BIO

Susan Blankenship has dedicated her life to educating children.  For nearly 20 years, Susan has worked in Metro Nashville Public Schools.  She started as a middle school teacher, moved into the role of instructional coach, and served as a Dean of Instruction in a middle school.  Lastly, Susan served as an elementary school principal for nine years at Sylvan Park Paideia Design Center and then Waverly Belmont Elementary School, both economically and socially diverse schools in the Metro-Nashville area. 

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Susan transitioned to St. Edward School as the principal in July of 2020. Susan is a member of St. Edward Church and was a St. Edward School parent.   

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“My faith is very important to me, and I have seen God work in my life in various ways.  I know that God called me to this incredible opportunity to merge my career with my faith life.  I am excited to serve the St. Edward community as principal, and under my leadership, St. Edward School will provide academic excellence while modeling the love of Jesus Christ and strengthening the Catholic faith of all members of our school community.  I look forward to partnering with Father Bulso, the school faculty, parents, and the church community to do this work.” 

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Susan is a strong instructional leader that works to create a welcoming environment not just for her students, but for her parents and teachers as well. She has a research-based philosophy and a student-centered approach to teaching.  Susan has the heart of a teacher.  She is known for fostering an atmosphere of collaboration among her teachers and for building relationships with students and their families. 

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Susan has a bachelor’s degree as well as a master’s in education from the University of Tennessee and her Education Specialist credential in Educational Leadership from Middle Tennessee State University. 

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Susan and her husband Chris live in Nashville with their four children, Mattie, Ella, Will, and Andrew, ages 16-23.  When she’s not at school, Susan enjoys camping, boating, reading, pilates, and spending time at the pool with her family.