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Bedford County Schools | Botetourt County Schools | Franklin County Schools | Roanoke County Schools | Roanoke City Schools | Private schools and other institutions

Bedford County Schools

Georgia Hairston, Otter River Elementary School

Where are you from? Bedford.

Education: Undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech;   master’s degree in school administration from Virginia Tech.

Previous career: Served as principal at Bedford Primary School for more than eight years and assistant principal at Staunton River Middle School for five years.

What made you decide to pursue a career in education? I enjoy working with students, teachers and parents. It is very rewarding to know that my knowledge, time and support can have a profound impact on a child’s future.
 

— JoAnne Poindexter

Barbara Rezzonico, Moneta Elementary

Where are you from? I am originally from Michigan; however, my family moved to the Roanoke area when I was in elementary school.

Education: I graduated from Glenvar High School and later attended Radford University. In 1991, I received an M.S. degree in speech pathology.   In 2003, I went back to school and earned a master of art in education administration and supervision.

Previous career: Worked as a speech therapist for 14 years; 10 of these years these were spent with Bedford County schools. In the fall of 2005, I became the assistant principal of Goodview Elementary.

What made you decide to pursue a career in education? I have pursued a career in education out of an interest in my own children’s school experiences and a strong desire to help all children reach their greatest potential.

Wayne Lyle, Bedford Primary

Where are you from? I grew up in the Hardy community of Bedford County, and attended Stewartsville Elementary and Staunton River Middle and High schools. My wife Susan also is a Bedford County educator. She and I met in the band program while attending high school.

Education: B.S. interdisciplinary studies-elementary education from Radford University; master’s of education, administration and supervision from the University of Virginia.  I am currently pursuing a doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Virginia.

What made you decide to pursue a career in education? I made the decision to become an educator in high school. Originally, I thought I wanted to be a high school band director because of all the great experiences the band program provided for me. However, I decided to earn a degree in elementary education because I wanted to positively influence the lives of young children through my teaching. I possess a strong interest in literacy because it is so essential for students to become proficient readers and writers to help ensure their success in education and life.

Where are you from? Ocean City, N.J.

Education: Bachelor of Science in education from Philadelphia College in 1982; master’s in special education from Lynchburg College; Education Specialist Degree from the University of Virginia and doctorate degree in education leadership from UVa in 2002.

Previous career: Taught in the Lynchburg City School system for 11 years and has been in Bedford County 21 years as assistant principal at Forest Elementary and principal at Otter River Elementary.

What made you decide to pursue a career in education? As a young adult coach, I found it rewarding to see students excel as a result of my instruction and encouragement. These experiences suggested that a career in education might be a good fit for me. After completing the preparation required for teacher licensure and teaching my first year, my thoughts about a career in education were confirmed. I decided that I would invest my life in the field of education. It’s hard to believe that any other career field would have provided me with the satisfaction and sense of contribution that education has afforded.

— JoAnne Poindexter

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Botetourt County Schools

Laura O'Neil-Camp, Breckinridge Elementary

Where are you from? I am from Roanoke and I grew up in Roanoke County.

Education: Attended Northside High School. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Roanoke College in 1991. I received a Master of Education in school leadership from University of Virginia in 2004.

Previous career: I began my career in Rockbridge County as a second-grade teacher. I also taught in Franklin County and Botetourt County. Taught a combination of grades levels spanning from preschool initiative to fifth grade during a 12-year period. I began my administrative career in 2004 when I began serving as the assistant principal of Colonial Elementary in Botetourt County. 

What made you decide to pursue a career in education? I became interested in becoming a teacher during high school, when I served as peer mentor for elementary students. I was influenced by many teachers, but I was most inspired by my Advanced English teacher, Mr.  Brill.
Mr. Brill was the most difficult teacher I have ever experienced. He pushed me to be the best that I could be and showed me that I was much more capable than I thought. Mr. Brill not only boosted my confidence and intellect, he also inspired me to be a lifelong learner. Being in the classroom is very natural for me. I love the creativity involved in the process of teaching children. Children are filled with imagination and constantly bring about new challenges. The decision to leave the classroom was quite difficult for me. However, I have found that I am able to touch many children and teachers through my current position. I love my job. I cannot imagine doing anything else.  “A school should not be a preparation for life. A school should be life.” — Elbert Hubbard

Mike Tetreault, Read Mountain Middle School

Where are you from? I am originally from Connecticut.

Education: Graduated from Roanoke College in 1995, with an undergraduate in psychology and education, and master’s degree in 2000.

