Beth Sterchi Named Lower School Director at ESK

The Episcopal School of Knoxville is pleased to announce the appointment of Beth Sterchi as Lower School Director, effective July 1, 2017. Her appointment is the result of a nationwide search.

“I was beyond pleased with the quality of the candidate interest in this position, as well as the investment of our constituent groups involved with the search,” ESK head of school Jack Talmadge said. “Hands down, Ms. Sterchi demonstrated a wonderful vision and genuine connection to the culture, program and children that make ESK so special. Her appointment was a clear and obvious choice for the committee, and we are very excited about the future of the lower school at ESK.”

Sterchi joined the ESK family last year as a third grade interim/assistant teacher and currently teaches language arts in 5th/6th grade. Sterchi brings over 22 years of experience in education to the position. She began her career as an elementary school teacher in Tennessee before moving to Jacksonville, North Carolina. There she further advanced her teaching career in the elementary and middle school classrooms before completing an advanced degree in administration as well as a principal fellowship at Queens Creek Elementary in Jacksonville, N.C. She then served five years as assistant principal at New Bridge Middle School before returning to Knoxville as a lead teacher at Whittle Springs Middle School and Bearden Elementary School. In 2015, Ms. Sterchi joined the ESK faculty team, offering guidance and leadership in curriculum alignment, writing and critical thinking skills, all in addition to teaching in the classroom.

“I am honored to be selected as the Lower School Director and am excited about the future of ESK,” Sterchi said. “ I will work diligently to develop strong relationships and a nurturing environment where all stakeholders feel safe and valued.”

Sterchi graduated from the University of Tennessee with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and she obtained a master’s degree in school administration from East Carolina University.