Dandridge Elementary School is fortunate to have dedicated leaders who are deeply committed to student success, and Assistant Principal Catelyn Gantte is a wonderful example of that commitment. Currently finishing her first year in administration, Mrs. Gantte brings a strong instructional background, a passion for collaboration, and a genuine love for students and staff alike.

Principal Jim Hodge praised Mrs. Gantte’s impact on the school, stating, “Mrs. Gantte excelled in the classroom in multiple grades and continues to use her classroom expertise in the role of administrator. Catelyn is eager to learn the multiple facets of school administration and is building strong relationships with our teachers, students, and parents. Mrs. Gantte possesses a ‘can‑do’ attitude, willing to come early and stay until the day’s duties are completed. She has the intuition to guide students and teachers to greater success and to devise creative ways to incentivize and recognize our students when they succeed. Mrs. Gantte has a strong sense of family both at home and at work and successfully navigates her role as both mother and school administrator. Dandridge Elementary students, teachers, and the community as a whole are fortunate to have Mrs. Gantte as a vital component of our school.”

Mrs. Gantte earned her Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from The University of Tennessee in 2013. Her journey into education began soon after, as she started working in the field in 2014 while substitute teaching and pursuing a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Lincoln Memorial University. Upon graduating, she joined Knox County Schools, where she taught for seven and a half years across several grade levels, including kindergarten, second, and fifth grade.

While teaching in Knox County, Mrs. Gantte continued to grow professionally by earning her Education Specialist degree in Instructional Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University, graduating in 2019. In July 2022, she joined Jefferson County Schools as a first-grade teacher at Dandridge Elementary, a role she served in for three years before stepping into her current position as assistant principal.

Like many educators, Mrs. Gantte’s inspiration to teach began with the teachers who influenced her as a student—teachers whose impact she still remembers today. Although she always knew she wanted to work with children, it was during her sophomore year at UT, while volunteering in a local elementary school, that her passion for teaching truly took shape. Once she began her master’s program, she knew education was exactly where she belonged.

As assistant principal, Mrs. Gantte values the opportunity to make a schoolwide impact. She appreciates being able to see both the “big picture”—how grade levels and teams work together—and the meaningful daily moments that define school life. Supporting teacher growth, collaboration, and strong relationships is especially rewarding, as it directly benefits students. One of her favorite parts of each day is greeting students and encouraging them to be their very best.

An initiative Mrs. Gantte is particularly proud of is the progress Dandridge Elementary’s staff has made in using student data to inform instruction. She has enjoyed leading data talks with both teachers and students and witnessing powerful “aha” moments along the way. Seeing the staff embrace data‑driven decision‑making and design plans to meet students’ individual needs has been incredibly encouraging.

Outside of school, Mrs. Gantte enjoys spending time with her husband, Weston, and their two daughters. As a family, they love the outdoors—hiking, camping, fishing, and playing with their dogs. She also enjoys traveling and experiencing different cultures, with favorite destinations including Greece, Curaçao, and Walt Disney World. At home, she loves cooking and reading when time allows.

Looking ahead, Mrs. Gantte hopes that Dandridge Elementary will always maintain the special heart that makes it such a meaningful place to work and learn. Her goal is for both staff and students to feel valued, supported, and inspired, while continuing to strive toward the high expectations they set together.

Primary Source: JCS Central Office Update: April Edition. Read the full COU to catch up on news highlights from across the district!