• I moved here a few of years ago from Laguna Beach, California with my husband, two boys (22 and 24) and goofy little dog-Turk. While I am new to the area, I did work (for one year) as a Fourth Grade teacher at Meadowland Elementary back in 1997.  Fun fact: I have lived in VA 4 different times and in 4 different locations and have loved every spot, Virginia has always felt like "home" to me.

     
    My husband, Jeb, is an 8th grade Social Sciences teacher here at Trailside Middle School.
     
    I have a BS from the University of California, Irvine in Psychology and Social Behaviors with an emphasis in Child Development. My post graduate certificate is from Concordia College, also in Irvine. I have taught Kindergarten, First, Second, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth grade. I have also had the pleasure of working in Special Education and with newcomers and multilingual learners. While middle school is still a little new to me, I am very excited to be at Trailside working with the English Learners Team.
     
    I enjoy all things outdoors. My family and I enjoy camping, hiking and spending quality time together. I am an avid reader and especially love historical fiction novels. I love to cook, bake and create! I live and appreciate life to the fullest with lots of creativity sprinkled in!
Tess Dickerson