Principal

Mr. Jim Hodge

I am married to Melanie Hodge, a Junior and Senior AP English teacher at Jefferson County High School. We have two daughters- Farrah Greer (Ian) and Chloe Jurek (Bryson). Ian is a Captain in the U.S. Army. Farrah and Ian currently live in Clarksville where Farrah teaches AP history at Northwest High School. In 2022, Farrah and Ian blessed us with our first grandchild, Poppy. Chloe and Bryson also teach at Jefferson County High School where Chloe teaches AP biology and directs the senior play. Bryson teaches AP World History and coaches both the boy’s and girl’s golf teams.

I was born and raised in Jefferson County and graduated from Jefferson County High School in 1978. I have degrees from the University of Tennessee (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Carson-Newman University (Master of Arts in Teaching), and Lincoln Memorial University (Specialist in Education).

My teaching experience includes both middle school students and high school students. I began my teaching career at Cosby School in 1994. I then taught at White Pine Elementary from 1995-2000. In August 2000, I moved to Maury Middle where I served as assistant principal and then principal from 2001-2007. I then helped develop the Coordinated School Health program for Jefferson County before returning to White Pine School as assistant principal from 2012-2019. In 2019, I was selected to be the principal of Dandridge Elementary School.

In my spare time, I love to spend time with my family, read, and since 2001 I have worked with the many faculty and staff members to produce the annual Senior Play at JCHS.

I believe every child can learn and it is my honor to work with the dedicated faculty and staff at Dandridge Elementary. It is our responsibility as adults to work together and give our children the absolute best chance to achieve success. If I can ever help in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me either by calling the school or through my email.

Assistant Principal

Mrs. Catelyn Gantte

I am proud to serve as the Assistant Principal at Dandridge Elementary, where I’ve been part of the school community for the past three years. I have over ten years of teaching experience in an elementary school setting. With classroom experience in kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 5th grades, I bring a well-rounded perspective to elementary education and a deep commitment to supporting student growth and teacher success. I hold a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from The University of Tennessee, a master’s in Elementary Education from Lincoln Memorial University, and an Educational Specialist degree in Instructional Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University. These academic experiences have shaped my passion for literacy, learning, and school leadership.

Outside of school, I enjoy reading, cooking, hiking, eating good food, and exploring new places. I’m married to my college sweetheart, Weston, and we are the proud parents of two amazing daughters. I feel incredibly grateful t be a part of the Dandridge community, the best small town in Tennessee,—there’s nothing better than being part of the same community I get to serve each day.

I believe we, as educators, have the greatest job in the world. We have the incredible responsibility and privilege of shaping the minds and hearts of future generations. Every day is an opportunity to make a lasting impact, inspire growth, and help students discover their potential. There’s no greater calling than helping children learn, grow, and thrive. I look forward to working alongside each of you this school year!