Mrs. Teresa Byers - Principal (byerstt@lcps.k12.va.us)
Greetings TJES Patriot Families and Friends,
Welcome to the home of the Proud Patriots!
One of my favorite quotes is “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” by John C. Maxwell, an author of leadership books. At TJES, we choose growth! With my return to TJ as the principal, we are already making some changes to further grow the opportunities for our students and their families. In fact, we have adopted a new mission statement that will focus our work and decision making: We will guide our students along their unique path to individual success
This mission is simple and clear: It is our job to help our students find their own way, or path, to future success. Each child’s journey will be unique, but we are here to provide them with the supports--academically, socially, physically, emotionally-- that they will need to continue on their path. Each of our students will have the opportunity to explore and experience the skills they will need for the future, the 5 C’s of 21st century learning: Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Citizenship, Creativity, and Communication. Not only will these be integrated into their daily classroom experiences, but we will set aside time each week for students to work on developing these life-long skills.
We also know that we cannot accomplish this mission alone. We welcome your involvement in your child’s education and our school. Please let us know if you have ideas, concerns, or want to volunteer. Only by working together can we ensure that our students’ are receiving the best education possible. Please feel free to email, call, or come to visit and talk. You can also follow our progress on Facebook, in newsletters, and our school website.
To reintroduce myself to the TJES community, I was the principal at TJES from 2005 until 2011. I am coming home! I am so excited to be returning to this fantastic staff, students, and families! I have been in education for 35 years: 15 years as an elementary and middle school teacher, 6 years as assistant principal at JES, 6 years as principal at TJES, 8 years at Central Office as Director of Elementary Education, and now returning as principal at TJES.
My undergraduate degree is from Virginia Tech in Elementary/Middle School Education. My graduate degree in Administration and Supervision is from VCU. My family and I relocated from Henrico County in 2002 to Louisa County and have made it our permanent home. My husband and I have one daughter--our one and only. I enjoy reading, shopping, traveling and spending time with my family and friends.
I am looking forward to this school year and watching our children’s paths develop!
Mr. Jesse Cleaver - Assistant Principal
Greetings Thomas Jefferson Families!
I'm excited to be a member of the Patriots at Thomas Jefferson this year as Assistant Principal. After spending the past 12 years in various positions across Louisa County High School and Middle School, I'm excited to transition to the Elementary level.
In the past, I have taught Mathematics, served on both the High School and Division leadership teams, and coached sports both in the school system and through area youth organizations. I'm originally a native of a small rural town in Pennsylvania and my high school graduating class consisted of only 75 students!
I received my B.S. in Mathematics Education from Juniata College and my M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from George Mason University. I come from a blue-collar family and look forward to partnering with the hard-working families of Thomas Jefferson to ensure success for all of our students.
Please don't hesitate to contact me via phone, email (cleavejj@lcps.k12.va.us) or by stopping by the school.
Go Patriots!
Jesse Cleaver, M.Ed.