Johnny McDaniel, director of Bradley County Schools, has announced Angela Lawson as the principal at Michigan Avenue Elementary School.  Ms. Lawson will assume this position on July 1, following the retirement of Robert Brittingham who has given 30 years of service to Bradley and Hamilton County Schools.

Ms. Lawson began her career in education as a secondary teacher in 1994.  She has also taught on the elementary and college level.  Ms. Lawson has served in Bradley County Schools since 2005.  She holds an Educational Specialist Degree in Education Leadership from Lee University as well as a Master’s Degree in Church Music Studies and a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Lee University.

Upon naming Ms. Lawson as principal, Director McDaniel said, “I am confident that she will be a good fit at Michigan Avenue to continue the tradition of excellence for which this school is known.”  Additionally, Mr. McDaniel stated that Ms. Lawson has shown a solid foundation of leadership.  

Ms. Lawson has served as an assistant principal and an interim principal at Michigan Avenue.  “I am excited to return to Michigan Avenue Elementary,” Ms. Lawson said.  “I look forward to reconnecting with the students, parents, faculty and staff. Together we will continue to focus on academic achievement and the development of the whole child in a safe environment that encourages creativity and leadership.”

Ms. Lawson became the principal of Blue Springs Elementary School in 2010.  “She exhibited outstanding leadership characteristics when Blue Springs was devastated by the tornadoes on April 27, 2011,” Mr. McDaniel said. “She led her faculty and students with care and compassion as personnel and students were reassigned and the school was eventually closed.  She will bring these strong characteristics of leadership and caring to the position at Michigan Avenue.”

“I have had the privilege to work with Ms. Lawson in several different roles and have always found her to be a true professional,” said Sheena Newman, supervisor of Elementary Instruction.  “I watched her leadership skills shine during a very difficult situation.  She took on the role of a servant leader after the devastation of the April 2011 storms.  She has a heart for children and a passion for excellence.  Her knowledge of elementary education and her creativity will be a winning combination at MAS where excellence is a tradition."

Since the closing of Blue Springs, Ms. Lawson has served in the capacity of Evaluation Specialist for Bradley County Schools.  In this role, she assisted teachers and administrators in the transition to a new teacher evaluation model.  “Ms. Lawson has proven her excellent people skills, and I feel confident in her abilities to lead Michigan Avenue Elementary School,” said Director McDaniel. 

Retiring principal Robert Brittingham said, “There is an expectation of excellence at Michigan Avenue.  I am confident that Ms. Lawson not only understands these expectations, but she brings with her the tools necessary to meet the challenges ahead and continue this course of excellence.” 

“I look forward to serving at Michigan Avenue Elementary School,” said Ms. Lawson.  “I share the sentiment stated by Katherine Graham (daughter of Evangelist Billy Graham), ‘To love what you do and feel that it matters – how could anything be more fun’.”