Leadership Team
Meet the Jefferson-Houston Leadership Team
Ms. Brown-Dunn has been at ACPS for the last 7.5 years and has served as a classroom teacher, an Equity Advisory Committee member, and a Reading Interventionist, PreK - 8th grade. She has been in the field of education for 28 years. Ms. Brown-Dunn earned her B.A. in English with a minor in History from Talladega College in Talladega, Alabama, a Masters of Education in Educational Supervision and Administration Prekindergarten - 12th Grade from Regent University, and is currently completing an M.Ed with an endorsement as a Reading Specialist from Regent University. As the Dean of Students, her main goal is to cultivate a culturally responsive, restorative, and safe environment for students, their families, teachers, and staff.
Email: julita.brown-dunn@acps.k12.va.us
Francise Fernandez has been an educator for 14 years. She has taught in Fairfax County, New York City, and Alexandria City; at both Jefferson-Houston PK-8 and Naomi L. Brooks Elementary.
Ms. Fernandez returns to Alexandria City Public Schools from Washington, D.C., where she served as an Assistant Principal at a PK-8 school. Her goal as an educator has always been to create an environment in which students are not only an active part of their own learning, but one in which they are able to see themselves reflected in the community and curriculum through which they are being taught.
As a teacher and leader, Ms. Fernandez has led and facilitated school-based professional development for teachers and staff in elementary and middle school; coached teachers around instructional practices and inquiry; and conducted targeted action research in mathematics classrooms in order to positively impact mathematics achievement among students.
She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism from Temple University, a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Wilmington University; and an Education Specialist Degree in Administration and Leadership, through George Washington University.
Email: francise.fernandez@acps.k12.va.us