‘Ben will be a great representative for us’ – Jamie Wheeler, CCHS Principal

Campbell County High School Assistant Principal Ben Foust (above) is among a special group of Tennessee school administrators tabbed to  participate in the 2019 Governor’s Academy for School Leadership (GASL).  FULL RELEASE HERE.

He was recommended by Director of Schools Jennifer Fields and Federal Projects Director Tori Lawson.  After that, Foust applied and interviewed  as part of the largest pool of applicants yet for the GASL.  He is only one of 25 statewide educators to have made the cut.

 CCHS Assistant Principal Ben Foust (left) visits with Secondary Education Supervisor Dr. Jason Horne before Monday night’s Cougar home game with Carter as young Henry Horne looks on.

“I am excited for Ben.  He will be a great representative for our school district,”  CCHS Principal Jamie Wheeler said. Foust has served as one of Wheeler’s assistant principals nearly two years.  Prior to that, he taught at LaFollette Elementary School and is in his 10th year in education.

Foust feels like he is able to connect with the students and develop their respect.  He adds that they know he cares about them.

The GASL is a one-year fellowship program to cultivate and develop future school leaders across Tennessee and improve school effectiveness and student performance.  Foust, who is quite excited about the opportunity, said, “This is worth it for me and the school system.”

Foust’s year long participation includes working with a mentor outside his school.  In his case, he is working with Caryville Elementary School Principal Lori Adkins on a weekly basis.

Foust (right) talks with Macy Monday (left) before her game Monday night at Brown Gym.  Foust doesn’t wear the cap during school hours, but you won’t catch him without it the rest of the time.

Throughout  2019, Foust will travel to Nashville once a month for weekend classes.  Classes are Friday nights and all day on Saturdays.  Classes will also be held for one full-week in the summer.

“The success of our students and our schools starts at the top, so it’s critical to identify and build future school leaders ready to guide our students and teachers to greatness in the classroom,”  Governor Bill Haslam said.

Foust said he looks to take full advantage of this opportunity and is honored to have been chosen.  (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/06/2018-6AM-PHOTO COURTESY OF JOSH PARKER)