Dr. Mobbs Takes The Helm Amidst a Sea of Change at Chattooga

AOG: Why don’t you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

MOBBS: I am the daughter of two Chattooga County retired educators, Kennith & Gloria Moseley. My husband, Brent Mobbs teaches at Lyerly and started the first Chattooga Bass Fishing team this year. My son Brody attends Chattooga High School and will be in 10^th grade and my daughter Libby will be in 7^th grade at Lyerly. I graduated from Chattooga High School in 1998 and thanks to my dual enrollment opportunities, received my Bachelor’s Degree from Auburn University in Business and Office Education in 2001. I have my Master’s in Educational Administration from Jacksonville State and Educational Specialist and Doctorate in Educational Administration from the University of Alabama.

AOG: How long have you been in education?

MOBBS: I have been in education for 18 years. I taught Business and Computer Science for 12 years at 3 different high schools. My first ten years were at LaFayette High School, I taught one year at Rome High while also serving as a Cheerleading Coach, and then received the Business Ed teacher’s position at Chattooga.  Mr. Martin and Mr. Jimmy Dean then asked me to move into the CTAE Director’s position upon Mr. Dean’s retirement.

AOG:  When did you take over the CTAE Department?

MOBBS: I have been serving in this capacity for the past 6 years.

AOG: Are you officially the first female principal at Chattooga High School?

MOBBS: Yes, I am honored to be the first female principal. I was also the first female CTAE Director.

AOG: Which developments within the CTAE program were you most proud/excited about?

MOBBS: The CTAE Department at Chattooga High School has been strong since its inception. We have a powerful team of knowledgeable and skilled teachers who love their students and want them to succeed. It has truly been an honor to be part of such a family.  Together, we have worked hard to implement Career Pathways and streamline the CTAE courses. On the 2013 CCRPI report, 61% of graduates completed their coursework with Career Pathway completion. On the 2018 report, 85% of graduates were Pathway Completers and I anticipate an even higher percentage for 2019. This has allowed students to have a stronger focus on their career goals and be more prepared for the path they decide to follow in their futures. I am very proud of our CTAE Pathways and all the opportunities they provide our students. Many of our students have been able to compete and be successful at state and national levels in their program areas. I am very proud of their accomplishments and appreciate the hard work of both the teachers and the students.

AOG: With all the success of the CTAE program, what are your goals for CHS as the next principal?

MOBBS: First, I would like to say that it has been an honor to work with Mr. Jeff Martin. He is an amazing leader and we have worked very closely the last six years to provide the best possible opportunities for our students. I have learned so much from him and look forward to working with him to ensure a smooth transition. The goals I have set for myself as the next principal include continuing to provide the teachers the support and resources they need to provide the best possible educational experience for our students. We already have great teachers and great students; we are on the right track. With the support and commitment of all stakeholders including students, teachers, parents, community members, etc. we will continue to move forward and be successful.

AOG: It’s no secret that the winds of change are blowing within the school system. In particular, how do you plan to navigate the schedule change being implemented in the Fall?

MOBBS: The schedule change in the Fall will be an adjustment, however I will support and encourage our students to be the best they can be no matter what schedule we are on. As part of education, we must prepare our students for the ups and down of life. The coming year will serve as an opportunity for us all to maintain our focus on positively preparing our students for their future and giving them the skills to make adjustments when changes face them. We will have shorter class periods and teachers will have to make adjustments for that, but we are ONE TRIBE and we can and will make this work to ensure our students are provided quality instruction. Students are what matter. Our job is to teach children and that is what we must focus on each and every day.

AOG: What elements of the principal position are you most looking forward to?

MOBBS: The opportunity to have a positive impact for our students, faculty, school and community at this level is absolutely the highest honor a person can receive. I am truly humbled at the confidence and support I have received upon accepting this position and being able to serve in this capacity is very exciting. My freshmen year in high school, I was the Indian mascot at the home football games and rode my horse every Friday night as the Indians scored touchdowns. My junior and senior year I was a Cheerleader and the Alma Mater has always given me a tear of pride every time we sing it. The level of pride at Chattooga has never been stronger and I look forward to being a part of the continued tradition of TRIBE PRIDE!

AOG: After playing such a pivotal role within the CTAE program, do you have any suggestions or recommendations for your own replacement to guide the CTAE department?

After much consideration and careful thought in what would be the most seamless transition, it is being recommended, and pending board approval, that Mrs. Nancy Edwards, current Assistant Principal at CHS be moved into the CTAE Director’s position. Throughout the years she has been very supportive of our programs and I know she will serve with the utmost commitment to move things forward. The assistant principal’s position she will vacate is still being discussed.

Dr. Mobbs’ deep roots in the Chattooga community and recent success within a leadership position at the high school place her in a prime position to help students navigate the turbulent waters of change and focus on academic success in the classroom. For parents and members of the community, she could be exactly what the doctor ordered to provide a steady hand of compassion and reason as the BOE faces a mounting budget deficit for the upcoming school year. Mobbs has proven her mettle in the classroom and as a department head in roles not typically handled by women.

Each step of her career has been met with determination and seen her rise to the occasion, developing talent and improving programs, while shattering glass ceilings. This skill set will be a key factor in continuing a pattern of growth and improvement in the upcoming years for Chattooga.