About Us

Principal - Ms. Tersheia Hayes 

headshot of Ms. Hayes

Welcome Super Dolphins to DuPont Elementary School! 

I want to be the first to introduce myself to you. I am Tersheia Hayes, and it is my honor to serve as your building principal for the upcoming 2023 - 2024 school year at DuPont Elementary. The learning community we have built here at DuPont where students are loved, respected, and supported as the whole child. As an Instructional Leader, I believe that our students will thrive by design. I’m committed to Educating, Equipping, and Empowering the students and teachers I serve with the keys necessary for unlocking the doors to an abundant and successful future.

As the “Leading Learner” at DuPont, my work begins by embodying our belief that ALL students can and will learn within our school. Educators and I, know the positive impact of believing in our students and their abilities as well as the importance of having great teachers in front of them each day.

At DuPont, our design includes three key commitments:

  1. We are committed to educating students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world.
  2. We are committed to equipping students with skills in problem solving, adaptability, perseverance, collaboration, and effective communication as they pursue and accomplish their dreams.
  3. We are committed to empowering students become the authors of their own destinies where they learn, reflect, and grow on their journey toward achieving a purpose driven life.

None of these aspirations can be achieved without a partnership with you! We know this is best achieved when together, our staff, parents and students work collaboratively in a cooperative and supportive manner. 

My Educational background includes attending The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for my undergraduate degree after falling in love with the city during my senior year of high school. I later earned my Masters and Educational Specialist degrees from Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville in the area of Instructional Leadership while I taught in the classroom.  

I have an extensive background as a classroom teacher for eleven years at The Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences in multiple grade levels. I was the Literacy Instructional Coach at Woodmore Elementary for two years before serving as an effective Assistant Principal at Calvin Donaldson Elementary for the last four years.

As an Instructional Leader, I’ve refined my guiding principles of seeking knowledge, having Integrity, and serving others with compassion which has contributed to high levels of growth for our students and teachers over the years. I know what it takes to sustain a positive and supportive culture and climate focused on meeting the diverse needs of the students and families we serve. I have led the great work of improving student achievement and I believe together we can continue to do great things at DuPont Elementary!  

I am a mother to a talented and loving twelve-year-old daughter who loves learning, her friends, and soccer. She keeps me busy most nights and weekends. I am actively involved in my community through various organizations and church. I value family and friends and making time to do those things that bring you joy! I love reading and as a life-long learner, I understand how being open to growing and learning new things keeps our minds young and healthy.  

We are honored that you have chosen DuPont Elementary School for your child for the 2023-24 school year. Our Dynamic DuPont Team is so thrilled about the many adventures we will take as students thrive and reach their full potential to a future without limits. Each new year is met with great anticipation as we build upon past successes and look forward to future opportunities for students to develop strong, positive, and mutually respectful relationships with their peers, teachers, and our DuPont community! 

Respectfully your Principal,

Ms. Tersheia Hayes

 

 

 

Assistant Principal - Mrs. Leanne Chesney

leanne chesney photo

My name is Leanne Chesney and I am honored to serve as the Assistant Principal at DuPont Elementary for the upcoming school year! I began my teaching career in Hamilton County Schools in 2008 and have held the roles of teacher and instructional coach at DuPont since 2019. I am passionate about supporting the academic, social, and emotional needs of our students, and am committed to ensuring that our DuPont Dolphin teachers and students grow and thrive!
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