Our youngest Panthers get the opportunity to see Elizabeth Smith and Kristi Odom daily at Van Alstyne Elementary School. Smith, the Principal of VAES is a graduate of Texas A&M University and is in her 12th year here at VAISD. She taught 5th and 6th grades prior to becoming an administrator. “I wanted to be a principal to have a positive impact on a greater number of students, to help teachers to be the best they can be, to utilize my administrative skills, and to follow the calling I felt led to do,” she said. Assistant Principal Kristi Odom is in her 2nd year with VAES. “My passion has always been to do something where I could make a difference,” Odom said. “As a teacher, I was able to change the lives of students that I had in class every year, however as an assistant principal I am able to reach more students for a longer period of time.” Odom is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma and Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
At Van Alstyne Middle School, Ryan Coleman is in his 9th year as principal. Coleman, a graduate of Southeastern Oklahoma State University, spent 9 years as a 7th and 8th grade science teacher before transitioning to the role of principal. “I became a principal so I could provide our students with a great education and a great school that they can be proud of,” Coleman said. VAMS Assistant Principal, Kelly Moore, has been with VAISD for 4 years. She taught 1st and 5th grades prior to her role as assistant principal. When asked what made her want to be a principal, Moore said, “I have a passion for education and wanted the opportunity to serve the campus in many ways.” Moore graduated from Texas Tech University with her Bachelor’s Degree and Texas A&M Commerce with her Master’s Degree. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Dallas Baptist University.
“We have the best students I have ever been around here in Van Alstyne,” Jeremiah Johnson, principal at Van Alstyne High School said. “I want to do everything in my power to prepare kids for the next level of their life when they walk across the stage.” Johnson who has spent 10 years working in education, is a graduate of Eastern New Mexico University and Lamar University. He previously taught 8th grade US History. “I went into education due to the impact it made on my life,” he said. “Other than my parents, teachers and coaches made the biggest impact on me as a person.” New to VAISD this year is high school Assistant Principal, Debbie Fine. “I didn’t expect to want to be a principal,” Fine said. “I interned during graduate school and fell in love with the role.” Fine earned her undergraduate degree at George Mason University and her Master’s Degree at Texas Women’s University. This is her 19th year in education and she has taught Physical Education, Health, and Special Education along with being a head soccer coach.
While our administrators may have different backgrounds when it comes to subjects taught and years of experience, one thing is certain- they love their students and teachers. “I love spending time with our students and getting to know them,” Coleman said. Moore agreed. “My favorite thing about my job is working with our students,” she said. “It is very rewarding to get high fives and hugs from them and see their smiling faces.” Johnson credits the teachers at VAISD with much of the schools’ success. “Passion and dedication describe our teachers at Van Alstyne,” he said. “Teachers put in so many hours for our kids and they are dedicated to helping students achieve success in and out of the classroom.”
Thank you to our VAISD principals and assistant principals!