Get to Know Jane-Marie Marlin

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I attended The University of Alabama on a full debate/forensic scholarship from 1985 to 1989.

In 1989 I started my teaching career at Guntersville High School, where I taught advanced ninth, tenth and 11th grade English and started a debate program. 

In 1993, I began teaching at Mountain Brook High School, where I coached the debate team, sponsored the student literary magazine and taught tenth grade English. In 2004, I was hired as a Staff Development Specialist for Mountain Brook Schools. 

My husband and I have been married 17 years. We have one daughter and live in Homewood. I have been very involved as a parent volunteer for the Homewood Schools Foundation and most recently served as a two-term president.

How has this professional background helped prepare you for your new role? 

I bring 24 years of professional experience to the role, with 15 years in the classroom and the last nine years working as a staff development specialist. 

How do you personally define success in curriculum and instruction across our large school district?

Success in instruction is tied to high-quality professional learning for the faculty and staff at our schools. At Vestavia Hills City Schools, we really focus on hiring, growing and developing teachers who are committed learners themselves. 

Success in curriculum is linked to the rigorous College and Career Readiness Standards our state adopted. We are fully implementing the English/language arts standards this fall.