D. T. Howard Middle School’s New Principal
by Edie Elkinson, Candler Park Resident
I had the chance to catch up with David T. Howard’s new principal, Tekeshia Hollis, a week before she started in her new position. During our conversation, Principal Hollis shared her background, some of her own middle school experiences, her ties to Atlanta’s in-town neighborhoods, and the incredible opportunity to shape Howard while maintaining its legacy. Principal Hollis’ drive, humor and passion should make her a great addition to the Ram family – wishing her lots of luck!
Can you tell me about your background with APS?
I started in 2012 at Carver School of the Arts as a math teacher. Since then, I moved to North Atlanta for 3 weeks before coming over to Midtown (then Grady) as an instructional coach in 2015. Then I was promoted to Assistant Principal in 2018 and did the interim principal position at Sylvan Hills Middle School from July until right before Thanksgiving. I’m currently at Midtown High School.
How long have you been in education?
Since August 2004 when I started teaching high school in Dekalb County.
What is your most memorable middle school experience as a student?
When I was in junior high, the main thing I remember is Algebra 1 and being excited about going to high school. Also, during a parent-teacher conference night, my 8th grade science teacher recommended that I apply to Dekalb’s STT program (Scientific Tools and Techniques Program). It’s a program where you spend a good portion of your ninth grade year going to Fernbank to take your math and science classes. Of course I didn’t want to because I wanted to be at my high school. It ended up being a great program — I guess some teachers encourage you in order to stretch you beyond what you want to do or think is possible.
What drew you into education initially?
If you let my family tell it, they’ll say that I used to sit my cousins down when I was five and instruct them as if I were a teacher in the class. Dekalb had a Teacher’s Cadet Program which I was a part of, however I didn’t think I was going to be a teacher until I was one. When I was going to Georgia Tech, I thought I was going to be an engineer. Then 9/11 happened, and the economy went down, and I realized I could always teach. Then I did it and fell in love with it. Having something new and challenging every day keeps you youthful.
Where did you grow up — do you have ties to the Atlanta in-town neighborhoods?
Decatur is where I grew up, and my mom and her siblings grew up on Douglas Street in Kirkwood. My great-grandmother still owns a house in Kirkwood. My grandparents attended Howard High School, and my father went to Howard for one year. He and my mom graduated from Murphy High, so we have multiple generations from Atlanta. My family is really excited about me being at Howard—they’re excited that a local person is getting this appointment.
What do you like to do for fun?
I’m an avid reader, an avid audible reader. I can multi-task with it playing in the background while keeping up with my two children. I also like dancing and traveling.
Do you have any favorite local restaurants?
I love Fox Brothers, Wisteria, and the breakfast at Folk Art.
What music do you listen to?
I’m a Neo soul type of girl. I also love R&B, 90s/2000s rap, gospel, and jazz.
If you weren’t a teacher or administrator, what would you be doing?
I’d probably be an event planner – I like to see everybody come together and be happy. Or maybe a little interior designing.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I danced in the opening ceremonies of the Olympics here in Atlanta in 1996. And, when I was younger, I learned how to write calligraphy.
What are you most excited about in your new role at David T. Howard?
I think building a legacy for Howard Middle School. The goal is to bring some consistency. It’s an opportunity to shape David T. Howard into what we want it to be while respecting the legacy that is Howard High School. It’s a powerful and sobering thing to be at such an iconic school within the history of Atlanta.