Advanced Academics
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Dr. Anthony Moore
(Executive Director)Dr. Anthony Moore has been appointed executive director of advanced academics. He previously served as the principal of Casey Elementary School.
Dr. Moore holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Belhaven University. He also earned a specialist degree and doctoral degree in educational leadership from Mississippi College.
In his 21-year career with Jackson Public Schools, Dr. Moore has served as a GED instructor at CAP/Duling, an assistant principal, and a principal.
Dr. Moore served as the assistant principal of Casey for two years before serving as principal for the last three years. Under his leadership, Casey is currently recognized as a Model Whole School by the Mississippi Arts Commission. This designation is only carried by five schools in the state of Mississippi.
Dr. Moore received the District’s first Educational Leader of the Year Award in 2020, and he was recently recognized as Elementary Division 1 Principal of the Year for 2023.
Jackson Public Schools has set the benchmark for educational institutions with its innovative teaching methods and advanced academic program offerings. These offerings, such as International Baccalaureate, Arts Access, APAC, Montessori, Gifted Education, dual enrollment and credit programs, honors and /or accelerated courses, have transformed the lives of many students.
Dr. Moore has a passion for student development and believes that school institutions must continue to progress by utilizing an innovative approach to teaching through multiple special program offerings. He believes that program offerings must continue to provide high-quality learning experiences and equitable opportunities to all scholars while strengthening community partnerships. He emphatically believes that it is the responsibility of educators to foster an environment where faculty, staff members, students, parents, and community members work hand in hand to ensure the success of all students.
Victoria Scantlebury
(Instructional Coach)Ms. Victoria Scantlebury is a native of the country of Panama. She began her teaching career in 1997 at Callaway High School. Most recently, she has served as an IBMYP Spanish instructor at Northwest Jackson IB Middle School. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology with a minor in Foreign Language and a Master of Science Degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in Spanish, both from Jackson State University. She received an ELL certification from Mississippi College. Ms. Scantlebury considers herself to be a lifelong learner and is looking forward to collaborating and supporting teachers across the district.
Alfie Clark
(Instructional Coach)Ms. Alfie Clark is a native of Jackson, MS and a proud graduate of Callaway High School. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology, Master of Science in Education Administration and Supervision, and a Specialist Degree in Secondary Education from Jackson State University.
Ms. Clark began her educational career in Fort Lauderdale, FL in the Broward County School District as a middle school science teacher. She brings over 20 years of experience, serving as a middle school math and science teacher, science instructional coach, elementary science curriculum specialist, school improvement officer, curriculum coordinator, middle school assistant principal, and elementary principal. Most recently, she served as the Arts Facilitator at Casey Elementary School. Her professional passion is working with scholars and staff to build authentic learning experiences.
Shelisha Robinson
(Instructional Coach)Mrs. Shelisha Robinson is a native of Mendenhall, MS. She graduated from Jackson State University in 1997 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. In 2000, she graduated with a Master of Business Administration. She also received her Specialist in Educational Administration and Supervision from Jackson State University in 2007.
Mrs. Robinson started her career with Jackson Public Schools in 2003 as a middle school APAC Mathematics teacher. She later transferred to Chastain Middle School where she served as a Math Coach, Interventionist, and Assistant Principal. After spending 17 years in the middle school division, she moved to the high school division. During that time, she served as assistant principal at Callaway and Forest Hill High School.
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. ~Maimonides
Alis DeJohn
(Out of School Experiences Coordinator)Ms. Alis DeJohn holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Spanish from the University of Southern Mississippi. She began her journey with Jackson Public Schools as the Out-of-School Experiences Coordinator in the Office of Innovative Strategy. She is now excited to bring her diverse skillset to the Office of Advanced Academics.
In her new role, Ms. DeJohn looks forward to developing cross-functional relationships and leading initiatives that steward 好色先生 scholars towards excellence. With a strong background in creative communications and a passion for education, she is dedicated to fostering an environment where students can thrive and achieve their highest potential.
Mr. Bryan Jefferson
(Fine Arts Coordinator)Bryan Jefferson, Sr. is a native of Pearl, MS. He earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Delta State University. He served as band director in the Grenada Public School District and the Jackson Public School District. After 30 years, he has retired from teaching and has returned to the Jackson Public School District as the Arts Coordinator in the Office of Advanced Academics.
Some of his recognitions include being selected as a Star at the Jackson Public Schools First "A Night of Stars" Gala. He was Teacher of the Year for Murrah High School and HWY 18 Walmart Super Store Teacher of the Year. One of his most prized recognitions is the Mississippi Economics Council STAR Teacher Award, where a STAR Student selected him as the person who has made the most significant contribution to their scholastic achievement.
Mr. Jefferson is a director, teacher, music composer, arranger, marching drill writer, adjudicator, photographer, mentor, inspirational speaker, and pastor. He maintains his membership in the Mississippi Bandmasters Association. He founded the Magnolia Band Directors, a Mississippi association focused on developing and supporting minority directors and band programs. His teaching motto is “Teach life through music and discipline.” Mr. Jefferson continues to positively impact the lives of people who cross his path.