Administration
Dr. Jason Eaton- Principal
Welcome to the inaugural year at Poplar Hill Elementary! My name is Jason Eaton, and I am honored to serve as the founding principal of what I know will become one of the finest schools in Tennessee. This first year is especially meaningful; not everyone gets the opportunity to be part of a school's beginning. Together, as the very first students, staff, and families to walk the halls of Poplar Hill, we will build a foundation of excellence and a legacy that will impact Rutherford County Schools for generations to come.
I bring over 16 years of experience in education across diverse settings, from Title I schools to small rural communities, and I've always tried to be a champion for kids. I began my teaching career at Smyrna Elementary, where I taught 5th grade for five years. That journey took me to a small school in Gill, Massachusetts, before returning to Tennessee to teach 4th and 5th grade at Barfield Elementary. During my years in the classroom, I maintained a Level 5 teacher ranking in Tennessee and received gifted education training through a grant partnership between RCS and Vanderbilt.
Before opening Poplar Hill Elementary, I served three years as the principal of Smyrna Primary School, where we achieved Reward School status and launched the Quarterly Showcase of Learning, a celebration where students shared their learning with families and the community through the visual and fine arts. I also previously served as Assistant Principal at Smyrna Elementary, where I was proud to be part of the leadership team that earned the school's STEM designation.
I believe in high expectations for every student, but more importantly, I believe in educating the whole child. I was the student who couldn't sit still or stop talking, constantly reminded of it by teachers. Because of that, I made it my mission to create classrooms where all students, especially those who learn differently, feel supported, inspired, and empowered.
Poplar Hill Elementary is more than a new school; it’s a place where students will grow, thrive, belong, and become leaders. I am currently completing my doctorate in education and expect to graduate this July. If you had told the little boy who struggled to sit still that one day he'd be the principal of a brand-new, state-of-the-art elementary school and working on his doctorate, he wouldn't have believed you. My greatest hope is that every child who walks through our doors leaves believing in themselves and their limitless potential.
I am beyond excited about the future of Poplar Hill Elementary and look forward to partnering with each of you on this journey. Please don't be a stranger; reach out anytime at [email protected].
Dr. Angeline Hale - Assistant Principal
Welcome to the Coyote Family!
I began teaching in 2003 at Smyrna Primary, where I taught Kindergarten and 2nd grade. Being part of the foundation of students' educational journeys was a true joy. Later, I had the privilege of serving as a Library Media Specialist for over a decade. I've always loved all things literacy, and helping students discover their own love of reading was an incredible experience. I thought I’d end my career in the library, but a deeper calling led me into school leadership.
In January 2020, I stepped into the role of Assistant Principal at Smyrna Primary. I was a very shy kid and never dreamed I'd be a school administrator! My mom still doesn't believe I actually talk at work. However, I have found a true calling in serving my school in this way. Whether it's supporting a student through a challenge or celebrating their success, empowering a teacher with resources and encouragement, or building partnerships with families, I find deep purpose in helping our school community thrive. This role allows me to make a difference in different ways.
While it was incredibly difficult to leave Smyrna Primary, a place that has been home for 22 years, I am excited to now be serving the community I live in—and to be a part of building something new from the ground up here at Poplar Hill. Alongside this exciting new chapter, I am also completing my Doctorate in Education at Lipscomb University with a focus on Strategic Change and Learning Organizations. I can't wait to put what I'm learning into action.
As we get to know each other, I want you to know one important thing about me. I believe with all my heart that every child can succeed. When we, as educators and a community, believe in them—when we create the right environment—our students grow and achieve in every way: academically, socially, and behaviorally. I'm committed to helping establish a culture of high expectations, belonging, and opportunity for every student.
As someone who grew up with the odds stacked against me in so many ways, I am proof of the impact great teachers can make on students. My hope is for every student at Poplar Hill to grow, achieve, and thrive in an environment built on high expectations and the unwavering belief in the power of "you can do it." When students know we believe in them—and when we set the bar high while offering support—they rise. I want our school to be a place where every child feels seen, supported, and empowered to reach for their dreams.
I am so excited to be on this journey with you, and I can't wait to see all we will accomplish together.
#StrongerTogether #FamilyForever
#BelieveIT#AchieveIT