Mrs. Rhonda C. Harris is honored to serve as the 5th Principal of Tanners Creek Elementary School, proudly entering her 26th year with Norfolk Public Schools.

Mrs. Harris began her educational journey at Bay View Elementary School, where she taught kindergarten and later third grade for a total of seven years. In 2007, she transitioned into the role of Math Specialist, serving Bay View for six years and then Richard Bowling Elementary for an additional two.

Her leadership trajectory continued when she was promoted to the NPS Central Office as a Response to Intervention (RTI) Teacher Specialist. She later returned to Tanners Creek, where she served as Assistant Principal for three years before being appointed Principal in 2019.

Mrs. Harris is also a proud veteran of the United States Army Reserves, having served eight years with distinction. Her background reflects a lifelong commitment to service, excellence, and community.

A native of Neptune, New Jersey, Mrs. Harris holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Mathematics from Norfolk State University. She also holds two Master’s degrees:

• M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Regent University
  
  

• M.S. in Urban Education with a Mathematics Specialist Certification from Norfolk State University
  
  

Outside of school, Mrs. Harris enjoys spending time with her husband, Kevin, and their son, Kevin Jr.

Mrs. Harris believes that every child is capable of learning and achieving, and that it’s the collective responsibility of educators, families, and the community to provide the tools and support they need to thrive. Her mission is to ensure that every student at Tanners Creek is given the opportunity to succeed—academically, socially, and emotionally.

Mrs. Wilshire began her educational career by first following her love of music and the stage by studying 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.

Julia R. Wilshire has been with Norfolk Public Schools for the past 26 years. During this time, she has taught at the former Oakwood Elementary School, P.B. Young, Sr. Elementary School, Jacox Elementary School, and Ingleside Elementary School. Not only has Mrs. Wilshire been a classroom teacher, but she has also been a Science Resource Teacher, an Instructional Specialist, and a Title I Teacher.

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.

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 is honored to work alongside Principal Harris, who she continues to learn from daily, which encourages Mrs. Wilshire’s belief that she must strive to continue learning to show her students that all students can learn.

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