• Douglas Anderson School of the Arts Administration

  • Tina Wilson -  Principal
     
    DA Principal Tina Wilson

    You might say Tina Wilson has been training all her life to be principal of Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. A product of Duval County Public Schools, raised in a family of teachers and artists, the Jacksonville native began studying piano at age 5 and has been singing all her life. She began classical voice training as a student at DA, graduated from the school in 2001, and has been sharing her talents as both an educator and performer ever since.

    A results-driven leader, Ms. Wilson brings a fresh perspective to every educational environment. After 11 years of service in Duval County – where she went from choral teacher at Terry Parker High School to principal at Mount Herman Exceptional Student Center – she was selected through a national candidate search to be Principal of Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. And she is excited about coming back home to challenge the next generation of DA graduates to "Dare to be Different!"

    Ms. Wilson is a graduate of Florida State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Choral Music Education and led a graduate-level gospel choir as a freshman, and Jacksonville University, where she obtained a master’s degree in educational leadership. She was assistant principal at Terry Parker, Palm Avenue Exceptional Student Center and Mount Herman Exceptional Student Center before serving as Mt. Herman’s principal. 

    Although she initially had no background in special needs, Ms. Wilson put her creativity and servant heart to work on behalf of both Palm Avenue and Mt. Herman, becoming an energetic change agent and tireless advocate for each child’s experience. Along the way, she earned a Level II Principal’s Certification and a Florida Turnaround Leadership Program certificate.

    As a performer, Ms. Wilson’s professional work is extensive and has included singing, vocal direction and artistic direction of many musicals and programs from the First Coast to Costa Rica. Her recent endeavors have included directing a musical opening for the 11th annual Generation W Women’s Leadership Conference, serving as vocal director for "Dreamgirls" at Players by the Sea, and singing backup for a variety of recording artists. 

    In addition, she has volunteered her talents as a performer, conductor and coach for a variety of organizations. She is a former director of RSVP – the Ritz Sound & Vocal Performers, formerly known as the Ritz Voices – as well.

    All of Ms. Wilson’s skills and experience come together in her current role as principal of DASOTA, and she is a proud and enthusiastic supporter of the students in her care.  

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    Tonya Rowan - Assistant Principal of Curriculum
     

    DA Assistant Principal Tonya RowabMrs. Rowan is a native of Jacksonville, Florida and attended local area schools. She has been a Florida educator for the last 24 years, serving in large, urban Title 1 schools. Prior to serving in K-12 education, she spent 10 years in higher education. Her strengths center around creating a positive school culture and establishing high standards for all. These concepts have allowed her to move graduation rates above 96% for students in the Jacksonville community. 

    Through a team concept that allows for personal connections, student accountability and community partnerships, she encourages her students to dream big by setting and achieving goals. She believes that all students have the ability to be excellent when they connect with their passion and visualize the future.

    Mrs. Rowan has been the arts administrator at her last three schools, creating programs that receive superior ratings and national opportunities. She has assisted in the development of these programs, creating pathway progressions for students that allow them to pursue their arts through college or in their professional field. 

    Outside of work, Mrs. Rowan has been a life-long learner, earning degrees from Jacksonville University,  University of North Florida, and Nova Southeastern University.  She is currently completing her dissertation in the doctoral program at the University of North Florida. 

    Mrs. Rowan is excited to serve at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. 

  • Jay Franklin - Assistant Principal
     
    Mr. Jay Franklin Jay Franklin has served the students of Duval County Public Schools for 13 years.  Mr. Franklin is a second career educator. After receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Commercial Recreation and Tourism from Georgia Southern University in 2001, he worked in the tourism industry as the Supervisor of Loss Prevention at the Ritz Carlton.  Believing that he could have a positive impact on the lives of children, he transitioned to the teaching profession.  His career in education began at Highlands Middle school where he taught eighth grade Algebra and Geometry. After teaching for several years, he served as a math coach.  In 2013, Mr. Franklin earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix.  Since earning the advanced degree, he has served as an instructional leader in the capacity of Assistant Principal at Baldwin Middle Senior High School, Duncan Fletcher High School, Lake Shore Middle School, and presently Douglas Anderson School of Arts.

    Mr. Franklin's educational experiences have afforded him the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of people to meet the common goal of increasing student achievement and well-being. His educational philosophy is based on his uncompromising belief that all students can learn, given a positive learning environment, strong and knowledgeable leadership, a committed and focused educational team, an encouraging community, and a supportive family, all of which Douglas Anderson School of Arts possesses.

    Mr. Franklin looks to not only inspire his students but to also ensure they understand how much they serve as motivation for him. Observing students learn, grow, transform and flourish is the catalyst to continue the educational journey as a learning leader. He takes great pride in the many lives he has been able to help shape as an educator and firmly believes his career is more than a profession but, instead, a divine calling.