Jason Reed named Arlington Middle principal
Jason Reed named Arlington Middle principal
Arlington Community Schools is proud to announce Mr. Jason Reed as the next principal of Arlington Middle School! Reed, who has spent the past 25 years serving AMS in a variety of leadership roles, will officially step into the role of principal.
For Reed, the appointment is more than a career milestone. It’s an opportunity to continue serving the school and community that have shaped his life for more than two decades. Since arriving at Arlington Middle in 2001, Reed has served as a classroom teacher, teacher leader, instructional coach and assistant principal, becoming one of the school’s most familiar and trusted faces along the way.
“Mr. Reed’s warmth and ability to connect with people is something you notice immediately, but what truly makes him an exceptional leader is the depth of his instructional knowledge and understanding of middle school students,” Superintendent Dr. Allison Clark said. “He understands the importance of creating a school culture where students feel connected and supported while also maintaining strong academic expectations and organizational systems. He has served in nearly every leadership capacity within a middle school setting, so he’ll bring an incredible level of experience and commitment to this role. He knows this community so well, and I have no doubt families and staff will feel encouraged and supported under his leadership."
Reed brings nearly three decades of middle school experience to the role, including 20 years in the classroom and eight years as an administrator. Throughout his time at AMS, he has overseen areas including scheduling, testing coordination, transportation, intervention planning, teacher coaching, student discipline and school improvement efforts. He also previously served as administrator for the district’s ACS Summer Camp Explore, overseeing students from kindergarten through eighth grade.
You’ll also spot Mr. Reed out in the community regularly supporting Arlington students, whether it’s cheering on the Tigers at athletic events, attending performing arts productions or participating in community activities across Arlington.
“I’ve spent most of my career at Arlington Middle, and Arlington truly feels like home to me,” Reed said. “My wife and I raised our family here. Our children went through Arlington schools, and I’ve had the privilege of watching this community and this school grow over the years. To now have the opportunity to lead Arlington Middle is just incredibly humbling. I truly care about our students, and the best thing I can do for them is make sure we’re putting the right systems, support and academic practices in place so our teachers and staff can help every one of them succeed."
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A focus on student growth
As principal, Reed says he plans to focus on maintaining high academic expectations while supporting students through the unique developmental challenges that come with the middle school years.
“Middle school is such an important stage for students because they’re in the middle of so much growth academically, socially and emotionally,” Reed said. “You have sixth graders who are just beginning that transition from elementary school while eighth graders are preparing to step into high school and take on greater independence and responsibility. Our job is to help guide them through those years with the right balance of structure, support, opportunity and student culture.”
That foundation, Reed says, begins with strengthening all areas of academic support, including intentional instruction, project-based learning opportunities that push students deeper into lessons and curriculum and targeted intervention strategies designed to help every student continue growing academically. But also important, he says, is giving students opportunities to discover their passions through fine arts, STEM programs, extracurricular activities and a strong school culture.
“We want students leaving Arlington Middle fully prepared for high school,” Reed said. “That means making sure they’re exposed to opportunities that help them grow and discover what they’re interested in. Whether it’s STEM, fine arts, leadership opportunities or through counseling and intervention support, middle school is a time where students begin figuring out who they are.”
Central to making that happen, Reed says, is maintaining strong communication and collaboration with both families and staff.
“I want our teachers to feel supported and our parents to feel heard,” Reed said. “A big part of this role is problem-solving, working together and making sure we’re doing what’s best for students every single day.”
“It’s special when you’ve spent this much time in one community,” he continued. “You see students grow up, graduate and come back years later. You build relationships with families that last for decades. That’s what makes Arlington different, and I’m honored to continue serving this community in this new role.”
More about Mr. Jason Reed
Mr. Reed and his wife, Holli, have called Arlington home for nearly three decades, raising their family through Arlington Community Schools. His sons, Austin and Jake, both attended Arlington schools and have since graduated from college, with Austin currently attending graduate school at the University of Tennessee and Jake recently moving to Chicago to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.
Reed also proudly speaks about his “bonus kids,” Hannah and Reed Haymon, who also attended Arlington schools. Hannah, in fact, is still part of the ACS family and now teaches at Donelson Elementary.
Mr. Reed credits Holli as his biggest supporter throughout his educational journey and leadership career.
Image: Reed serves as administrator at the ACS Summer Camp Explore