Michelle Jacobsen serves as an example of how it pays to never stop learning.
Jacobsen started her education career at Pasco County Schools as a substitute teacher. She also served as an instructional assistant.
Jacobsen went through the district’s SRP to Teacher program, which helps school-related personnel earn a bachelor’s degree in education to become teachers.
She earned a degree from the University of South Florida and taught at Mary Giella Elementary School in Spring Hill and Bayonet Point Middle School in New Port Richey.
Marcy Hetzler-Nettles, assistant superintendent for middle schools, introduced Jacobsen to the school board Aug. 20 as the new assistant principal at Gulf Middle School in New Port Richey. She was promoted from the role of instructional trainer coach at Fox Hollow Elementary School in Port Richey.
“She was an integral part of their team, turning that school’s grade around,” Hetzler-Nettles said of Jacobsen’s tenure at Fox Hollow Elementary. “We are super pleased to welcome her to Gulf Middle School, where we know she is going to bring excellent elements into literacy instruction and help lift literacy for our Buccaneers.”
Jacobsen’s husband, Eric, works for Pasco County. They have children in fifth and seventh grades.
Other notable appointments
Pasco County Schools appointed a handful of other employees last month to school leadership positions.
- Jennifer Candiloro was an instructional trainer coach at Seven Springs Elementary School in New Port Richey. Candiloro is now assistant principal at Anclote Elementary School in Elfers.
- Jessica Chmurzynski was an intervention specialist at Sand Pine Elementary School in Wesley Chapel. Chmurzynski will stay at Sand Pine as an assistant principal.
- Lesley Kirkley was a senior instructional specialist with the district. Kirkley will serve as assistant principal at Chester W. Taylor Elementary School in Zephyrhills.
- Laurie McKnight, a new hire within the district, was appointed as an assistant principal at Woodland Elementary School in Zephyrhills.
