The Houston County Board of Education
named Mrs. Jessica Teemer as Principal of Pearl Stephens
Elementary School during its meeting on April 7, 2026. Teemer has
served as the Assistant Principal of Instruction at Pearl Stephens
Elementary School since 2023. She will begin this new role in June,
following the retirement of current Principal Mrs. Gloria Smith.
“I am so excited and honored to represent the students, staff, parents,
and community as the Principal of Pearl Stephens,” Teemer said. “I
am committed to continuing to build strong relationships as we work
together to ensure that our students excel. I would like to thank Dr.
Rogers, the Executive Cabinet, and our Board members for the
opportunity to lead Pearl Stephens in this new role. It’s great to be a
Mighty Warrior!”
Teemer has been with the Houston County School District for 14 years
with all served at Pearl Stephens Elementary. Prior to becoming an
Assistant Principal, she served as an Instructional Coach. She has
also been a classroom teacher and a paraprofessional.
Teemer holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Valdosta State
University as well as a Specialist in Educational Leadership from The University of West Georgia.
Mrs. Teemer is married to her husband, Elliott. She loves watching and performing in theatre productions,
singing, and spending time with her family. She believes that all students can learn at high levels and is
thrilled to serve the community in her new role.
Dr. Karen Phillips, Assistant Principal of Discipline
Dr. Phillips started teaching in 1991 and has earned an EdD in Curriculum and Leadership, EdS in Educational Leadership, MS in Early Childhood Education, BBA in Business Administration, BA in Early Childhood Education. She has Coaching, TSC, Science, and PBIS endorsements. She currently serves as the Assistant Principal of Discipline for C.B. Watson Primary and Pearl Stephens Elementary.
Dr. Phillips has four wonderful sons; Christopher (Breanne), Nicholas (Allie), Johnathan, and Stephen. Christopher. She also has one granddaughter, Skylar. She also have two dogs and one cat: Cabella, Belle, and Patchy. Her hobbies include reading, spending time with family, and running.
