Some families share traditions. Others share professions. But for Brenda Arwood and Jessica Strickland, they share something even deeper—a calling.
Serving in different Tennessee school districts and in different roles, this mother-daughter duo has spent decades shaping lives through education. Brenda, a veteran elementary educator with experience as both a teacher and administrator, now inspires third-grade students each day. Jessica, once an eighth-grade English teacher, now serves as Executive Principal of Halls Middle School in Knox County Schools, leading with the same heart and purpose she watched her mother demonstrate throughout her childhood.
Though their days look different, their mission has always been the same: love students well, build meaningful relationships, and never stop believing in the potential of every child.
A Calling That Began at Home
For Jessica Strickland, education was woven into everyday life.
Growing up, she watched her mother devote herself to students and teachers, creating a home where learning was celebrated and education was deeply respected. Ironically, she didn’t initially plan to become an educator herself. “I wanted to go my own way,” she recalls. But after just one year of college, she changed her major to education—a decision she has never regretted.
Beginning as an eighth-grade English teacher, Jessica quickly discovered that her greatest joy wasn’t simply teaching content. It was helping both students and educators grow. That passion eventually led her into administration, where she now serves as Executive Principal of Halls Middle School. “I believe effective schools are built on strong relationships, high expectations, and a relentless focus on continuous improvement.”
For Brenda Arwood, the path looked different—but the destination was the same.
Long before earning her teaching degree, she was already teaching Sunday School at church. Throughout her career she has taught preschool, private Christian schools, multiple elementary grade levels, and served with the Tennessee State Child Care Resource Center, providing early childhood training across fourteen counties.
She later spent fourteen years teaching and serving as an administrator in a Title I school in Roane County before returning to the classroom, where she currently teaches third-grade math and science. “I truly believe teaching is my calling,” Brenda says. “It is my mission in this world.”
One comment from a former Director of Christian Schools in Tennessee has remained with her throughout her career: “Many people try to teach. Some are called to teach. Mrs. Arwood, you were born and called to teach.” Those words became both encouragement and affirmation of a purpose she continues to live out today.
Different Roles. Shared Purpose.
Although Jessica leads a middle school and Brenda currently teaches elementary students, both women share remarkably similar beliefs about education: Relationships come before results. Students deserve adults who believe in them. Every child is capable of greatness.
Jessica credits much of her leadership philosophy to her mother. “So much of who I am as a leader has been shaped by the lessons my mother taught me.”
Brenda feels equally blessed by the opportunity to share this profession with her daughter. “It has been wonderful to discuss both elementary and middle school education. We’ve been able to encourage one another, offer advice, and celebrate together.”
Their conversations aren’t occasional—they’re daily. Sometimes multiple times a day. Whether discussing scheduling challenges, leadership decisions, instructional strategies, or simply celebrating a student’s success, they have become one another’s greatest professional support system.
“It’s a unique gift,” Jessica explains, “to have someone who not only loves you but truly understands this profession.”
Relationships Before Rigor
When asked what makes schools truly successful, neither hesitated: Relationships.
Jessica remembers advice from one of her earliest principals: “Students work harder for adults they know genuinely care about them.” That lesson continues to guide her leadership today. She intentionally spends time walking hallways, visiting classrooms, and eating in the cafeteria because she believes presence matters. “I want students to know their principal cares about them.”
Brenda expresses the same philosophy in words that every educator can appreciate: “You cannot reach a child’s mind until you reach their heart.” Her classroom operates like a family. Students learn math and science, but they also learn responsibility, kindness, respect, and how to become caring members of their learning community. “When relationships are built first,” she says, “rigor comes easily.”
The Moments That Stay Forever
Ask educators why they stay in the profession long enough, and almost every one has a story.
For Jessica, it was a former student. Earlier, as an eighth grader, he had been embarrassed to write about his family’s septic business during an English assignment. Jessica encouraged him, reminding him that his family’s work was important and meaningful. Years later, he returned—not as a student, but as the successful owner of that same business. He wanted her to know he had never forgotten her words. “It reminded me,” Jessica says, “that we don’t always see immediate results, but that doesn’t mean the impact isn’t there.”
Brenda has countless stories spanning decades and includes former students who stop by to visit, parents who say thank you for the work she has done with their families, and children who previously struggled now becoming confident adults are at the top of her list. One memory, however, stands above the rest. A student entered an essay contest about the person who had most influenced her life. She wrote about Mrs. Arwood and the essay won first place. When the student returned to read it aloud and say thank you, Brenda was reminded exactly why she continues teaching. “This is why I stay. I want to build leaders for our future.”
Never Giving Up
Perhaps Brenda’s most powerful story involves a fourth-grade student who refused to even accept a math textbook.
“He told me not to give him one because he wasn’t going to do any work.” She refused to give up and she challenged him. She encouraged him while at the same time holding him accountable. Years later, during his senior year of high school, she received a letter in which he thanked her for believing in him when he didn’t believe in himself. He shared he had earned a college football scholarship.
Brenda shares true wisdom educators should remember: Sometimes the greatest victories in education happen years after students leave our classrooms.
Leading Schools That Grow People
Both educators continue finding ways to improve not only student achievement but also school culture.