Previous career: Taught third- and fourth-graders at W. E. Cundiff Elementary five years and was assistant principal at Herman L. Horn Elementary for three years. Was assistant principal at Colonial Elementary in Botetourt County one year before becoming principal at Breckinridge Elementary for three years.

What made you decide to pursue a career in education? I love kids; I love working with kids.   My mom and dad are teachers in Connecticut — mom teaches elementary school and dad teaches high school. It’s in my blood.   My wife Debbie teaches at Cundiff, where we met.   I followed my parents’ footsteps; I hadn’t considered anything else. I got into this and I love it.

Brian Austin, Botetourt Technical Education Center

Where are you from? I was born and raised in Wise County.

Education: My undergraduate degree was obtained from Clinch Valley College (now the University of Virginia’s College at Wise)  with a major in mathematics and a minor in political science.I graduated from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tenn., with a master’s degree in educational administration and supervision.

Previous career: After completing my undergraduate work, I taught in Salem and coached junior varsity boys basketball and baseball at various times. For six years, I owned and/or assisted in the operation of businesses in the finance, construction and transportation industries prior to returning to education eight years ago.

What made you decide to pursue a career in education? I have always enjoyed working with young people and with dedicated professionals. While in college, my involvement with various education-related programs helped offset the cost of tuition and living expenses. It was during this time of my life that I learned how much I enjoyed the combination of both teaching and learning. While I was away from formal education, I learned the extent to which I love the process of educating our youth and providing similar opportunities for the community at large. A significant portion of this understanding came from a desire to improve and further the process of education for myself and others. The remainder of my conclusion to become a career educator came from the realization that there is more to a successful and rewarding career than profit margins and paychecks. On a daily basis, I am blessed to work with colleagues who could and would be highly successful at any endeavor to which they set their individual mind, energy, and intent. Each and every school day, these individuals share their passion for learning with students, which goes way beyond the measurement standards of any SOL or other test. These educators and all other support staff sacrifice their earning potential as their significant personal investment in all of our futures…our children.What better career choice is? To be able to work with young people, their parents and the community in conjunction with a caring and professional group of self-sacrificing individuals is the perfect career choice for me?

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Franklin County Schools

Lisa Bowman, Henry Elementary

Where are you from? Franklin County.

Education: B.A. in psychology with a teaching certificate in K-8 from Mary Baldwin College;  master’s in education from the University of Virginia.

Previous career: Started in school system as a teaching assistant at Glade Hill Elementary then transferred to Burnt Chimney Elementary School;  taught third and fourth grade at Burnt Chimney; took a job as a resource teacher and worked in several different schools.

Why did you pursue a career in education?: I felt like that was the best way to make a difference in the world; I truly believe that we change lives everyday. It’s a very rewarding and fulfilling career.  I know sometimes we take education for granted in America but it truly is the way to move from poverty to a more comfortable lifestyle.

Kenneth Grindstaff, Snow Creek Elementary

Where are you from?: Franklin County.

Education: Franklin County High School; B.A. in business from Bridgewater College;  received teaching certificate from Radford University;  master’s in administration from Virginia Tech.

Previous career: Taught for nine years at Rocky Mount Elementary, fifth grade;  assistant principal between Burnt Chimney and Boones Mill   elementary schools; and brief stint in aqua product sales.

Why did you pursue a career in education?: In sales I didn’t feel like I was accomplishing much as far as doing things for people. I didn’t see myself benefiting anything or anybody else. With teaching I thought I was making a difference — I was making a contribution.

Bernice Cobbs, Boones Mill Elementary

Where are you from?: Franklin County.

Education: Franklin County High School;  briefly attended Virginia Western; B.A. in Liberal Arts with a concentration in education from Ferrum College;  master’s in curriculum and instruction from University of Virginia;  educational  leadership  endorsement from Radford University.

Previous career: Worked as secretary for Woods Rogers for about five  years, then went to general district court as deputy clerk for a few years;  principal at Snow Creek Elementary School for two years.

Why did you pursue a career in education? I thought that I could make a difference in the lives of young people and it’s just that simple. I believe that education is the way to do it, where you have one on one contact with young people every day.

Terri Robertson, Bejamin Franklin Middle School

Where are you from?: Roanoke

Education: Graduated from William Byrd High School; B.A. in English from Roanoke; EDS in administration and master’s in instruction from University of Virginia.

Previous career: Taught high school English for 21 years at  Franklin County High School;  assistant principal at Burnt Chimney elementary school; Eighth grade administrator at Benjamin Franklin Middle School;  principal of Henry Elementary in Franklin County.

