Administration

Janay Glover-Smalls, a dedicated educator with 14 years of experience in the field of education, joins Robert Smalls Leadership Academy with a wealth of expertise gained exclusively within the Beaufort County School District. With a robust background spanning various roles, Mrs. Glover-Smalls brings 5 years (as of 2024) of administrative experience complemented by 9 years in the classroom, primarily at Whale Branch and Joseph Shanklin Elementary Schools.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Glover-Smalls has demonstrated a commitment to enhancing educational practices and supporting student success. She holds endorsements in Gifted and Talented education, and has been recognized for her proficiency as a state-trained mentor and evaluator.

Mrs. Glover-Smalls has served in several administrative capacities, including roles as RTI Coordinator, ADEPT Liaison, PBIS Chair, 504 Coordinator, Testing Coordinator, and ConnectEd Coordinator. These roles underscore her proactive approach to fostering a positive learning environment and ensuring the holistic development of students.

Mrs. Glover-Smalls earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Carolina, Columbia. She also earned a Master’s of Education degree in Administration and Supervision from the University of Phoenix.

At Robert Smalls Leadership Academy, Mrs. Glover-Smalls looks forward to leveraging her background to contribute to the school community's growth and success, continuing to uphold the district's commitment to excellence in education.

Email: Janay.Glover-Smalls@beaufort.k12.sc.us
Phone: 843-322-2569

I am a dedicated educator based in Beaufort, South Carolina, with over a decade of experience in teaching, curriculum development, and most recently educational leadership. I currently work at Robert Smalls Leadership Academy, where I work with middle school MTSS, testing, special programs, behavior management, after school and summer school. My role involves implementing research-based academic and behavioral interventions, training faculty in local and state assessment protocols, and supporting diverse student populations including English learners, SPED, and Gifted/Talented students. I have also taught Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses in medicine, architecture, and computer science, and facilitated career development initiatives for PK–8 students.

I have multiple degrees, including a Master’s in Administration from The Citadel, a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Adams State University, and a BA in Middle School Education from Mercer University. I am endorsed in Gifted and Talented education, Project-Based Learning, and SIOP trained.

I am an active member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated and the Beaufort Chapter of AAUW. I enjoy reading, traveling, gardening, and trying new cuisines.

I look forward to working with 6^th grade students and staff this year by showing the world WE ARE GENERALS.

Email: christy.smith-mccullough@beaufort.k12.sc.us
Phone: 843-322-2583

I am a Pennsylvania native that landed in the Low Country thanks to the USMC.

I attended Saint Francis University in Pennsylvania where I played Division 1 softball and received an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education K-6 and an undergraduate degree in Special Education K-12. I attended Grand Canyon University for graduate school and hold a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction in Reading K-12, and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership K-12.

I have 18 years of experience in education in all grade levels. I spent my first 7 years as a special educator in Virginia working in both the high school and elementary settings. I spent another 9 years as a general education teacher in 5^th grade, continuing my teaching in the DC area.

My husband Ronald is a United States Marine stationed at Parris Island. Thanks to his job, I started at Robert Smalls Leadership Academy 4 years ago where I served as the Literacy Coach for Upper Academy. We have an almost 1 year old, Johnnie Mae and a sassy French bulldog named Grimsby.

I look forward to rocking it with the 7^th grade this year. Let’s go Generals!

Email: samantha.fitzsimmons@beaufort.k12.sc.us
Phone: 843-322-2490

I am a proud native of Greenville, South Carolina, where I grew up with two clear goals: to become a teacher and to graduate from Clemson University. I achieved the latter by earning a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Clemson and began my teaching career at Pendleton Elementary in Anderson School District Four in 2003.

I started in third grade and taught for four years, during which I discovered an unexpected passion for teaching mathematics—a subject I had once struggled with as a student. During this time, I also earned my Master of Education in Classroom Leadership from Southern Wesleyan University. In my fourth year, I taught math to all fourth-grade students and English Language Arts to my homeroom class.

My fifth year marked a significant shift when I began teaching sixth-grade math. I quickly fell in love with both the content and the students, and it became clear that middle school was where I was meant to be. At that time, sixth grade was still part of the elementary schools in Anderson Four, where I continued to teach sixth-grade math for five years. During that period, I earned my Education Specialist degree in Administration and began pursuing leadership opportunities.

After a decade in the classroom, I transitioned into administration and was honored to be selected as Assistant Principal at Belton Middle School in Anderson School District Two. I served there for five years before relocating to Beaufort, where I became an Assistant Principal at Lady’s Island Middle School, followed by five years in the same role at Whale Branch Middle School.

Throughout my career, I’ve held various leadership roles including Grade Level Chair, Department Chair, Student Government Sponsor, TAP Mentor Teacher, and member of the Instructional Leadership Team. One of my proudest accomplishments remains being named Teacher of the Year at Pendleton Elementary.

As an administrator, I have had the opportunity to serve in a wide range of leadership roles, including ADEPT Liaison, Testing Coordinator, Assistant Principal of Instruction, Administrator for Athletics and School Safety, Math Department Lead, and House System Coordinator. At Whale Branch, I collaborated with a dedicated team to implement the Ron Clark House System, which, by my fifth year, had become a vital and celebrated part of the school's culture. One of the most meaningful honors of my career was being nominated for the South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA) Assistant Principal of the Year and being named one of the top two finalists statewide.

My passion lies in creating a school environment where every student feels respected, supported, and empowered to learn. I believe in the power of relationships and the importance of fostering a safe, caring atmosphere where students can thrive.

Outside of work, I am a proud mother to two wonderful children—Rylan (17) and Lyla (16)—who will both graduate from Beaufort High School in 2026. I also share my life with my amazing partner, Forrest, who plays a meaningful role in our family's journey. Rounding out our family is our beloved labradoodle, Hunter. In my free time, I enjoy reading, running, thrifting, and most of all, spending quality time with my loved ones.

I am thrilled to be part of the RSLA family and look forward to serving our students, families, and community in the 2025–2026 school year. Go Generals!

Email: Allyson.Keown@beaufort.k12.sc.us
Phone: 843-322-2542