Amy Henderson’s story is a testament to the power of recognizing a calling at a young age. Henderson says she knew that “God called” her into education and provided her with teachers that inspired, motivated and encouraged her throughout her own education. Her experiences created a passion for her to impact the lives of students the way her teachers had done for her.
Being the first member of her immediate family to graduate from college, her parents were her personal cheerleaders encouraging and supporting her to make those dreams of becoming an educator a reality. Not only did she complete her degree in elementary education from Maryville College, she continued her education at Carson Newman earning a masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Loving to learn, study and improve her pedagogy, she continued her professional education at Lincoln Memorial earning two degrees: an Ed.S. in Instructional Leadership and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.
Over the past 21 years, Henderson has lived her calling through multiple roles as a dedicated educator. As a teacher and instructional coach, she served public school students and teachers for 12 years, until says, “God opened the door for my family to move to Grace Christian Academy,” where she serves as the principal of the elementary school.
Henderson still holds the teacher role as the most valuable educator role, remembering the impact a teacher has on the individual student. She believes it is her job is to support the teachers so they can continue to do the “incredible work they do every day.”
As a teacher Amy kept a sign on her desk: “Every child in your classroom is someone’s whole world.”
She shares this with her team of teachers each year as well. She says, “As educators we have the greatest gift that God gives parents on earth in our classrooms each day. In my role as principal, I want to always remember that Jesus died on the cross for their sins the same as my sins and that they are created in His image. Each child deserves to be seen, valued, supported, and deserves to have decisions made that are best for them.”
Henderson is also known for her sense of humor, wearing costumes and crazy headbands. She doesn’t want to ever take life too seriously, always willing to have fun with staff, students, and parents, creating a culture where school is a place to laugh, have fun and enjoy the place where learning takes place.
Ella and Amy Henderson
Amy is married to Chris Henderson and spends her free time with her family, cheering her daughter Ella on the soccer field. “The time with my family recharges me and reminds me why I do what I do. I want to love and support those I serve at GCA the same way that I would want someone to love my own family. “
When asked her future plans, Henderson provided no surprises. She plans to continue modeling being a lifelong learner, continuing to learn and improve, both by studying God’s word daily and researching the educational content necessary to stay up on the best practices in education.
Amy Henderson’s story is a testament to the power of recognizing a calling at a young age. Her journey from a curious child to a dedicated educator exemplifies the profound impact that passion and purpose can have on a person’s life. As she continues to inspire and educate the next generation, Amy Henderson remains a shining example of how one person’s calling can create a ripple effect of positive change in the world of education.
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