Why did you pursue a career in education?  As a young child I loved learning, loved school, loved reading and that led me to want to be a teacher and then as a teacher I became interested in the overall operation of the school and that led me to the administrator.

Marcie Altrice, Ferrum Elementary

Where are you from?: Franklin County.

Education: Graduated from Franklin County High in 1980; received an associate  degree in liberal arts from Ferrum College; B.A. with a concentration in elementary education from Roanoke College; master’s in teaching from Hollins; EDS from University of Virginia with a concentration in educational leadership.

Previous career: Taught 12 years at Henry Elementary School in second, fourth and fifth grade ; worked at the technology department at Franklin County’s central office; principal at Boones Mill Elementary.

Why did you pursue a career in education? I always knew that I wanted to work with children in some capacity because I love children and I love to see their desire to learn and the smiling faces when they get a concept. Teaching was fulfilling that need.

Keith Pennington, Dudley Elementary

Where are you from?: Bluefield, W.Va

Education:  Bramwell High School, in Bramwell W.Va.; B.S. in education at Bluefield State College; m aster’s in curriculum instruction from Salem University in W.Va.; EDS from Virginia Tech in  leadership and  policy  study.

Previous career: Has been in Franklin County since 2000 and always has been in education;  taught chemistry and physics at Franklin County High School;  moved to the Franklin County central office to be an instructional resource teacher in 2006;  assistant principal at Franklin County High School.

Why did you pursue a career in education? I originally pursued a career in education because I was interested in the fields that I was teaching.  I liked the community aspect of education.

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Roanoke County Schools

Amy Shank, Burlington Elementary

Where are you from? Roanoke County.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from Virginia Tech;  master’s degree in educational administration and supervision from Radford University.

Previous career: Taught fourth grade at Mount Pleasant Elementary School for four years. Taught fourth and sixth grades  at Hardy Road Elementary School [now W.E. Cundiff Elementary] for five years.  She taught sixth-grade math and language arts at William Byrd Middle School for 14 years. She taught sixth-grade math for three years at Northside Middle School. She spent the last two years as Burlington Elementary’s assistant principal before becoming principal.

What made you decide to pursue a career in education?:  I knew I wanted to since first grade. I had good teacher role models. I loved to play school; I enjoyed being around children. I knew I needed a profession where I could help children succeed.

Melissa Jones, Fort Lewis Elementary

Where are you from? Roanoke.

Education: B.S. in  psychology with  elementary education minor from Roanoke College and M.A. in  administration from University of Virginia,

Previous career: Taught at Green Valley and W. E. Cundiff elementary schools;  assistant  principal at W.E. Cundiff.

What made you pursue a career in education? My love for children and the learning process. I’ve grown up wanting to be a teacher. When I was young I would play school and line up my stuffed animals.

Janet Womack, William Byrd Middle

Where are you from? I’m from the Roanoke area, specifically Botetourt County (Daleville).

Education: Bachelor of Science and Mathematics from Liberty University in 1994; and a Master of Science and Educational Leadership from Radford. I graduated from Lord Botetourt High School in 1990.

Previous career: I started teaching in the fall of 1995, and that was at Lord Botetourt High School. I was there until 2003, and in the fall of 2003 I went Glenvar High School as the assistant principal.

Why did you decide to pursue a career in education?: That’s all I ever wanted to do. As a child, I played school and I’ve never wanted to do anything else. It’s very much a passion.

Joe Hafey, Glenvar High

Where are you from? Salem.

Education: Roanoke College, B.S., biology; Radford University, Master’s in Administration.

Previous Career: 1980-1996: Hidden Valley, life science teacher; 1996-2002: Cave Spring, assistant principal and athletic director, 2002-2006: Glenvar, assistant principal.

What made you pursue a career in education? I enjoy working with kids and being in a classroom setting.

Steve Spangler, Cave Spring High

Where are you from? Syracuse, N.Y.

Education: Slippery Rock State College, B.S. in  health and  physical  education; Radford University,  master’s in  administration.

Previous Career: 1982, Hidden Valley Junior High School  health and p hysical  education teacher; 1989-1990, Cave Spring High School, Cave Spring Junior High, head wrestling and football coach; 1999,  assistant  principal at William Ruffner Middle School; 2004, principal at William Byrd Middle School .

What made you pursue a career in education? I had a great respect for my teachers and a love of physical education. I loved coaching, and I knew I wanted a leadership role.
 

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Roanoke City Schools

Ann Kreft, Monterey Elementary School

Where are you from?: I was born in Williamsburg but was raised in Hampton.

