Photos by Duay O'Neil
With arms spread wide, newly-named Cosby Elementary School Principal Nora Wilson welcomes the work that leading her students and staff to higher achievements will entail. Wilson assumed her new duties in early August.

COSBY-From the time she was in the third grade in a McMinn County elementary school, Nora Wilson knew that she would become a teacher.

"I never thought there would be anything else," said Wilson on Tuesday afternoon. The energetic administrator stepped into the role as Cosby Elementary School's principal earlier this month, replacing former principal Manney Moore, newly-named Cocke County Director of Schools.

For the past six years, Wilson served as the school's vice-principal. She and Moore were named the school's top administrators following the separation of Cosby Elementary from Cosby High School six years ago.

"When Mr. Moore was named Cocke County's new Director of Schools," said Wilson, "many of the faculty members and my family prompted and encouraged me to apply for this position. Without their support and help, I would not have been able to do it."

Strong encouragement came from Wilson's daughter, Jennifer Cothron, a high school math teacher in Gordonsville, Tennessee.

"This summer I completed 12 hours of work at LMU for my endorsement in administration," laughed Wilson, "and at times I felt overwhelmed. I called Jennifer who came home and told me, 'You ARE going to do this!'"

Wilson, who has a sister teaching in Bradley County, credits McMinn Central High School English teacher Mary Starnes will strengthening her decision to teach. I already knew that teaching was what I wanted to do, but she was such a wonderful teacher and encouraged me so much."

Following high school graduation, Wilson earned her B. S. degree from Lee University in Cleveland, TN.

It was there that she met Cosby native Charles Wilson. The two married in 1970 while still university students and then returned to Cosby to begin their teaching careers.

Her husband retired about five years ago as building trades instructor at Ben W. Hooper Instructional School. He continues to work with the couple's son Jeff in building houses.

"He's the best husband in the world and my greatest supporter," said Wilson.

Meanwhile Wilson spent 28 years in the classroom, the first 12 as a Cosby Elementary School second-grade teacher, and an additional 16 as a Cosby Elementary School fourth-grade instructor.

She also completed her M. A. degree in Curriculum & Instruction.

"We have a wonderful climate here at Cosby, and our kids receive a high quality of education," said the energetic Wilson, waving her arms in emphasis. "I pledge to do my very best to see that we continue on the path we have taken."

Nearby to see that Wilson stays on the right path are school secretary Glenda Henderson and newly-appointed assistant principal Kristy Edmonds.

Henderson, who is beginning her seventh year as school secretary, said, "I'm going to enjoy working with both Nora and Kristy," and praised Edmonds for her past work as co-sponsor of the school's Beta Club for about four years. "It will be different," admitted Henderson, "but it will continue to be good."

Edmonds also praised Wilson. "I have a lot to learn in my new position," said the former guidance counselor, "but I have absolutely the best mentor in Nora Wilson."

Edmonds' duties, thus far, include helping with discipline, dealing with the "textbook chaos" at the first of the year, morning and afternoon bus duty, and working on Title I parental involvement.

Wilson will oversee the school's 43 teachers and various aides and assistants. As of Tuesday afternoon, 537 students in grades K-8 were under her care. "Our numbers are actually down a little this year," said Wilson, who pointed out that Cosby Elementary is a "closed school," in reference to the restrictions concerning student enrollment.

"We have already outgrown our new space," said Wilson, in speaking of the school's recently completed building program. "We have absolutely no spare classrooms. Our art and music teachers have to travel from room to room, instead of having their own classrooms."

"We share a cafeteria and gymnasium with Cosby High School," explained Wilson. "We need a better playground for our younger students."

"We have a great relationship with Dr. (Paul) Webb," she continued, "but both our schools need more space.

When not at school, Wilson devotes as much time as she can to her family.

Son Jeff, a Newport fireman, is married to the former Julie Stinnett, a Newport Grammar School teacher. They have two children, Molly and Sam.

Daughter Jennifer's husband, Jason Cothron, is a Toyota plant manager. They have one daughter, Kalli.

Wilson also is devoted to her in-laws, Conway and Estalee Wilson, who live next door. "We celebrated Conway's 98th birthday last Saturday," said Wilson.

"I also have the best mother-in-law in the world," she added. "This summer, while I was in school, she canned beans and apple butter for us."

"I spend my main time with my family and grandchildren. I try to cook one night each week for the whole crew."

The new principal and her family belong to Grace Baptist Church.

"No one would love this school more than I do," ended Wilson. "If I can play a small part in a child's success, that's what I want to do."

"Mine will be an easy job because of Cosby Elementary's great and supportive staff and wonderful kids."