My name is Stephanie Bates and it is an honor to serve as principal at Chilhowee Middle School.  I have been in education for 27 years and served at Chilhowee for 6 years.  I aspired to become the principal at Chilhowee Middle School in order to impact student learning and mentor faculty, so students learn from teachers and other staff who feel supported.  I want to assist teachers in following best practices that positively impact learning outcomes in the classroom while also ensuring that I make the right decisions to create a positive and high-quality learning environment for all students and faculty.  Being present and building relationships with the students, staff, and school community is the most important part of my role as an administrator.  I believe this is the best way for a principal to understand how to make choices that impact the entire school.