Dr. Victoria Shields has been named principal of Mitchell-Neilson Elementary beginning in the 2021-22 school year. Shields joins Murfreesboro City Schools with over ten years of experience in school administrator roles.

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Shields to our team,” says Dr. Trey Duke, Director of Murfreesboro City Schools. “She is incredibly qualified and has the vision and experience to lead Mitchell-Neilson Elementary.”

Shields received her Education Specialist and Doctorate of Education in Administration and Supervision from Union University and received her Masters of Education from the University of Memphis.

“I feel blessed by this new opportunity to serve as a principal in the community where I live,” says Shields. “I look forward to working with the Mitchell-Neilson team and celebrating the student successes while we purposely focus on the needs of the whole child. Mitchell-Neilson has a rich history in our community, and I want to honor that legacy and the partnerships that have helped the school succeed.”

As a principal, Shields has worked to increase proficiency of English Language Students and students with disabilities. She has successfully implemented professional learning communities and incorporated differentiated professional development plans to allow teachers to present best practices.

Shields is a member of the Southern Association of Secondary School Leaders, Phi Delta Kappa and Delta Sigma Theta.

Mitchell-Neilson was recently selected by The Tennessee Department of Education and the Tennessee Behavior Supports Project (TBSP) as a Model of Demonstration School – School of Recognition for Response to Instruction and Intervention for Behavior (RTI2-B). The school enrolls over 400 students and is located on the corner of Clark and Jones Boulevard.

Dr. Shields will assume her position in July. Murfreesboro City Schools is an exemplary school district of thirteen schools committed to the academic and personal success of each child.