Valdosta City Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Jennifer Alvarez as the new Director of Human Resources. Mrs. Alvarez will assume this role following the retirement of the current director, Mr. Owen Clemons.
Jennifer Alvarez embarked on her educational journey in 2000 as an elementary teacher at S.L. Mason Elementary School. During her tenure, she taught various grade levels, including the Gifted Resource Program for eligible students. In 2009, Alvarez was promoted to the position of Instructional Lead Teacher at Southeast Elementary School, providing curriculum leadership and academic coaching support for ELA and Social Studies teachers.
In 2011, she transitioned to the district office as a valuable member of the Teaching & Learning Department. In this capacity, she successfully managed various programs and district budgets, including Title IIA, Title III, Professional Learning, L4GA, and K-12 Advanced Programs. As the Director of Early Learning, her current role, Alvarez has overseen and supervised Pre-K staff and classes across our elementary schools. Under her guidance, she secured multiple community literacy grants, established partnerships with community members, and led her team through the inaugural year of our literacy training initiatives.
"I am honored by the chance to take on the role of Human Resources Director at Valdosta City Schools,” said Alvarez. “Prioritizing the support of our educators and staff, advancing the VCS Three V Initiative, and collaborating closely with team members to foster an environment where everyone can flourish will be my primary focus in this new position."
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Mrs. Alvarez has actively contributed to the boards of Lowndes Associated Ministries to People (LAMP) and the Turner Center for the Arts. Throughout her time in our schools, she was recognized as a Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year in 2006 and represented VCS in the Class of 2008 for Leadership Lowndes. Dr. C. Alex Alvarez, VECA Principal, and Mrs. Alvarez are dedicated members of Christ Episcopal Church and proud parents of two Valdosta High School graduates, Emily-Grace Thornton (2019) and Elizabeth Thornton (2021).