Jennifer Parsons

Jennifer Parsons has been an administrator with Harlan Independent for the last decade. She began her tenure as superintendent on July 1. Photo courtesy Jennifer Parsons

(HARLAN, KY) – Although she once considered other careers, Jennifer Parsons said she always knew education was her calling.

On July 1, she assumed the role of Harlan Independent Schools superintendent.

Parsons’ educational journey began in Harlan, where she attended both primary and secondary schools within the district.

She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in middle school education from the University of the Cumberlands.

“I wasn’t always set in my mind to be a teacher, but as I reflect back on my life, it was probably pretty obvious to everybody around me,” Parsons said.

She said that even as a child, she showed an early passion for teaching. Often playing “School” with dolls and teddy bears and even requesting extra worksheets from her teachers to use at home.

Although she once considered other careers, Parsons said she always knew education was her calling.

She got her first experience of teaching while coaching and working at basketball camps during her summer breaks in college.

Even though she wasn’t yet in the classroom she said she, “just loved it and loved to see the impact you could make when you would watch a student, or a child, grow into what they could be.”

Parsons said she has always had a passion for serving others in a way to make them better.

She began her teaching career 26 years ago at Harlan, where she taught middle school science and social studies for two years.

She then moved to Corbin Middle School (Corbin Independent), where she taught science and also coached the girls varsity basketball team for 12 years.

After her years in the classroom, she transitioned to administration, serving as the principal at Corbin for two years.

For the past decade, Parsons has been back at Harlan Independent, serving in a position that oversees many programs including district assessments, curriculum development, the gifted program, professional development and federal grants.

She explained her motivation to become superintendent stemmed from the experiences she gained in various leadership roles and the influence from the leaders around her.

“I think just having examples of great leaders around me has shaped me into wanting to pursue this position,” she said.

Parsons expressed gratitude for the districts she has worked in and the people who have supported and inspired her throughout her career and shown her what it means to be a remarkable leader.

Her motivation is also deeply rooted in her love for Harlan, a community where she was raised and where she is now raising her own children.

“I want to continue what has been laid before us by such a strong foundation that allows our students to go and be the best versions of themselves as they go into adulthood,” she said.

Parsons said she looks forward to continuing to work with the students and staff of Harlan in her new position.

“I’m blessed to be the leader of leaders,” she said, emphasizing the important work that the administrators and staff of Harlan do daily.

She described her educational philosophy as providing students with the tools they need to succeed in the next chapters of their lives.

“Whatever those tools are, it’s our responsibility as educators to prepare them for their future,” Parsons said.

Her top priority in her first year as superintendent is to “maintain and pursue ongoing growth” to keep Harlan Independent at the forefront of education in Kentucky.

She also hopes to implement “portrait of a learner,” an initiative that defines what a Harlan graduate should embody after receiving high-quality education and strong community support.

Looking ahead, Parsons said she is committed to academic excellence, achieving a high graduation rate, and ensuring students are postsecondary ready and putting their best foot forward.

“To be able to walk students across that stage, we want to be able to say this year, and 10 years from now, that each student who gets a diploma from Harlan High School is ready to go on and make an impact in the world,” she said.