Jenna Sharp, Principal of Clinton Elementary School, leads a well-rounded campus consisting of 600 students and 60 highly qualified educators and support staff. Mrs. Sharp leads her school with a student-centered focus and firmly believes that providing instructional leadership for continuous improvement is one of the most important elements in the role of a principal. She strives daily to be an ethical and effective instructional leader that collaborates with stakeholders to create and sustain an inclusive, respectful and safe environment conducive to learning and growth. Mrs. Sharp believes that fostering a climate of continuous professional learning is necessary for student success.

Mrs. Sharp graduated with her Master’s degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Additionally, she has an Education Specialist Degree in Instructional Leadership. Her career in education began in 2003 where she taught 1st and 2nd grade.  Jenna moved to Clinton Elementary School as an Assistant Principal in 2011 and has now been the Principal for 9 years. She has served on various committees for the Tennessee Department of Education, including the Principal Study Council Executive Committee and The Funding Review Subcommittee for educational funding in Tennessee. Mrs. Sharp worked with The University of Tennessee to develop the Administrators Planning Innovation for Rural Education where they earned the Educational Excellence Award for Rural Education by the National Rural Education Association. In addition, she earned the title of East Region Principal of the Year for the State of Tennessee. In 2019, Mrs. Sharp was chosen as one of Knoxville’s 40 Under 40, which is an award given yearly to individuals under the age of 40 to recognize their achievements and contributions to their field. 

During her leadership, her school has been recognized every year as a Reward School by the Tennessee Department of Education for both academic achievement and growth, placing them in the top 10% of schools in Tennessee. In 2023, Clinton Elementary School was named a National Institute for Excellence in Teaching Founder’s Award Finalist. Additionally in 2023, one of her educators was recognized as a Milken Educator Award Winner. Clinton Elementary School is a level 5 school, which is the highest designation given by the state of Tennessee for academic excellence.