Administration
About Principal Harris
Ms. Harris was appointed Principal of East Elementary School in July 2023. Prior to East Elementary School, she held multiple roles in the Florence City School System. She was an Assistant Principal at Hibbett Intermediate School, Instructional Partner at Harlan Elementary, and math teacher at Florence Middle School. She was an AMSTI trainer and partnered with A+ College Ready to help write the 7th grade math curriculum and enjoyed being a trainer for them as well. She was awarded the 2023 Alabama Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year. She held various extra curricular roles such as math team coach, yearbook sponsor, and leadership chair.
“It is an honor and privilege to work at East Elementary School and Cullman City Schools. The faculty and staff are amazing. They are committed to seeing their students grow academically, emotionally, and socially. The students at East Elementary are outstanding. They work hard to do their job of learning at school and grow socially and emotionally. We are grateful for the support and partnerships the community provides. The staff, students, and community embody our motto at East: Be Excellent… Everyday in Everyway!” I look forward to a great school year, and please feel free to contact me if needed.”
Bachelor's of Science in Mathematics and Secondary Education - University of North Alabama
Master of Arts in Secondary Education - University of North Alabama
Education Specialist Degree in Educational Administration - University of North Alabama
About Assistant Principal Speciale
My name is Courtney Speciale, and I am honored to serve as the Assistant Principal at East Elementary School. As I begin my 19th year as a member of the East Elementary family, I am excited to step into this leadership role at a school that has become my home away from home.
Throughout my career at East Elementary, I have had the privilege of serving in several roles including 13 years as a classroom teacher and 5 years as AMSTI Building-Based Math Coach. Each of these experiences has strengthened my passion for learning, leadership, relationship-building, and helping both teachers and students reach their fullest potential. I have also been honored to serve Cullman City Schools in a variety of leadership capacities including as a board member for the Cullman City Schools Foundation, EES leadership team, school budget committees, region 2 governing board member representative for the Powerful Learning Network, and represented East Elementary at the National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Awards and Conference.
East Elementary holds a special place in my heart. Over the past 18 years, I have had the joy of witnessing hundreds of students grow in stature and heart . What makes this school truly exceptional is the unwavering dedication of our teachers and staff whose commitment to students and families is unmatched. As assistant principal, my goal is to support teachers in strengthening instructional practices, foster open and meaningful communication among families, teachers, and administrators, and help cultivate a safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environment where every child can thrive. I am honored to be a part of East Elementary's mission of launching all students toward becoming productive, prepared, and positive contributors to society.
I am married to Stephen Speciale and we have two daughters. Our oldest is an alumna of East Elementary and our youngest is about to begin her journey as an East Elementary student this year. As a family, we spend our time together living an active lifestyle and engaging in the performing arts. I enjoy piano and voice and my daughters are actively involved in company ballet, school dance teams, community theatre, voice, and other artistic pursuits.
I love the Cullman community and feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve the heart of our town at East Elementary. I look forward to partnering with our students, families, staff, and community as we continue to grow, learn, and achieve together.
Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education- Athens State University (2008)
Masters of Science, Elementary Education- University of West Alabama (2010)
Education Specialist, Elementary Education- University of West Alabama (2014)
Masters Level Certification, Instructional Leadership- University of West Alabama (2024)