DeSoto ISD is excited to welcome Demitree Tatum to the DeSoto Eagle Family as the next principal of Woodridge Elementary. Tatum most recently served as the assistant principal at John Peeler Elementary in Dallas ISD where she encouraged the development of innovative instructional programs and promoted the use of technology in teaching and learning processes. Over the course of her 25-year career in education, and prior to her role as a campus administrator, Tatum served as a lead instructional coach and specialist, teacher and program supervisor in Dallas ISD, Mansfield ISD and Cedar Hill ISD serving teachers and students in early learning (grades pre-kinder through third grade).

Tatum holds a Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Journalism from the University of North Texas  (1996) and a Master of Education from Concordia University (2012).

In addition to her teaching and administrative credentials, Tatum also holds the following certifications:

Gifted and Talented

Instructional Leadership Development

Professional Development & Appraisal System Certified

CLASS (Classroom Assessment Scoring System) K-2

Texas Reading Academy (HB3)

“My desire to serve as an administrator comes from a strong passion to make a positive impact on the entire school community as well as building the capacity of both teachers and students,” said Tatum. “I have the same expectations for all children. I want to curate well-rounded, innovative, critical thinkers prepared to shape the world.”