Dr. Destiney Ross-Putney has been named the Chief Officer of Instruction and Innovation. She will begin duties in her new role in May, according to information from VCS.
Kadecia Stewart-Faines has been named Beginning Teacher Support Coordinator and Casey Jackson has been named the Advanced Teaching Roles Coordinator and are set to begin their new duties in July.
Ross-Putney, a graduate of Vance County Schools, will take the reins from Dr. Gail Powers, who is retiring. She began in 2008 as a math teacher at Northern Vance High School, continuing as assistant principal at STEM Early High School, secondary math specialist, instructional technology facilitator and then executive director of the Center for Innovation and Professional Learning.
VCS Superintendent Dr. Cindy Bennett said she is confident Ross-Putney will expand her impact on the district in her new role, calling her an “innovative educator and systems thinker. Her work ethic is phenomenal and her desire to support teaching and learning is essential to the work we hope to accomplish.”
Ross-Putney was instrumental in the creation of the district’s first STEM middle school, designing and implementing an early high school model that was one-of-its-kind on the national level. She continues to fulfill her passion of providing access and opportunities to underrepresented student groups to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, mathematics) education and career fields.
As a graduate of Vance County Schools, Ross-Putney went on to earn her Bachelors of Science in Math Education and Masters in Education in Instructional Technology from N.C. State University. She earned her Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from High Point University. As a student-centered and passionate professional who is committed to building relationships, ensuring equity, inspiring creativity, and promoting practices that effectively improves outcomes for students, the district is excited for the work Ross-Putney will bring to the role of Chief Officer of Instruction and Innovation and the impact on our learning communities.
Ross-Putney and her husband have three children and live in Franklin County.
Stewart-Faines joined VCS in 2013 and has a total of 17 in the field of education. She began teaching in Kingston, Jamaica before coming to North Carolina. She was a teacher at Pinkston Street Elementary and was named 2017-18 Teacher of the Year. She moved on to earn district teacher of the year honors and then regional teacher of the year. She transitioned to school administration and previously was assistant principal at Vance County Middle School. She currently serves as the Innovative Partnership Grant Coach.
She earned her Bachelors in Education from Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts and her Masters in Curriculum an.d Instruction from Florida International University, Stewart-Faines then went on to earn her Masters in School Administration from High Point University. She participated in the High Point Leadership Academy for School Leadership.
Superintendent Bennett shared, “All educators need support, especially those new to the profession, state or country. Kedecia is very knowledgeable in the teaching and learning process and has a heart to serve.
Stewart-Faines lives in Williamsboro with her husband and three children.
Jackson, who will become the Advanced Teaching Roles Coordinator, joined VCS in 2018. Jackson began as a 4th grade teacher in Virginia for nine years, later becoming an Assistant Principal. After 3 years in that role, she became a Principal, serving in that capacity for one year. In 2018, Jackson joined Vance County Schools as a Multi-Classroom Leader (MCL) at Aycock Elementary.
MCL’s were initially established at Opportunity Culture schools within Vance County Schools as those with data to support high-growth student learning and leadership competencies. MCL’s work directly with staff and students, spending a portion of time teaching, as well as leading small teams of teachers, collaborating to provide support and implementing the best strategies for classroom instruction. Jackson has had great success in this role. As the Advanced Teaching Roles Coordinator, she will extend her reach, working with both MCL’s and principals.
“Casey is a strong instructional leader. From teacher to MCL to Principal, she has demonstrated her passion for education and supporting both students and staff,” shared Superintendent Bennett. “We are excited about the Advanced Teaching Roles Coordinator position, as it will expand Casey’s impact throughout the district.”
A graduate of Longwood University, Jackson earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and her Masters of Science in Educational Leadership. She resides in South Hill, Virginia with her husband and three children.