ISLE OF WIGHT
Isle of Wight County Schools has named Heather Tuck as the new assistant superintendent, following the departure of Laura Abel, who accepted the job of superintendent with West Point Public Schools, said spokeswoman Kenita Bowers.

“I am excited to join a proven team of dedicated teachers, administrators, students and community members to raise the bar and remain as a top-rated division in the state and nation,” Tuck said. “I truly believe it is important to continue with many of the successful traditions and practices that this school division has established over the years, and I look forward to being a part of the IWCS family.”

Tuck comes to Isle of Wight County Schools from Mecklenburg County, where she most recently served as the assistant superintendent of administration. Prior to this position she served Mecklenburg as director of student support services and communication, curriculum and instruction coordinator, assistant principal and middle and high school social studies teacher. She began her career in education in Burlington, N.C., where she taught social studies and English.

Tuck was honored with the Virginia Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development Impact Award and serves on the VASCD Board.

She has presented at national, state, and regional conferences and was also highlighted as an “Extraordinary Educator” from Renaissance Learning in its national publication. Tuck earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in communications and public relations from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, her English and social studies teaching license from Elon University, and her Master of Science degree in educational leadership from Longwood University.

She and her husband Dale are the parents of a rising high school freshman, Catie.

“I am thrilled to have Mrs. Tuck join the division leadership team,” said Superintendent Jim Thornton. “She is passionate about instruction, and her background in creating engaging lessons with authentic learning opportunities, coupled with her experience in leading various initiatives, including Response to Intervention and deeper learning with a focus on 21st century skills, will prove to be highly advantageous in collaborating with our instructional team.”