LOW MOOR, VA. (VR) — Dee Ann E. Tickner has been appointed the assistant principal at Jeter-Watson Elementary School. Mrs. Tickner’s appointment as an administrator was approved by the Alleghany Highlands School Board on Monday, Aug. 8, 2022.
Tickner will serve under Jeter-Watson Elementary Principal Cynthia Morgan. Jeter-Watson Elementary was created through the reconfiguration of Jeter-Watson Intermediate School and Edgemont Primary School into a single school, a change made official at a school board meeting on August 10.
Tickner has served as an early childhood special education teacher at Sharon Elementary School since August 2013. Prior to joining Alleghany County Public Schools, she was a school counselor at Breckinridge and Eagle Rock elementary schools in Botetourt County. She was also an elementary school counselor at Spartanburg One Schools in Inman, S.C. Tickner has worked in public education since 1995.
“Mrs. Tickner possesses both warmth and clarity of thought that will help her succeed in this new role. We are excited to see her join the team at this site and be a strong component of the successful opening of their school year,” said Superintendent Kim Halterman and Assistant Superintendent Melinda Snead-Johnson in a joint statement.
Tickner holds a Master of Education Degree in Elementary Guidance and Counseling from Clemson University. She graduated from Clemson in 1995. She also earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education from Winthrop University in 1993.
She holds several endorsements including administration and supervision for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Tickner is also endorsed in early childhood special education, early primary education, elementary education, middle school education, elementary school counseling, working with students with intellectual and emotional disabilities in grades K-12, as well as students with specific learning disabilities in grades K-12.
Her administrative background includes serving as a leader in Alleghany County Public Schools’ Summer High Intensity Learning Academies. The elementary school academies were designed to provide targeted intervention for students experiencing deficiencies and lost instructional time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is with great pleasure that I welcome Mrs. Tickner to Jeter-Watson as she begins her administrative career. Mrs. Tickner’s endorsements and previous work experiences in special education and school counseling, along with her positive attitude and commitment to educational growth make her a wonderful addition to our faculty. I know she will excel in building relationships with our students, families, and staff. I’m looking forward to working with her as we continue to provide the best learning opportunities for our students,” said Morgan, who had previously served as principal at Edgemont Primary.
Tickner served as the lead teacher for early childhood special education in Alleghany County Public Schools. She assisted with preparation for the Standards of Learning Assessments at Sharon Elementary and served as a mentor to new teachers. She says one of her primary goals is to build strong relationships with students and parents.
“I cannot wait to begin this new adventure. I truly believe that I am called to serve the families of the Highlands. There are amazing academic achievements happening at Jeter-Watson Elementary, and I’m excited to be a part of those ongoing goals. I’m ready to support the staff, students, and families as they navigate the division’s upcoming changes. I am excited to work under Mrs. Morgan to create a strong administrative team. I could not be happier to accept this position,” Tickner said.
Tickner is a South Carolina native, and she has lived in Virginia for 25 years. Her husband, David, is the town manager of Fincastle. She has two children, Colin, 20, and Gabriella, 16. In her free time, Tickner enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and playing the guitar.
The Alleghany Highlands Public Schools Division was created through the July 1, 2022, merger of Alleghany County Public Schools, Covington City Public Schools, and Jackson River Technical Center. Schools will open for the 2022-2023 academic year on Aug. 17, 2022.
