Jeannie Rohrer’s journey into education did not begin in a classroom. Several careers, raising a family and even owning a florist shop came before she realized teaching was where she truly belonged.
“Education was my calling,” Rohrer said.
Now, after years of serving students, teachers and administrators across Carroll County Schools, Rohrer is preparing to retire as Supervisor of Instruction.
Her path to education took several turns before she returned to college and began teaching third grade at Kathryn Winn Primary School. The third grade was moved to Cartmell Elementary School, where Rohrer continued building her career. She served as instructional coach, assistant principal and principal before joining the district office in July 2019 as supervisor of instruction.
“The desire to interact with children and make a difference drew me to education,” Rohrer said.
Throughout every role, student success remained at the center of her work.
“The most important thing is seeing the light bulb go off in students’ heads and watching them move forward,” Rohrer said. “Even in leadership roles, you are always reflecting and growing.”
Rohrer said one of the biggest changes she witnessed during her career involved the district’s growing focus on supporting the whole child, not just academics.
“One of the biggest evolutions has been reducing barriers and figuring out how to better support every kid every day,” she said. “Carroll County Schools always looks for ways to improve for all students.”
Former superintendent Dr. Lisa James became one of Rohrer’s biggest influences as an educator and leader. Rohrer admired James’ strong vision, work ethic and willingness to work alongside teachers.
“She promoted the drive to keep pushing forward and do more,” Rohrer said. “She stayed in the trenches with teachers and supported them.”
As Supervisor of Instruction, Rohrer focused heavily on creating consistency across the district through curriculum alignment and districtwide systems. She believes that work, combined with Panther Path and deeper learning initiatives, will continue benefiting students long into the future.
“The alignment of curriculum across the district created continuity and equity for students as they moved through schools and grade levels,” Rohrer said. “Students are leaving Carroll County Schools with academic skills and the skills needed to become productive citizens and good people.”
Carroll County Schools Superintendent Casey Jaynes praised Rohrer for this achievement. “During our four years together Jeannie has demonstrated a passion for Carroll County Schools that is deep and caring. She has been an advocate for all children under our care and her work in developing systems and system alignment birth-postsecondary will keep the district moving forward. Her passion for our Panther Path (profile of a graduate) and our Panther Foundations (strategic plan) and aligning those together will move our district toward #cctop10 in the future,” Jaynes added.
This felt like the right time to retire because many of those systems are firmly in place. Rohrer said she still loves the work, which made the decision difficult, but she looks forward to spending more time with family and traveling with her husband, Buddy.
“It’s a hard decision, but if not now, when?” Rohrer said.
As she prepares for her next chapter, Rohrer said gratitude stands above everything else.
“This work has brought joy,” she said as she wiped tears from her eyes. “I feel blessed because I always got to do what I wanted to do.”