Hi Falmouth Families!

I am thrilled to introduce myself as the new assistant principal of Falmouth Elementary School. My name is Tia Gilliam-Wilson, and I am excited to be joining the Stafford County community. As we embark on this journey together, I wanted to take a moment to share with you my goals and values as an educator.

First and foremost, the safety of your children is my top priority. I am committed to ensuring a secure and nurturing environment where students can learn and grow with confidence. I will work closely with the Dr. Burch and school staff to implement and maintain effective safety protocols.

Equally important to me is the social and emotional well-being of our students. I believe that when children feel supported and valued, they are better equipped to reach their full potential. I will actively promote a positive and inclusive school culture that fosters the emotional growth and resilience of each child.

Building authentic relationships is at the heart of my educational philosophy. I am dedicated to forging strong connections with staff, students, and families. By establishing open lines of communication and collaboration, we can create a strong partnership that benefits the overall success of our students.

In all my endeavors, I am guided by the principle of doing what is best for our students. Their academic, social, and emotional growth will always be my primary focus. I will advocate for their needs, provide support to the teachers, and strive to create an environment where every child can thrive.

Allow me to share a bit more about myself. I am a North Carolina native with a rich background in education. I began my journey as a Pre-K teacher. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of teaching various grade levels and have also taken on roles such as the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Coordinator and School Instructional Specialist.

I am also passionate about early childhood literacy, culturally relevant teaching, building equity, and ensuring that children of color see themselves reflected in the literature they engage with. In fact, I have written three children's books, including Can I Help You Cook?, Can I Help You Cook, Too?, and Ten Yellow Lemons (all available in Spanish).

As a proud mother of two children, I understand the importance of a strong educational foundation. It is my goal to create an environment where your children feel supported, challenged, and inspired to achieve their goals.

In terms of my educational background, I hold an MSA from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), an M.Ed. from Strayer University, a Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies, and a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies, also from UNCG. I have also earned an Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education from Alamance Community College.

Outside of the school setting, I enjoy various hobbies and interests. I am a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. I find joy in working out, cooking, writing, shopping, and exploring new destinations.

I am genuinely excited to join the Falmouth Elementary School community and look forward to meeting each of you personally. Together, let us create an environment where our students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.