This Principals Appreciation Month, Hamilton County Schools (HCS) proudly recognizes Ruth Pohlman, principal of McConnell Elementary School (MES). Now in her 12th year at McConnell, Pohlman has devoted her career to creating a welcoming, supportive environment where students, teachers, and families can thrive together.
Pohlman began her career in education in St. Louis Public Schools before moving to Jefferson County, Tennessee, where she taught multiple elementary grades and later served as a principal at an elementary school and a PreK–8 school. In 2014, she moved to Chattanooga, where she became principal at McConnell Elementary.
After graduating from Westminster College in Missouri with a degree in Elementary Education, Pohlman went on to earn a master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and later an Education Specialist degree from Lincoln Memorial University.
During her time at MES, Pohlman has witnessed tremendous growth in both her teachers and students. “Seeing the teacher teams come together, the collaboration, the professional growth, it has been such a joy,” she said. “Growing so many teacher leaders here and watching how that translates into student learning has been one of the best parts of my job.”
That joy is present everywhere she goes. Whether she’s standing in the car rider line each morning, greeting students by name, or joining families at PTA events like Trunk or Treat and the annual school dance, Pohlman loves being a part of the community.
“It’s a pleasure to welcome our families every day. I want them to know I care, that I’m here to listen, and that I really love being here,”
she said. Pohlman also treasures her time with McConnell’s Multi-Exceptionalities (ME) class. “I have a special place in my heart for them,” she shared. “I love to visit, participate in their activities, and just be present with them.”
Under her leadership, MES has celebrated significant achievements in academics, facilities, and more. Since arriving at McConnell, Pohlman has pushed for the addition of a gymnasium—a project recently approved for funding by the County Commission. “We’re really excited about that because we need it. We have an amazing PE coach who does incredible work. It’s going to be great once we have that space and we’re going to be able to do so much more.”
For Pohlman, McConnell’s success comes down to its people. “I really hit the lottery,” she said. “This is a special place with great kids, great families, and a great staff. I am very fortunate to be here. We care about kids, and we care about each other, and that’s really important. I’m very proud of that.”
As we honor Principal Ruth Pohlman during Principals Appreciation Month, we celebrate her dedication, her caring leadership, and the joy she brings to McConnell Elementary and the community. Thank you, Principal Pohlman, for all you do!
