Principal's Message- Kiesha Tillman

 

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”- Nelson Mandela

Greetings Parents/Guardians of Anne M. Dorner Middle School:    

As the new principal of Principal of Anne M. Dorner Middle School, it is my pleasure to welcome everyone back for another great school year in AMD. We are all excited to have students back in our classrooms and hallways filling them with energy and enthusiasm for learning. 

This is my twenty-third year in education. My love for learning continues to grow. I am a true believer in the transforming power of education: My desire is to empower, equip, and inspire students to discover their life’s purpose and achieve their personal and professional goals. I began my career as a teaching assistant in a residential treatment facility for emotionally disturbed and learning disabled students while studying to earn a Master of Arts degree in History. This teaching experience changed the trajectory of my professional life. Within a year of my employment, I decided to forgo my previous ambitions and become a teacher. Subsequently, I became NYS certified in Social Studies and Special Education and went on to teach for three years in a middle school in the Bronx, then later to teach Social Studies for ten years at an alternative high school in Rockland County, NY. In 2016, I became an administrator and have served as an assistant principal in communities in Dutchess and Rockland County for the last six years. 

On a personal note, my husband and I have two children: a son now in third grade and a daughter who will be transitioning from middle school to high school this year. As a parent of a middle schooler, I understand how exciting and scary this time can be in a student’s life. Middle school is where children begin to develop their worldview and form their value systems. It is my pleasure to witness your child’s development first hand. I believe every AMD student has the potential to be the next world-changer and history-maker. Through collaboration with all of our stakeholders--teachers, parents, students, community members, security,  cafeteria, and custodial staff--I look forward to creating a school environment that fosters and cultivates your child’s potential.

I am honored to serve as the principal of Anne M. Dorner Middle School. It is truly a privilege to be a part of a community dedicated to caring for the whole child. Once again, welcome back! I look forward to meeting you!

Kiesha Tillman