Leadership
Meet Interim Principal Felecia Coleman
Greetings,
I am Felecia W. Coleman, a Retired Richmond City Public Schools Administrator and Teacher of 35 years, currently serving in the capacity of the Instructional Leader and Interim Principal, at the James H. Blackwell Elementary School. “Home of the Bears”!
I am excited to stand in the gap as the search for a permanent leader begins. My goal is to have this interlude of administrative change and reset bring empowerment and progress that will enhance the trajectory in the lives of the students, teachers and staff, as well as, families in the Blackwell Community.
This is an exciting period of anticipation, building high expectations, personal growth and acceleration for all! Blackwell has the ability to exceed all possibilities! I am elated to help build the capacity of student learning, parent engagement, stakeholders and community partners.
I am a native of Richmond, VA., where I forged a passion to work and serve in an educational system “From whence I have come”! I attended Richmond City Public Schools from Kindergarten - 12th Grade. I look back in silent wonderment, having been under the tutelage of some of the most highly qualified educators, in this city called, “Richmond”.
After graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1975, I matriculated to J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, Virginia Union and Virginia Commonwealth Universities, respectfully, graduating with honors throughout my educational career.
As a “Master Educator”, “Instructional Leader”, and a former student of Richmond City Public Schools”, I have left indelible footprints, which no one can emulate. “I believe great educators are born!” I have served as a creative, committed and talented educator who has inspired, educated, reached, taught and facilitated knowledge, on the elementary and secondary levels.
I have empowered teachers’ pedagogical practices, forged valuable parental relationships and most importantly helped students succeed academically. I have passionately loved what I was born to do…“Reach”, “Teach” and “Help” others”. My infectious personality, incandescent smile and warm personality has been a light in the darkness, to many.
Most importantly my experiences serving countless students, families, teachers, and staff of various worksites throughout the district, has inspired hope, empathy, compassion, and shared incalculable love, which has resonated positive change, hope and promise, to the thousands of lives I have touched, one child, one person, at a time.
Felecia W. Coleman, M.Ed.
Interim Principal
Blackwell Elementary School
fcoleman@rvaschools.net
Meet Assistant Principal Terri Seay- Anderson
Greeting James H. Blackwell Elementary School Community,
I am beyond excited to return to the J. H. Blackwell Elementary School community as Assistant Principal. This year marks my 30th year as an educator. Before this appointment, I served as Assistant Principal at Linwood Holton, Southampton, and James H. Blackwell Elementary schools. Additionally, I was the Educational Director of a local performing arts organization. Even with these amazing experiences, I will always be a teacher at heart! I have 22 years of teaching experience in Richmond Public Schools, serving students at Blackwell, Broad Rock, Westover Hills, Linwood Holton, and G.H. Reid Elementary schools.
My educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology from Howard University, a Master of Teaching from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a Post-Master’s Certificate in Educational Leadership and Supervision from Virginia Commonwealth University. On a personal note, my husband and I enjoy spending time together as empty nesters. Our three adult children all attended and graduated from Richmond Public Schools.
I am honored to return to James H. Blackwell, which named after the prominent African American and Richmond educator who served the Manchester community with the purpose of growing readers and leaders. A wise person once said, “To teach is to touch the future.” Educators like Mr. J.H. Blackwell impacted countless lives in our community, which have, in turn, affected our lives and our student’s lives. Like ripples on the water, his influence is far-reaching beyond its initial point of contact. I believe that you, your scholar and I are one of those ripples extending from his life’s work! I hope to continue Mr. Blackwell's legacy of educational rigor in partnership with our talented teachers and staff. Feel free to contact me to discuss concerns, suggestions, and ideas to help make our school the best! We Are Legacy!
In Service,
Terri Seay-Anderson
tseayand@rvaschools.net
Meet Assistant Principal Tonya Harris- Jones
Meet Assistant Principal Tónya Harris
Assistant Principal Harris-Jones (formerly Harris) is a proud native of King and Queen County, Virginia. During her time in education, Dr. Harris-Jones has served as a first and third-grade teacher, grade level chair, tutor, science curriculum writer, Administrative Assistant, and Assistant Principal. She has been recognized for spearheading an after school program dedicated to empowering young girls to reach their fullest potential.
Dr. Harris-Jones is passionate about expanding her knowledge in social-emotional learning and trauma-informed practices. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Christopher Newport University, a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Liberty University, and a Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. Prior to becoming an educator, Dr. Harris-Jones was in the mental health field for 6 years and worked in various settings.
This year Dr. Harris-Jones is excited about building and maintaining relationships with students, families, staff members, and all other stakeholders. Dr. Harris-Jones believes in the power of each individual and knows that everyone has the potential to succeed, especially when they have someone who believes in them.
In her spare time, Dr. Harris-Jones enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and family. You can find Dr. Harris-Jones on the volleyball court, basketball court, or anywhere outside!
Dr. Harris-Jones’ favorite St. Jerome quote is, “Good, Better, Best. Never let it rest. ‘Til your good is better and your better is best”.
tharri14@rvaschools.net