This year, Tunstall received a new assistant principal: Mrs. Jill Collins. Collins has been working in education for 28 years. She is excited to get to know all of the students and follow the eighth graders she taught last year throughout their high school journey.
Mrs. Collins attended high school at South Hall Christian Academy which is now Westover. Although she didn’t work in high school, she kept herself busy by playing basketball and volleyball. She also was on the cheerleading squad and the cross-country team.
Mrs. Collins has two degrees and one certificate. She earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Education from Averett University. Then, she got her Administration and Supervision Certificate from James Madison University. She spent many dedicated years in college and worked in many different schools.
Collins has taught various subjects in many different places. She started her career at Tunstall as a special education teacher in 1995. Then, she went on to be the coordinator for math, science, and STEM for Martinsville City Schools. Following her time in Martinsville, she returned to her alma mater, Westover Christian Academy, where she taught physical education/life science. She also taught at Blairs Middle School and Tunstall Middle School. She also worked at the STEM Academy in Chatham for a few years. She taught 8th grade science last school year before deciding to come here. When asked why she chose to teach, Collins said, “My mom was a teacher, so I always wanted to be one like her.” She stated that she always wanted to be in administration for PCS and when she saw that the position was open, she decided to pursue it.
She is married with three children of her own and has two stepchildren. Outside of school, she loves spending time with her grandchildren any chance she gets. She also loves going to the beach and traveling as much as possible. Collins says that “the support from the other principals and friendliness from faculty have made it so easy to be a part of the Trojan family.” This is her favorite thing about being here so far.
Mrs. Collins is a woman of many talents, and we are so thankful to have someone like her as our new assistant principal! If you haven’t got a chance to meet her yet, make sure to stop by her office and introduce yourself!
