Mrs. Coward-Kirschner is a native of Jones County. She is the current Principal of Pollocksville Elementary School. She is the former Principal of Clyde Erwin Elementary School in Onslow County. Mrs. Coward-Kirschner has served previously in Onslow County as Assistant Principal of Jacksonville Commons Elementary School from 2021-2022 and Silverdale Elementary School from 2017-2021. Prior to her administrative work with Onslow County Schools, she taught in Craven County from 1997 through 2017. She attended Jones County Schools and upon graduation furthered her education at East Carolina University. She has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, a Masters in School Administration, and NC Curriculum Instructional Specialist Licensure. Among her many professional achievements, Mrs. Coward-Kirschner has held National Board Certification as an Early Childhood Generalist since 2003. She was a finalist for Assistant Principal of the Year for Onslow County Schools in 2020. She has had the opportunity to serve in a variety of leadership capacities at her school, including leading the Leader in Me initiative, based on Covey’s Seven Habits.
From her 27 years of experience, she realizes the importance of connectivity of school, parent, and community involvement in the lives of students. This positive outreach endeavor has been a passion of hers and what she considers to be a vital component of students developing a love for learning.
Mrs. Coward- Kirschner currently resides in New Bern with her husband, Clay. They have one son, Rhett who is a junior at Craven Early College. As a family they enjoy going to the beach, ECU football, music, and traveling.
“I am excited to return home to Jones County to join the Pollocksville Elementary School team and to build relationships with the staff, students, and their families,” said Mrs. Coward-Kirschner. “I am eager to bring my experience and passion for servant leadership to Pollocksville to continue the strong partnership with the community to support our Panthers and carry on the tradition of excellence.