Risè W. Pope, Principal

Rose Park Math & Science Magnet Middle

Risè Pope is a native Nashvillian. She graduated from North Nashville High School, Tennessee State University earning a B. S. in Early Childhood Education, and Tennessee State University, receiving a Master’ Degree, Administration and Supervision. She is currently enrolled in the Doctoral Program for Educational Leadership with North Central University.

Risè has always enjoyed working with children beginning with her teenage years as a Junior Counselor at the Northwest YMCA later becoming the Summer Camp Activities Director. She began her teaching career with Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools as a First Grade teacher at Hickman School. She served as Title I Coordinating Teacher overseeing the Title I budget and the implementation of the Success for All Programs at Ross Elementary. Risè was promoted to Assistant Principal at Goodlettsville Elementary, followed by Una Elementary and then to promoted to Principal of Joelton Elementary. After four and a half years, she was later reassigned to Bordeaux Enhanced Option where she served as Principal. In July of 2008, she was named Principal at Rose Park Math & Science Magnet Middle. Her awards and recognitions include “Teacher of the Year”.

She has served on numerous committees for Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools such as the Discipline Task Force, Fifth Grade Task Group, Fourth Grade Curriculum writer and as Group Co-Leader, Strategic Directive I for the MNPS Strategic Planning Committee leading community partners and parents with the development of goals and action steps for the district School Improvement Plan.

Possessing a strong belief and embracing the philosophy, “To whom much is given, much is required”, instilled in her by her parents at an early age has served as her daily mantra. As the daughter of two educators of higher education with a combined total of over ninety years dedicated to teaching and helping students, they emphasized the importance of hard work, loyalty, and the priceless value of education.

She is a member of National Association of Elementary and Middle School Principals, Greater Nashville Association of Black School Educators, Tennessee Principal Association, Links, Incorporated, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and Top Ladies of Distinction. She serves on the Board of Project Neighborhood Aftercare.

Risè is a faithful member of Clark Memorial United Methodist Church. Risè has one brother. She married her high school sweetheart and best friend. They have been blessed with one son and one daughter. She attributes all of her accomplishments to her faith, the support and encouragement she receives from her family and surrounding herself with positive people.