Jessica is particularly proud that her school has experienced four consecutive years of academic growth, but she says the numbers are only part of the story. Her greatest accomplishment has been helping create a culture where teachers believe they can accomplish more than they imagined possible. “Our focus is developing students as learners and as people.” She also serves on the Executive Board of the Tennessee Association of Middle Schools, helping strengthen middle-level education across the state.
Brenda’s passion centers on trauma-informed practices and social-emotional learning. After successfully writing a grant to bring trauma-informed training to her school, she has continued helping students understand emotions, self-regulation, and healthy decision-making. “I teach students to let their ‘thinking brain’ stay in control.” Through engaging and lively activities, laughter, and meaningful conversations, she helps children finish the school year strong and develop skills that reach far beyond academics.
A Legacy of Love
When asked how they hope to be remembered, neither mentioned awards, titles, or test scores.
Jessica hopes students remember they were valued and loved, teachers remember they were trusted, supported, and challenged, and colleagues remember she listened and led with integrity. Ultimately, her focus remains on students and she hopes to be remembered for keeping them at the center of all her decisions.
Brenda hopes people remember she taught with love, remained passionate about learning, and inspired others to become the very best version of themselves. Her sincerity in caring for students and teaching with love is a legacy she hopes helps students find success in life.
Their answers reveal something larger than a shared profession: They reveal a shared heart.
A Shared Heart for Service—and a Few Fun Surprises
While Brenda Arwood and Jessica Strickland serve in different schools, imagining themselves working side by side reveals just how naturally their strengths complement one another. Brenda’s lifelong passion has always been mathematics, while Jessica built her career around language arts. Both acknowledge that those roles should probably stay exactly where they are.
“My mother has taught every subject, but her passion is math,” Jessica shares. “I’m an English teacher and have huge respect for math teachers…but no one wants me teaching math.” If given the opportunity to spend a day teaching together, Jessica Instead, envisions leading students through a community service or leadership project—an experience that would allow young people to solve real problems, serve others, and discover that learning extends far beyond the classroom walls. “It would allow us to teach more than curriculum,” Jessica explains. “We could make a lasting impact.”
Brenda agrees that each would naturally teach in the areas they love most, with her leading mathematics and Jessica inspiring students through language arts. Together, they believe those subjects—and their shared commitment to service—could create an unforgettable learning experience.
Their personalities outside of school are just as unique as their educational journeys. Jessica has a creative side that many people never see. She loves planning weddings, celebrations, and travel adventures, and she already knows what retirement may hold. “When I retire,” she explains, “I plan to open my own event planning company.”
Brenda, meanwhile, may have earned the title of Tennessee’s own Snow White. She has a deep love for nature and wildlife, creating a welcoming space around her home where animals regularly stop by for food and water. Among her most faithful visitors are raccoons, who eagerly enjoy marshmallows during their evening visits, while she and her family always hope their neighborhood black bear will make another appearance. One of her students summed it up perfectly: “Mrs. Arwood, you really must be Snow White.”
Whether planning memorable celebrations or caring for woodland visitors, both women demonstrate that the compassion, creativity, and joy they bring into their personal lives are the very same qualities that make them extraordinary educators. Those passions simply become another way they connect with the students, families, and communities they faithfully serve.
One Final Lesson
If every student could remember just one message from these educators, it would be simple.
Jessica’s message: “You matter. Your future is not determined by your past or your circumstances. You can achieve more than you realize.”
Brenda’s message echoes that same hope: “Work hard. Never give up. Be kind. Do the right thing—even when no one is looking.”
When education is rooted in love, relationships, and unwavering belief in children, its impact reaches far beyond the classroom. This mother-daughter duo may be from different generations, educate in different schools, and serve in different roles, but they share one unmistakable mission. Through classrooms, hallways, leadership meetings, and countless conversations, Brenda Arwood and Jessica Strickland continue proving that the greatest legacy an educator can leave is not found in a résumé—it is found in the lives forever changed by someone who believed in them first.
And these educators have forever changed lives.
Submitted by: TN Educator Collective in Collaboration with Brenda Arwood and Jessica Strickland
Brenda Arwood is a dedicated math and science educator at Kingston Elementary School with over 30 years of professional teaching experience. She has spent 21 of those years serving the students and community within Roane County Schools.
Brenda built her strong educational foundation by attending Roane State Community College, Tusculum University, and Lincoln Memorial University. Her academic credentials include degrees in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, as well as an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Administration.
Jessica Strickland serves as the Executive Principal of Halls Middle School in Knox County Schools, where she leads with a vision centered on academic excellence, instructional innovation, and student success. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of teaching and leadership roles, building extensive experience in school improvement, instructional coaching, teacher development, and organizational leadership.
Prior to joining Halls Middle School, Jessica served as an Assistant Principal at Carter Middle School, where she helped lead initiatives focused on improving student achievement, strengthening instructional practices, and building collaborative professional learning communities. She also served as a TAP (Teacher Advancement Program) Master Teacher, coaching teachers, facilitating professional development, analyzing student achievement data, and supporting continuous instructional improvement across the school.
Jessica is recognized as a collaborative and innovative leader who is passionate about developing both students and educators. Beyond her school leadership, she serves in leadership roles with the Tennessee Association of Middle Schools (TAMS), helping advance middle level education through professional learning, conference planning, and statewide collaboration.