M-SCEA NTD Gala, May 9, 2025 @ The Butcher Shop. Purchase your ticket today!
126 Flicker St, Memphis, TN 38104, US
M-SCEA NTD Gala, May 9, 2025 @ The Butcher Shop. Purchase your ticket today!
Tavarus Ward is currently an early childhood educator at Wells Station Elementary School. He has worked in the education field for 11 years. Before working in the Early Childhood Division as a Pre-K educator, he was a literacy interventionist for 4 years. In addition to serving on the Board, Tavarus is an association representative for his school, a member of the Memphis-Shelby County Political Action Committee for Education, and chair of the Black History Committee at his school. He serves in various leadership roles at school and in the community. Tavarus is a member of the Tennessee Mass Choir and a member of Life Church, where he serves as team leader over JUMP, which serves the pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students. Tavarus has actively advocated for public education for all students and the rights for educators.
One of his favorite quotes is "Every child deserves a champion, an adult who will never give up on them. Is this job tough? You betcha. But it is not impossible. We're educators. We're born to make a difference." ~Rita Pierson
Dr. Janice Tankson is a highly qualified administrator and change agent with over 22 years of experience in elementary, middle and high school settings. During her career, she has been a teacher, computer technology coordinator, summer director, assistant principal and principal. She currently serves as an SCS Instructional Leadership Director for Zone 2. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and General Sciences from Mississippi State University. She also studied at the University of Memphis where she received a Master of Science Degree in Administration and Supervision (K-12) and a Doctorate of Education in Leadership and Policy Studies with a concentration in Executive Leadership. Dr. Tankson has served on the Tennessee Principals Association Board for many years and represented principals of Tennessee at the national level of the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). She has worked with teachers for many years to utilize collaborative efforts and empirical strategies that promote student achievement and school effectiveness. She is a transformational leader that truly believes in working with others for the success of students, teachers, and principals of Shelby County Schools. As Dr. Tankson puts it, “When we work together, anything is possible and attainable.”
Mildred J. Williams has taught in Memphis City and Shelby County Schools for over 18 years. She teaches at Hickory Ridge Middle School. Mildred attended Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi, where she earned a Bachelor’s in General Studies and Master’s in Education, and she has completed additional studies at the University of Memphis. Mildred is a staunch supporter of public education and strong advocate for teachers as well as students.