Blue Umbrella Official October 2018 issue | Page 3

AOA'S NEW FACE
MEET MRS. ELLIS
By: William M.
Mrs. Julia Ellis became Alpha Omega
Academy?s new principal in July. Some
students may know her from science classes,
primarily chemistry.
Mrs. Ellis is originally from Knoxville,
Tennessee, and she attended traditional public Mrs. Ellis is married and has a two-year-old
schools. Her teachers were compassionate son. Currently, she, her husband Zach, and
and gave her confidence to succeed, which their son Karson live in Gainesville, Florida.
encouraged her to become involved in Her vision for AOA is to refine the school, so
education. Her mother was a former teacher that it can meet students? needs. She wants to
and administrator; therefore, teaching and focus on biblical integration and perspective
caring for students became a part of her life into all aspects of the school, which includes
early on. curriculum. Since AOA acquired the ACSI
Mrs. Ellis attended the University of
accreditation, it will now be able to grow
Tennessee where she received a Bachelor of students in all areas more effectively. As
Science degree in Chemistry with a minor in principal, she wants to capitalize on what it
Secondary Education. Later, she received her means to be a Christian school by leading
Master of Education from New Mexico State students to be active and impactful
University in Curriculum and Instruction with a participants in their community.
minor in Educational Administration. At first, Concluding the interview, she gave
she wanted to study medicine; however, she advice for all of AOA?s students. She said, ?I just
was not comfortable in hospital settings and encourage all students to commit to studying
eventually realized her true passion was with the Word, so it can direct their path.? She also
education. advised students to find something to commit
Prior to her teaching science at AOA, she to and to do well in it. When asked if she
worked at a traditional public school and held wants to improve interaction between
leadership roles. Also, she worked as a administration and students, she said,
teaching assistant at the university level. ?Definitely! I think this should be something
we all work on together.?
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