Dr. Jennifer M. Hardin - Principal of RCMS.
Dr. Jennifer M. Hardin - Principal RCMS
Dr. Jennifer M. Hardin attended UNCG on the NC Teaching Fellows Scholarship before beginning her career in education. She taught 7th grade math in Guilford County Schools where she was named the “Rookie Teacher of the Year” in 2005 and also the “Secondary Rookie Teacher of the Year”. This award gave her a full scholarship to complete her Master’s Degree at UNCG where she majored in Curriculum & Instruction with a focus in Middle Grades Mathematics. In 2006, she was recognized by UNCG as a School of Education Early Career award winner. Dr. Hardin worked at UNCG as the Master Teacher in Residence on a one year appointment with the Office of Recruitment and Retention for the School of Education in 2008-2009. She also completed her Post Master’s Certificate in School Administration at UNCG and completed her Advanced Learner Certification from High Point University in 2009. In December of 2010, she achieved her National Board Certification in Early Adolescence Mathematics.
Dr. Hardin joined Rockingham County Schools as an Assistant Principal at Huntsville Elementary School in August 2011 and served there for 3 years. She continued her education at UNCG graduating with her Educational Specialist Degree in 2012. She was named the Principal of Wentworth Elementary School and served there for 10 years. Under her leadership, Wentworth Elementary exceeded growth each year since 2017. Wentworth was recognized as 12th in the state for highest growth among all elementary schools during the 17-18 school year. Wentworth has also been recognized for being in the top 10% in the state for highest growth for 3 school years and a PTEC Signature School.
In 2019, Dr. Hardin graduated from UNCG with her Doctor of Education degree and renewed her National Board Certification. In March 2020, she completed a rigorous year-long Distinguished Leadership in Practice with the NC Principal and Assistant Principals Association.
Most recently, she was named the Rockingham County Schools Principal of the Year for the 2023-2024 school year.
Dr. Hardin and her husband, Josh, have a son named Ben and a daughter named Grace. She values time with her family and has a lot of fun watching Auburn football & basketball games, walking their dog, playing outside and visiting family in both Mississippi and Alabama.
“I am excited to get back to my roots of middle school education and look forward to continuing the great traditions and academics that are already in place at Rockingham County Middle School.”
Mr. Chris Higgs - Assistant Principal of RCMS
Please join us in welcoming our new Assistant Principal to our Jaguar family!
With 13 years in education and entering his third year as an Assistant Principal, Mr. Higgs is passionate about building positive relationships with students, staff, and families while creating a school culture where every student can thrive. He believes that middle school is a time of tremendous growth and is committed to supporting students both academically and personally as they prepare for future success.
Chris is excited to become part of the Jaguar community and looks forward to partnering with teachers, families, and the community to help every student reach their full potential.
Outside of school, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife(Cassie) and their two daughters(SadieBeth and Lynlee), playing golf, cheering on UNC athletics, and making lasting memories with family and friends.
He is honored to join the Jaguar family and can't wait to begin an exciting school year together. Go Jags!