Rhonda C. Harris is honored to be the 5th Principal at Tanners Creek! She is entering her 24th year with Norfolk Public Schools.

Mrs. Harris began her career at Bay View Elementary School, as a kindergarten teacher and shortly after, was assigned to third grade, where she taught for 7 years.  After her time in the classroom, Mrs. Harris began her journey as a Math Specialist in 2007.  In this position, she served Bay View Elementary for six years and Richard Bowling Elementary for two.  After her stint as a Math Specialist, Mrs. Harris was promoted to Central Office as a Response to Intervention (RTI) Teacher Specialist. Mrs. Harris is not new to Tanners Creek; she served three years as the Assistant Principal before being promoted to Principal in 2019! 

As an 8-year veteran of the United States Army Reserves, Mrs. Harris is no stranger to hard work and dedication. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Math from Norfolk State University. Mrs. Harris acquired two Masters’ Degrees with the first degree obtained from Regent University in Educational Leadership, and the second degree in Urban Education with a Mathematics Specialist certification obtained from Norfolk State University.

Mrs. Harris is native to Neptune, New Jersey.  She is married to Kevin and together they have one son, Kevin Jr.

Mrs. Harris believes that ALL children are capable of learning and understanding, however it’s up to all stakeholders to provide the necessary tools.  Her intent is to oversee that mission.

Julia R. Wilshire has been with Norfolk Public Schools for the past 24 years. During this time, she taught at Oakwood Elementary School, P.B. Young, Sr. Elementary School, Jacox Elementary School, and Ingleside Elementary School. Mrs. Wilshire has also been a Science Resource Teacher, an Instructional Specialist, and a Title I Teacher. She was also honored to be a former Teacher of the Year for Norfolk Public Schools.

With her love of cooperative learning, inquiry and empowering the love of science in students, teachers, and parents, Mrs. Wilshire became a District Science Teacher Specialist for five years. She continues to work with students, teachers, and parents in science throughout the district. In 2018, Mrs. Wilshire began her Assistant Principal career at Fairlawn Elementary School and joined the Koala family at Tanners Creek Elementary School.

Mrs. Wilshire began her educational career by following her love of music and the stage and studied vocal performance. She then earned a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Early Childhood Education from Old Dominion University, a Teaching Certificate in Early Childhood Education from Norfolk State University, and a M.S. Ed, in Administration and Supervision from Regent University.  Mrs. Wilshire believes that all students can learn, therefore, she must strive to continue learning. She attends conferences and professional development that keeps her abreast of the most up-to-date and research-based strategies in helping to see that our students are successful.

Mrs. Wilshire believes that school should be a place where dreams blossom and what may seem impossible becomes possible.