Dr. Jaime Hooper is a dedicated educator with over 23 years of experience in public education. A proud three-time graduate of Western Carolina University, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education in Middle Grades Mathematics (Grades 6–9) and Social Sciences (Grades 6–12) in 1999, her Master of School Administration (M.S.A.) in 2008, and her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership in 2022.
Throughout her career, Dr. Hooper has remained committed to serving the students and families of Graham County, North Carolina—her hometown and the community where she was born and raised. She has held a wide range of roles within Graham County Schools, including classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, Director of Federal Programs, Director of Testing & Accountability, Director of the Alternative Education Program, and District Grant Writer.
Dr. Hooper is especially passionate about supporting educators in building their capacity to effectively teach students living in poverty. Her doctoral research focused on this critical area, culminating in the publication of her article, “Building Teacher Capacity for Educating Students Living in Poverty,” in Impacting Education: Journal on Transforming Professional Practice (Vol. 10, No. 2). The article explores the outcomes of a research-based professional learning program she designed and implemented for elementary educators.
Outside of her professional life, Dr. Hooper has been married to her husband, Jason, for 31 years. Together, they have four children. She is actively involved in her church and enjoys traveling in her free time.