CHERRY VALLEY - The Cross County School District this week announced the addition of three distinguished educators to its team of Master Teachers, each bringing a wealth of expertise to their respective roles.
With a career spanning 29 years in education, Dana Deason will move to the Master Teacher of Novice Teacher Induction. Deason has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She began her journey at Cross County in 1999 as a 1st grade teacher. Since January 2011, she has served as the K-6 Master Teacher, spearheading data-driven intervention strategies and facilitating professional development sessions.
“I love Cross County with all my heart,” said Deason. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the teachers and students in this new role. I am excited to work with new and novice teachers to provide an additional layer of support to make their transition to Cross County successful.”
Deason is from Cherry Valley, has one daughter and is Nana to future Thunderbirds Addie and Reid.
Kathryn Pruiett will assume the role of Master Teacher of Character Education. Pruiett, who began her career at Cross County Elementary in 2017, taught third grade for two years and is currently in her fourth year teaching kindergarten. She is deeply committed to fostering character values among all students.
“I am thankful for the opportunity to serve as Master Teacher of Character Education for our district and am excited to work alongside our staff to consistently instill character values into the lives of our students at Cross County,” said Pruiett.
Pruiett and her husband, Trey, have a six year old son, Knox, and two-year-old twin girls, Lucy and Poppy.
Shayna Tucker, a seasoned educator with 14 years of classroom experience, will become the Master Teacher at Cross County Elementary. With a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, a Master’s degree in Educational Theory and Practice, and National Board Certification in Early and Middle Childhood/Literacy: Reading-Language Arts, Tucker brings a wealth of qualifications to her new position. Her dedication to professional growth and leadership skills position her to support fellow educators and drive positive change within the school community.
“As I work in the position as a master teacher, I will work to fulfill the responsibilities and duties for this role,” said Tucker. “I truly appreciate the trust that the school has placed in me in all my positions here at Cross County Elementary and the opportunity to further my career.”
Tucker and her husband, Nathan, have four children, Olivia, 17; Trytan, 13; Thayer, 9; and Thadley, 6.
Cross County School District Superintendent Dr. Nathan Morris said the addition of the Master Teacher for Character Education and Master Teacher for Novice Teacher Induction is made possible in part by the $2.2 million Teacher and Student Leader (TSL) grant the district received in October from the federal Department of Education.
“We are thrilled to add these three to our team of Master Teachers,” said Dr. Morris. “Having excellent teacher-leaders who can leverage their skills to support new teachers and help embed character values in the lessons of all teachers is essential for our district’s success. We look forward to their contributions and the positive impact they will have on our students and staff.”
The Cross County School District warmly welcomes Dana Deason, Kathryn Pruiett, and Shayna Tucker to their new roles and looks forward to their invaluable contributions towards academic excellence and character development within the district.