Two remarkable educators are shaping the future for the students of Knoxville Schools in unique and impactful ways. Meet Arryn Small, principal at Knoxville Elementary, and Austin King, the district’s Outreach Coordinator. Together, they are weaving a new tapestry of support, engagement, and growth, each bringing their own talents and perspectives to create a holistic educational experience for students.

Arryn and Austin didn’t take traditional paths to their roles. Arryn, a recent transplant from Oklahoma, arrived with her husband and children looking for fresh soil—literally and figuratively. “My husband works in agriculture, so we came here for the land, but we stayed because of the people,” she shares with a smile. Despite being new, Arryn quickly immersed herself in Knoxville’s ethos of small-town pride, finding herself welcomed by the warmth of colleagues and the support of the community. For her, leading Knoxville Elementary isn’t just about managing the day-to-day; it’s about fostering an environment where both students and staff feel valued, understood, and encouraged to grow.

As principal, Arryn knows her role extends far beyond administrative tasks. “A principal leads through support,” she explains. “I believe in being there for my staff, understanding their needs, and ensuring that they know I have their back.” In a district that has seen four principals in five years, Arryn is committed to bringing stability, listening intently, and leading with empathy. She’s found creative ways to support her teachers, whether by providing a moment of respite during a busy day or by actively listening and addressing their concerns.

But her approach is perhaps best demonstrated in her interactions with students. Arryn is a firm believer in cultivating emotional intelligence and resilience, not just academics. The "Be the 'I' in Kind" initiative is just one of many examples of her approach. Students are encouraged to embody kindness and responsibility, with teachers recognizing their efforts daily. Arryn’s goal is simple: to create a place where every student feels seen, heard, and respected.

Working alongside her is Austin King, the district’s Outreach Coordinator, whose role blends social-emotional support with family engagement. Austin’s path to Knoxville was similarly unconventional. A longtime educator with experience in classrooms across Galesburg, Austin is passionate about understanding student behavior and needs at a deeper level. She brings 15 years of experience in elementary education, from kindergarten to fifth grade, and knows that supporting students means looking beyond the surface. “After the pandemic, education changed,” Austin reflects. “The needs of our students are increasing, and teachers have to meet those needs, not just academically, but in terms of their whole well-being.”

Austin’s work with Character Strong, a nationwide social-emotional learning program, gives Knoxville students the tools to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and empathy. Each month, classrooms focus on a different character trait—responsibility, respect, perseverance—that builds both social and emotional skills. “We want our students to understand how their actions affect others, and Character Strong provides a framework for that,” Austin explains. “In some homes, these values may not always be modeled. Here, they’re not just discussed; they’re lived out every day in classrooms and hallways.”

Austin also serves as a bridge between families and community resources, helping parents navigate challenges that may impact their children’s learning. She’s the quiet hand ensuring that struggling families have the support they need, whether it’s a connection to local services or a comforting voice when times are tough. For Knoxville’s students, Austin is more than just a coordinator—she’s an advocate, a mentor, and a constant source of encouragement.

Together, Arryn and Austin exemplify the community pride that Knoxville Schools embody. Their approach isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about daily moments of connection, respect, and kindness. And it’s making a difference. Teachers, who might otherwise feel isolated in their classrooms, find themselves supported by a leadership team that genuinely cares. Parents, too, see their children growing not only in academics but in character—a testament to Knoxville’s commitment to educating the whole child.

For the taxpayers of Knoxville, this story is a reminder that their investment in Knoxville Schools is yielding dividends in the form of resilient, confident young people ready to face the future. Every lesson in empathy, every instance of character-building, every small act of kindness is part of a bigger picture—one where Knoxville’s students are not only learning to succeed in the world but to improve it.

Knoxville’s distinct advantage is clear. It’s people like Arryn and Austin who go above and beyond to ensure that the district isn’t just a place of learning but a community where students feel connected and supported. They’re not just teaching math, reading, and writing; they’re nurturing Knoxville’s future—one student at a time.