Administrators
Showing results for "Professor named Smith at Elementary School" |
- Trent Nickerson
- Charlie Alday
- Felicia Higginbotham
- Rory VerNisie
- Tiffany Walker
- LaTasha Whitaker
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Trent Nickerson, Principal
Mr. Nickerson is no stranger to Irving ISD as he attended A.S. Johnston elementary, Sam Houston Middle School, and is a graduate of MacArthur High School.
Prior to becoming Principal of Lady Bird Johnson Middle School, Mr. Nickerson served most recently as Principal of DeZavala Middle School. He has also served as Assistant Principal at Nimitz High School, Assistant Principal at de Zavala Middle School, and as Administrative Liaison at Bowie Middle School. He served in an instructional capacity as an AVID teacher and History teacher. He was Varsity Football Coordinator at MacArthur High School.
Mr. Nickerson's philosophy of education is centered on successful collaboration between administrators, teachers, parents, and community members--equipping students with the necessary tools to prepare them to be career and college ready.
Mr. Nickerson received his bachelor’s degree in History from Texas Tech University and his Master of Education in Administration from Lamar University.
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Felicia Higginbotham, Assistant Principal
Ms. Higginbotham is entering her 25th year in Education and her 7th year with Irving ISD. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Baylor University and her Master’s Degree from the University of Texas at Tyler. Her teaching fields include RLA and Special Education. During her career, she has taught Grades 4-12. Ms. Higginbotham is serving in her second year as the Administrative Liaison at Johnson Middle School.
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Charlie Alday, Assistant Principal
Mr. Alday has a Bachelor of Science in Bilingual Education and a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Texas Woman’s University. Mr. Alday is a member of the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals. He has served over 23 years as an educator, beginning as a first-grade bilingual teacher in 1999 and moving to an administrator in 2004. Mr. Alday began his career with Irving ISD as an Assistant Principal in 2006 and served at Lamar Middle School for 7 years and Travis Middle School for 5 years. This year marks the 4th year at Lady Bird. In addition to his administrative role, Mr. Alday enjoys serving the community and spending time with his wife, a science teacher, and his two beautiful daughters.
Mr. Alday is excited to be part of the Johnson Middle School family and work with such wonderful kids, parents/guardians and staff. He believes that all students can achieve high levels of success and he accepts “No Excuses” from any student not to achieve success!
GO Eagles!
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Rory Vernisie, Assistant Principal
Rory VerNisie is entering his 7th year in the education field, he spent six years at Irving HS as a statistics teacher and coach. Rory graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and is working on his Master’s in Educational Leadership from Dallas Baptist University. In his free time, Rory loves to spend time with his wife and play basketball and baseball.
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LaTasha Whitaker, Assistant Principal
LaTasha Whitaker was born and raised in Kansas City, MO. She moved to Texas in 2007 after getting married, and she loves being a Texas resident. She began to pursue her educational career in 2012 by completing the Texas Teachers certification program and landing a job as a Perm. Sub in Irving ISD and then moving on to be a TA for Uplift Education. After teaching two years in Fort Worth ISD, she returned to Irving ISD to continue her career path.
Mrs. Whitaker has a Bachelor of Science in Technical Management- Finance from DeVry University. In December 2016, she received her Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction with a Math Ed. Emphasis from UTA. She recently received her Principal Certification from Lamar University. She has experience teaching Science & Math, as well as being an Interventionist. She recently served in the role of AVID Coordinator at de Zavala Middle school. She is excited to begin her role as an administrator at Lady Bird Johnson MS and looks forward to continuing to grow as an educational leader as well as grow teachers for the continued academic success for all students.
Mrs. Whitaker’s educational philosophy is based on her uncompromising belief that all students can learn, given a positive learning environment, strong and knowledgeable leadership, a committed and focused educational team, an encouraging community, a supportive family.
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Tiffany Walker, Dean of Students
Tiffany Walker is an Irving, TX, native who attended J.O. Davis Elementary, Crockett Middle School, and is a graduate of Irving High School.
Ms. Walker has been in education for ten years, nine of those here in Irving ISD. 2021-22 will be her fifth year at Lady Bird Johnson. She began her teaching career as a permanent substitute at MacArthur High School. She taught 7th and 8th grade English Language Arts/Reading at Crockett MS where she served on the Campus Leadership Team, PBIS Committee, and as the English Department Chairperson.
Ms. Walker is excited to return to JMS this year and serve in her role as Dean of Students. In May of 2021, she received her Master’s Degree in Educational Administration. She is looking forward to continue growing as an educational leader and working with staff and students in this capacity.
“One of the greatest gifts we can give to kids, is who we are!”