Nadina Alexander Named Principal of North Warren Elementary

L-R: Gavin, Nadina (holding Canon), Nolan, and Kevin Alexander as Mrs. Nadina is named principal at North Warren Elementary.

Darren Doyle, story:
Edmonson County resident Nadina Alexander was named principal at North Warren Elementary on Wednesday, September 13th.

Alexander, who just began her 19th year in education, started her career teaching 4th grade at North Butler Elementary. She later came to South Edmonson, teaching 3rd and 4th grade for three years, then taught 5th grade reading and writing at the Edmonson County 5/6 Center.

"I did that for two years until my dream teaching position came available and that was teaching American History," she said. "History has always been my favorite subject, and a true passion of mine so I was excited to teach students about our heritage.  I taught 5th grade social studies along with science for 8 years.  Every year I have worked in education has been special, but those 8 years are some of my absolute favorite memories."

From there, she said she was given the opportunity to work towards her administration certification through GRREC and WKU in a Learning to Lead grant. 

"In 2021, I started to look into some administration positions and noticed a Dean of Students position was open at Jennings Creek Elementary in Warren County," she said. "I didn't know much about the school, or the people there, but it felt right to apply.  I was offered the job and Jennings Creek became my second home.  Since last year, I have been the assistant principal at JCES."

She said Superintendent of Warren County Schools Rob Clayton called and offered her the job on September 12th, but it wasn't official until the next day. She said she is very excited to be in Smiths Grove at North Warren Elementary. 

"It's a little bittersweet because when you are with people for almost three years, and you go through so much (teacher turnover, sub shortage, tornado, COVID, etc.) you create a little family and you become attached to them," she said. "That, and my connections with the nearly 840 students is what makes the transition tough.  However, I am so grateful for the opportunity to work alongside some fabulous educators at North Warren and to see our Eagles soar to excellency."

Mrs. Alexander said she was grateful for all the educators from which she has learned, and says they are a big part of where she is today.

"I worked under principals that saw something in me that caused them to encourage me to pursue my administrator certificate, and for that I am thankful. I probably wouldn't have jumped at the Learning to Lead grant opportunity if it hadn't been for their encouraging words. I have always felt that creating and maintaining relationships (with students, parents, and staff) is critical for any educator.  Building positive relationships has always been a priority of mine.   I have always heard, "Choose a job that you love and you will never have to work a day in your life", and that is how I feel about education.  Not every day is easy, but every day is rewarding.  I also want to thank my family for being there with me.  They always pushed me, supported me, and encouraged me to continue to be the person that my students needed me to be. I am so blessed to live this life I live."

She lives with her husband Kevin, and three sons, Gavin, Nolan, and Cannon in the Big Reedy community. She will assume her full time role at North Warren upon the completion of fall break.