Fairfield Community Schools welcomes Dr. Carrie Cannon as their new Superintendent. Born and raised in Bremen Indiana, Dr. Cannon is no stranger to rural school districts like Fairfield. In fact, she sought out Fairfield because it was a smaller rural farming community. “My heart was seeking to serve in a school district that has strong values, community pride, and similar to school corporations that I have served and grew up in.” She comes to Fairfield after spending the last 11 years in administration at New Prairie United School Corporation.
Dr. Cannon’s call to education began before she had even graduated high school herself. Her 11th grade year she encountered a Science teacher, Mr. Jeff Jankowski who changed the way she experienced school. She knew then that she wanted to be that change for other students and had a calling to be a teacher. She graduated from Anderson University with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a 6th-9th Science Endorsement. She spent the first 11 years of her career teaching at Concord and South Bend Community Schools. During those years she grew to understand the profession from a boots on the ground perspective. She gained skills in instruction, parent communication and collaboration with colleagues.
In 2006, Dr. Cannon took an adjunct professor position at Bethel University working with senior education students to help them prepare to lead in their own classrooms. During this time Dr. Cannon became a mother to four children and sought a teaching position that provided a work-life balance with raising their family. The Bethel position was an opportunity to be present for that new chapter in her life.
Dr. Cannon received a Master’s of General Education from Indiana Wesleyan University and then her PhD in Education with a specialization in Curriculum and Instruction from Capella University. This helped prepare her to move into an administrative role within education. For the last 11 years she has worked in the Central Office as Assistant Superintendent and Director of Curriculum at New Prairie United School Corporation.
The Board of Education conducted the search and selection process over the course of a few months. They met with several candidates and Dr. Cannon was their top choice. They said of Dr. Cannon, “Dr. Cannon came across as a person of highly ethical character, someone who would be trustworthy, and lead with a great deal of enthusiasm and creative leadership. We believe in her ability to relate well with our staff, students, and community and to be a visible presence who will lead our district in new ways while still holding onto and valuing the traditions that are important to Fairfield Community Schools." We look forward to working with Dr. Cannon as she settles into her new position.