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Francisco Miranda, Principal
Principal Francisco Miranda is happy to be the leader of Nimitz after four years as principal of Crockett Middle School. In addition to his high school and middle school leadership experience as an Associate Principal, Mr. Miranda taught at the elementary school level, serving as a bilingual reading, language arts and social studies teacher for fourth and fifth grades.
Mr. Miranda was born and raised in Dallas, Texas in the South Oak Cliff area. He attended all Dallas ISD schools and graduated from South Oak Cliff High School. Principal Miranda received his bachelor’s degree from Northwood University and a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He looks forward to continuing a positive and collaborative relationship with the Irving community and is very proud to be a Nimitz Viking.
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Wendy Trammell, Associate Principal
Mrs. Trammell knew she wanted to be a teacher when she was 6 years old. Inspired by her kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Webb, Mrs. Trammell would play school with the kids on her street where she grew up and was always the teacher. Her mother bought her a gradebook, and she used it every summer in her neighborhood class.
Mrs. Trammell became a Nimitz Viking in 1996. She is truly dedicated to the students, parents and staff at Nimitz. During her years with Irving ISD, she has served as a Career and Technology Education teacher, government teacher, intervention coordinator, dean of students, administrative liaison, summer school assistant principal, summer school principal and assistant principal. She graduated from Texas Woman’s University with a Bachelor of Science in government and business administration and from Lamar University with a Master of Education in educational administration. She has served on several committees at the school and district level throughout her time in Irving ISD. Mrs. Trammell has an open-door policy for parents, staff and students and enjoys helping anyone who needs assistance.
When Mrs. Trammell is not at school, she enjoys spending time with her husband who she has been married to since 1994 and her daughter. She has a French bulldog named Piper whom she adores. Her favorite three places to visit are her childhood home, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., and New York City.
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Joshua Zamora, Assistant Principal
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Vanessa Smith, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Smith is excited to be returning to Nimitz this year as an assistant principal, having taught Culinary Arts here between 2010-2014. She is beginning her thirteenth year in education this year and served as the administrative liaison for one year and as assistant principal for two years at DeZavala Middle School prior to coming to Nimitz. Mrs. Smith is excited to build teacher capacity and get to know the students here at Nimitz.
After high school, Mrs. Smith served eight years in the United States Marine Corps before heading to college. Mrs. Smith has a bachelor’s degree from Texas Woman’s University in Family Consumer Science, a master’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in Human Sciences-Hospitality Administration and received her principal certification from Lamar University.
Outside of school Mrs. Smith likes to spend time with her husband, four children and twin sister, and travel as much as possible. The best place she has visited so far was Amsterdam, where she got to tour the Anne Frank House. She looks forward to visiting Panama, Iceland, Rome and Spain soon!
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Jeremiah Fincher, Assistant Principal
Jeremiah Fincher graduated in 2010 from Texas Tech University with a degree in Multidisciplinary studies with a focus on ELAR and Social Studies. He graduated in 2018 from Lamar University with his Masters degree in Educational Administration.
He immediately began his teaching career with Irving ISD at Lamar Middle School and then was part of the staff that opened Lady Bird Johnson Middle School. He began his education career in 2010 working in Irving ISD and Coppell ISD, where he taught English, writing, Texas History, US History, PE and coached football, basketball, and track. After teaching and coaching, Mr. Fincher took the next step in his educational career and transitioned out of the classroom to the Administrative Liaison role at Johnson Middle School in 2018. He then became a Crockett Cougar and was an assistant principal for four years before joining Nimitz Nation as an assistant principal.
He is passionate about helping students learn and find success that they can build on beyond their school years. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing in recreational sports leagues, and cheering for the Texas Rangers and the Red Raiders. He is excited to join the Southside and work with the Nimitz Community!
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John Crisford, Assistant Principal
This is John Crisford’s 15th year in education. He began his education career at Blalack Middle School in Carrollton, starting as an inclusion aide in Science classrooms. After receiving his teaching certification, he taught 7th grade Math and Pre-AP Math for one year. The following year he returned to the science classroom, ultimately teaching 6th and 8th grade Science for the next 11 years. During that time, he held the Instructional Facilitator position for 5 years and the Department Manager position for two years through the COVID pandemic. After achieving Principal Certification, Mr. Crisford worked at Irving High School for the 2022-23 school year as an Administrative Liaison and transferred to Nimitz High School for the 2023-24 school year as an Assistant Principal.
Mr. Crisford completed his Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas at Dallas in 2006. He completed masters work at Southern Methodist University, gaining a Certificate in Dispute Resolution, then completed a Masters in Learning Technology from the UNT Toulouse Graduate School in 2018. He completed his Principal Certification requirements in 2022. He currently holds the following active certifications: Generalist (4-8), Science (4-8), Special Education (EC-12), English as a Second Language Supplemental (EC-12), and Principal as Instructional Leader (EC-12).
Prior to working in education Mr. Crisford worked professionally as a drummer into his late 20’s, and co-owned and managed a successful family retail office furniture business for 17 years. He has three grown children ages 23, 26, and 36. He enjoys reading, learning, going to concerts, camping, hiking, canoeing, staying active, and playing with his three dogs.
Administrators
Showing results for "Professor named Smith at Elementary School" |

- John Crisford

- Jeremiah Fincher

- Francisco Miranda

- Vanessa Smith

- Wendy Trammell

- Trina Valdez

- Joshua Zamora