Education: B.S. in early childhood education with an endorsement in media science; M.S. in Education — Reading. My endorsements include Early Childhood Education (NK-4) Library Media (NK-12); Reading Specialist (NK-12; Administration and Supervision (PreK-12).

Previous career: I taught second grade and preschool in Norfolk Public Schools from September 1992 through December 1999.  In December 1999, I moved to Roanoke and taught fourth grade at Highland Park Elementary School. I then moved to teach Preschool at Highland Park in August 2000. In August 2002, I moved to Raleigh Court  to open a preschool class and remained there through 2006. In the fall of 2006, I was appointed teacher on administrative assignment at Monterey. I became acting principal of Monterey in February and was named principal in June.

Why did you pursue a career in education?: Beginning in nursery school and continuing throughout my educational career, I have always had a love of learning.  My mother, a social worker, helped instill in me the importance of helping children.  Children need many things in order to be successful in life; providing an engaging, meaningful environment became the one way I could reach the most children. As time has gone by, it has become more important to me to reach as many children as possible.  My educational journey has led me to the principalship in order to provide me with an opportunity to reach out into Monterey and Monterey’s community to ensure excellence for our children.

Connie Ratcliffe, Patrick Henry High School

Where are you from?: Pulaski County, and graduated from Dublin High School.

Education: B.S. and M.S. from Virginia Tech; post-master’s courses from University of Virginia, Virginia Tech and others.

Previous career: Began career as a schoolbus driver, then a teacher, then assistant principal at Ruffner Middle; principal at Woodrow Wilson Middle School, and now at Patrick Henry High School.

What made you decide to pursue a career in education?: I wanted to be outside and help young people find meaning, play and reach adulthood being healthy and happy — hence a health and physical education teacher. Incidentally, those were my lowest grades in college.  I was much stronger academically!

Scott Watson, Roanoke Valley Govenor's School

Where are you from?: Watson was born and raised in Flemington County, N.J., until he was 15 years old. He then  lived in Houston 10 years, followed by 20-plus years in Nacogdoches, Texas. He has been a resident of Bedford County for the past four years.

Education: He received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1982 from Stephen F. Austin State University  and acquired teaching endorsements in business, health, physical education and math. In 1996, he earned a master’s in education administration and, in 2001, he completed a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at the same university.

Previous Career: His first 12 years in the education profession included teaching middle and high school  and coaching baseball and basketball. In 1994, he was recruited to research best practices in academic alternative education by visiting a number of schools between Texarkana and El Paso, which led to designing a dropout recovery/prevention school and directing that program for six years.  He was assistant principal of Nacogdoches High School  for three years,  followed by three years as principal of Liberty High School in Bedford County. Watson accepted the interim director’s position at the Roanoke Valley Governor’s School last summer and was named the school’s director in June.

Why did you accept your current position?:  This past year was a wonderful experience in many ways. There is a special corporate DNA within the students, teachers, parents, and community that constitutes traits of motivation, high expectations, talent, authenticity, forward thinking, care, and more.   The Governor’s School has a dedicated and extremely talented professional staff of shared vision and values. Our students choose to face challenges, they are catalysts for innovation, seek leadership opportunities, and are self-disciplined, genuine, and delightfully respectful. Need I say more? I enjoy this environment and feel privileged to be here.

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Private schools and other institutions

Eric Cook, Faith Christian School

Where are you from? Lexington, Ky.

Education: He received a B.A. in secondary education from Transylvania University  in Lexington  in 2005. He received an M.A. in instructional leadership from Northern Kentucky University in 2005.

Previous career: He taught history at a public high school in Lexington for three years. In 2005, he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he taught history, philosophy and psychology for two years before becoming an assistant principal at a large middle school. He was hired as Faith Christian School’s  middle and  upper  cchool  director in July. He will also teach a class on the history of Western philosophy for juniors and seniors.

What made you decide to pursue a career in education?: I went into teaching because I love kids.   I really wanted to pour myself into helping other people and serving the community.
 

Elizabeth Blankemeyer, The Achievement Center

Where are you from? Roanoke.

Education: Received a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Hollins College in 1994; earned a Master of Arts  in  Teaching from Hollins in 2004.

Previous career: Blankemeyer has been a teacher at The Achievement Center since 1994. She became the school’s interim director in January.

What made you decide to pursue a career in education?:  There are so many reasons.   I was in a class at Hollins and we had to do field work here at The Achievement Center.   I saw the light bulb come on in those little children and knew that this was the place that I needed to be to continue the work that The Achievement Center does here. It’s a good feeling to work with this special population.

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