McCracken County Public Schools is proud to announce that Amanda Turner has been named Assistant Principal of Heath Middle School.
Turner brings 24 years of experience in Kentucky public education and a strong track record of leadership, instructional expertise, and student-centered decision-making. She currently serves as Principal of the Freshman Academy at McCracken County High School, where she has led efforts to support students during their critical transition into high school while helping implement the district’s Academy Model through the Ford Next Generation Learning initiative.
Turner will join incoming principal Nathan Metzger as part of the future leadership team at Heath Middle School. Current principal Matthew Blackwell and assistant principal Cory Tilford will retire at the end of the school year after years of dedicated service to the Heath Middle School community.
“Mrs. Turner’s experience, ranging from elementary education to her role as the Freshman Academy Principal, makes her the perfect candidate. She understands where our students are coming from and exactly where they are going,” said incoming Heath Middle School Principal Nathan Metzger. “Her leadership and communication capacity will undoubtedly be a tremendous addition to the Heath community.”
Throughout her career, Turner has demonstrated a commitment to academic growth and continuous improvement. At McCracken County High School, she has worked closely with staff and community partners to expand opportunities for students and strengthen pathways for future success. Her leadership has been instrumental in aligning instruction, supporting teachers, and creating a positive and structured learning environment for all students.
Prior to her current role, Turner served as a teacher at Lone Oak Intermediate School from 2016 to 2022, where she taught 4th and 5th grade math and led the Accelerated Math Program. She was also an active member of the SBDM Council and RTI Committee and developed initiatives to strengthen parent engagement. Earlier in her career, she taught in Graves County Schools and Paducah Public Schools, serving in a variety of roles including Technology Resource Teacher, Student Technology Coordinator, and Gifted and Talented Lead Teacher.
Turner holds an Education Specialist Degree from the University of the Cumberlands, a Master’s Degree in Reading and Writing from Murray State University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Murray State University. She also earned her Gifted and Talented Endorsement from Murray State.
“I am honored and excited to join the team at Heath Middle School,” Turner said. “I look forward to working alongside the staff, students, and families to build strong relationships and support every student’s success during these important middle school years.”
Turner will begin her new role at Heath Middle School for the upcoming school year.