Phone: 904-693-7523

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Tamara Roper, Principal

I come to you with a very diverse background rooted in servant leadership and a commitment to public school education. In 1982, I enlisted in the United States Army Reserves from right here in North Florida while I was still in high school.  Upon graduation, I attended Florida Junior College at Jacksonville, compliments of the Army.  I soon realized that I wanted to become a commissioned officer, and in 1986, I entered the United States Military Academy at West Point.  In 1990, I graduated from West Point and served on active duty in the United States Army from 1990-1997. In 1995, I was assigned to teach ROTC at the University of Florida.  This was a turning point for me; it would be my last assignment in the Army as I fell in love with teaching.  I soon found my way to the classroom to teach math, coach, and serve as the dean in a small private school in Lake Mary, Florida.  As I found myself in increasingly challenging roles, I soon dreamt of leading my own school.  I came to Jacksonville in 2007 to pursue my Educational Leadership degree and started my public school career teaching Algebra and Geometry at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts.  For the next five years, I served as an Assistant Principal at Douglas Anderson, Mandarin High School and LaVilla.  I then had the privilege of serving as the Principal of Twin Lakes Academy Middle School where we moved from a C school to a B school.

All these incredible experiences have led me right here to Joseph Stilwell Military Academy of Leadership.  I bring to JSMAL a passion and deep appreciation for education and the military.  It is my goal that every cadet at JSMAL is prepared for high school and develops a lifelong appreciation for all those who have served and are currently serving in our Armed Forces.

Follow me on twitter at:  @tammytuschhoff

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Christina Thompson

Mrs. Thompson, an educator for 15 years, currently serves as the Assistant Principal of Joseph Stilwell Military Academy of Leadership. She has previously served as a middle and high school teacher, Instructional Reading Coach, and District ELA Specialist.

As a District ELA Specialist, Mrs. Thompson worked closely with school-level leadership to analyze school data for the implementation of appropriate instructional strategies. She also provided support to middle school classroom teachers through collaborative planning and modeling.  Mrs. Thompson also developed and delivered district-wide professional development to school administration and teachers. For 3 years, she took on the task of planning the District Spelling Bee.

Mrs. Thompson received her bachelor’s degree in English Education from Florida A&M University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. She is also ESOL and Reading endorsed.

Mrs. Thompson enjoys spending time with her family and traveling to new places. She is married with one daughter and two sons. Her passion for education emanates from a lineage of equally passionate educators as her mother and grandmother were both in education for over 30 years.

The quote, “Education is the seed to success that blooms over time, leading to a bright and beautiful future” is one that Mrs. Thompson developed through her educational career.

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Mr. Barton

Mr. Barton is in his first year as an Assistant Principal at Joseph Stilwell Military Academy of Leadership and 17th year as an educator.  Mr. Barton spent the first 9 years of his career in Arkansas, where he taught 6th grade Math, 7th Grade Math, 7th Grade Science.  The next two years he taught Special Education at a KIPP School in Arkansas.  In 2017, Mr. Barton and his wife and two daughters moved to Jacksonville, where they have continued to live.  He has taught ESE and was the ESE Lead for two years prior to moving to JSMAL. 

Mr. Barton received his Bachelor’s degree in Mid-Level Education in 2005 from Arkansas State University and his Master’s degree in Secondary Administration from Southeast Missouri State University in 2017.  He served 6 ½ years in the United States Army, including 2 years at the NATO Headquarters in SHAPE, Belgium.  Mr. Barton’s goal is to live by the Ubuntu saying “I am what I am because of who we all are.” 

Phone: (904) 693-7523

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Mr. Clarence Jenkins, Dean of Students

Mr. Jenkins is a 20-year retired military veteran. He has been an educator in the Duval County School System for over 17 years, working with elementary and middle school students as a teacher and Dean of Students. He is committed to guidance and discipline and believes in the education of America’s youth. He possesses a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education, a Master’s Degree in Ministry, and a Doctorate Degree in Ministry. His goal is to teach young minds that “education is the key, the right attitude opens the door, but determination and positive behavior makes room for success”.