Tinell Priddy, the new assistant principal for the class of 2015 at Jefferson, arrived at school last week after moving from District of Columbia Public Schools.

“I have worked in STEM education for my entire career, and TJ is the best when it comes to being a STEM school. For me, it’s a dream placement to be working at such a great school in STEM education, which is something that I really love,” Priddy said.

Priddy received her master’s degree from Western Washington University in Curriculum and Instruction and her doctorate from Argosy University in Hawaii. She lived in Hawaii until four years ago, and has lived on the east coast for two years.

“I’ve only been on the East Coast for two years, so everything is a learning experience and I look forward to learning about Virginia and TJ.”

Shawn DeRose, formerly the athletic director, is also excited to be working with the students as an interim assistant principal. A member of the Jefferson administrative team since January of 2010, DeRose started as an assistant principal as part of an administrative exchange with Heather Sonel while working at Stuart High School. The next year, DeRose was named the Director of Student Activities. Currently, Rusty Hodges is interim DSA.

“I love watching the students grow up over the four years that I see them,” DeRose said. “I love watching them succeed not only academically, but develop skills socially and from a leadership perspective, learning how to interact and work with other students.”