Hannah Holland was named the new principal of Shawnee Public Schools’ Jim Thorpe Academy for the 2024-2025 school year during Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting.
“Ms. Holland brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to student success to Jim Thorpe Academy,” said Dr. Aaron Espolt, superintendent. “I am confident she will be an exceptional leader for JTA students and staff.”
“Hannah has innovative ideas for providing students with the opportunities and experiences they need so they are ready to be employed in a career, enlist in our military or enroll in a post-secondary school once they graduate. I look forward to seeing what JTA staff and students accomplish through her leadership.”
Holland has served as an assistant principal with Shawnee Public Schools for four years, most recently at Shawnee Middle School. She will take the lead at JTA following the retirement of longtime educator Debra Watson, whose 49-year career in education was celebrated during the board meeting.
Holland received her bachelor's degree in education from Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn., before beginning her education career as an English teacher at Mustang High School. She also served as the coach for the robotics and engineering team. Holland completed her master's degree in education administration from the University of Oklahoma in 2020 and has served as an administrator with SPS for the last four years at both the elementary and middle school levels.
Holland is a nationally certified administrator through the National Center on Education and the Economy, and she was recognized by the Oklahoma State Department of Education for the creation of the Shawnee Adventure Academy in 2021. She has been invited to present to multiple educational organizations for various successes in education, including the ASPIRE program for gifted and talented students and a Restorative Intervention Program for struggling students. Holland’s Restorative Behavior Intervention Program curriculum was highlighted by the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration and published in CCOSA’s Better Schools Magazine in 2024.