music, art, library, physical education, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) are all exploratory classes that students are involved in weekly.  Students participate in morning meetings first thing in the morning each day to build their classroom community and learn more about how to be a person of character and integrity.

This school year marks my 25^th year in public education with 15 years in elementary and middle school administration and 10 years in middle school teaching of language arts and math.  My Bachelor’s degree is in Elementary Education and my Master’s degree is in School Administration – both degrees were earned from Middle Tennessee State University.  My Doctoral degree is in Leadership and Professional Practices from Trevecca Nazarene University, and my research is in children’s empathy and prosocial behavior development in the school setting.