New assistant principal joins Sevier Middle’s administration team

Melissa Seaver, a veteran educator of 15 years, has joined Sevier Middle as one of two assistant principals. As one of Sevier’s newest administrators, she joined the school alongside Kyle Loudermilk, the new principal.

Seaver is 39 years old.  She has 4 children and has been married for 22 years.

“I grew up in Gate City,” she said. “We moved to Unicoi County for several years and came back to Gate City in middle school. I have lived in a total of 14 houses since I was little. I did move around a lot.”

Seaver didn’t particularly like middle school. She found it difficult since she had to move during her 7th grade year.

“I tried out for cheerleading and didn’t make it, but I did make the middle school volleyball team,” she said. “I was part of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, as well.”

Seaver always knew she wanted to be a teacher. This is because she had good experiences with her teachers and got along well with children.

“I loved a lot of the teachers that I had as a kid and enjoyed kids myself, so it seemed to be a natural fit,” she said. “I worked several jobs as a teenager. I worked at Pal’s for several years, waited tables in a few Kingsport restaurants, and was a front-end manager at Food City upon graduating high school.”

Seaver first went to a community college

“I went to Mountain Empire Community College, then transferred to Virginia Intermont for my Bachelor’s Degree,” she said.

She completed her Master’s and Education Specialist at Lincoln Memorial University and finished her Doctorate at the University of the Cumberlands.

Seaver has worked with pretty much every age group in school, including high school, middle school and elementary school.

“I taught in Scott County Schools for 15 years, 6 years in first grade, 5 years in middle school and 4 years in high school,” she said.

Seaver enjoys working as an administrator. Although she misses teaching, her job still gives her opportunities to help students.

“I wanted to make more of an impact on a larger scale,” she said. “I do miss teaching in some ways, but I love being an assistant principal. I deal with a lot of discipline, and I get to assist teachers, which I love.”

Seaver truly loves her job.

“The best thing is everything,” she said. “I love coming to work every day. I love the kids and my co-workers. The hardest thing is juggling all of the tasks, but I still enjoy it.”

Seaver completes various tasks throughout the day including meeting with parents and keeping track of 6th grade attendance.

“Daily, I am stationed at the bus stop as students enter and leave for the day,” she said. “I have meetings with students about behavior. I take care of 6th-grade attendance, meet with parents, run 504 meetings, and meet with science teachers weekly.”

One of Seaver’s role models is Sevier’s current principal, Kyle Loudermilk.

“He has been a great model for hard work, support to teachers and students, and making parent connections,” she said. “I appreciate the model he sets for all staff.”

Seaver believes having strong role models and mentors is a key to success.

“I have looked up to several people throughout my lifetime,” she said. “I have had some great mentors. I suggest finding someone that is achieving their goals and may have similar ones to you so you can learn from them.”

Seaver also finds inspiration among her students.

“I have always been drawn to students who may not have the best or easiest homelife, but they show up everyday and give effort to learn and improve,” she said.

Seaver decided to join Sevier because she enjoys working in middle school.

“I was excited about the opportunity to work with middle school students,” she said. “I taught middle school and love this age group.”

Seaver believes that elementary school students and middle schoolers are quite similar. One of the big differences is that kids in the middle school age group have an easier time managing their emotions.

“It can be easier to have a conversation with students at this level and see students take action,” she said.

Seaver likes that Sevier presents many opportunities for students to participate in.

“We have some great opportunities for students to get involved,” she said. “Robotics, drama, chorus, orchestra, band, soccer, basketball, football, softball and baseball, track, cross country, games club, golf, tennis, dance, cheer, swimming, and so much more. Students can find something to be part of.”

The new assistant principal also has some advice for students.

“I would tell them to work hard and take advantage of the opportunities they have here at Sevier,” she said.