July 2021

Name: John Young Current Role in TISD: Director of Fine Arts Education/Degree(s) B.S.E - University of Arkansas, M.M.E - Texas A&M @ Commerce What is your background/experience in education? For 34 years, I have been a band director. I have served as a director in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas.

Poetry Community Christian School begins on-campus classes August 23. With the opening of additional sections in some grades, the school’s 250 student K-12 enrollment is increasing with tours and admissions applications every week. “We are getting an unprecedented number of inquiries about enrolling at PCCS this fall,” reports Bridgett Doddy, the school senior vice principal and admissions director. Launching its 19th year this fall, PCCS also celebrates its 20th Year Anniversary since incorporating in February 2002. What drives the school’s success? Affordable tuition. College-prep programming. Learning differences classes. A Christ-based campus. Reasonable health & safety protocols. Experienced Christian teachers. A fiscally responsible Administration focused on continuous improvement.

Name: Dr. Tracie L.

Name: Tiffany Swain Current Role in TISD: Principal of Global Leadership Academy Education/Degree(s) - including where you went to college: I have a Bachelor’s Degree of Science-Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master’s Degree in Education Administration What is your background/experience in education? I began my career in TISD in August of 2011 as a 4th grade teacher. I spent several years teaching 3rd and 4th grades prior to becoming the Assistant Principal at Gilbert Wille Elementary.

Name: Malori Wooten Current Role in TISD: Principal at J.W. Long Elementary Education/Degree(s) - including where you went to college: I currently hold a Bachelor's degree Kinesiology from the University of Arkansas and a Masters in Educational Leadership from the Univerisity of Texas Permian Basin.

Name: Melissa Nichols Current Role in TISD: WHB Principal and Head Start Director Education/Degree(s) - including where you went to college: Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a specialization in Reading at Stephen F. Austin State University; Master of Education at Texas A&M University-Commerce; (In progress: doctorate of educational leadership at West Texas A&M University) What is your background/experience in education? I started my career as a second grade teacher in New Caney ISD in 2001.

Name: Alexis Dennis Current Role in TISD: Gilbert Willie Sr. Elementary Principal Education/Degree(s) - including where you went to college: Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology with a focus in forensic science from the University of North Texas Master of Education Administration from Texas Woman’s University What is your background/experience in education? Middle School Science Teacher for 9 years.

Name: Chris Turner Current Role in TISD: Principal - Furlough Middle School Education/Degree(s) - including where you went to college: Grambling State University - BS in Management; Lamar University - Masters in Educational Administration; Abilene Christian University - Completing Doctorate in Organizational Leadership (12/21) What is your background/experience in education? I have 17 years of experience in education. I have served in the capacities of Math Teacher, Math Facilitator, Athletic Coach, Assistant Principal, and Principal.

Name: Adam Toy Current Role in TISD: Principal, Terrell HS Education/Degree(s): • Bachelor of Music Education from Abilene Christian University • Masters in Educational Leadership from University of North Texas • Doctorate of Educational Leadership (pending) from University of North Texas. What is your background/experience in education? • 7 years as a classroom teacher • 8 years as an Assistant Principal • 4 years as a High School Associate Principal •4 years as a Middle School Principal What drew you into a career in education? My mother and grandmother were both teachers.

I love a good classic movie. There is something timeless and nostalgic about a classic - especially a favorite that stands the test of time like “The Wizard of Oz.” Loved and adored by generations, there is something truly relatable about having your world turned upside down only to find that you are “no longer in Kansas” anymore. We all caught a taste of that feeling last year when school let out for Spring Break 2020 and COVID swept through like a tornado shutting the doors to our schools. We were left upended, in a figurative land of Oz, desperate to find our way back home. Even as school began in the fall and we excitedly welcomed back students into our buildings, we continued to navigate a “new normal.” The Oz in which we found ourselves proved to have twists, turns, and unex pected obstacles. Of course, none of it was unmanageable as long as we all worked together as a team to find our way home.