New counselor hired

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

— Ginger Witty was recently hired to be the Decatur Northside Elementary School’s new counselor.

Originally from southwest Missouri, Witty has an adventurous spirit and is exactly the kind of person that might be cast as an elementary school teacher, with a warm manner and sparkling eyes. She also has solid credentials, with a doctorate in education from a top-rated University, and years of experience in education.

Witty holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Missouri State University, a master’s degree in educational counseling psychology from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo., and in May earned her doctorate of education in educational leadership from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn.

She has 12 years of experience as a school counselor and nine years of teaching experience, with a long list of awards and qualifications.

Witty said she has always wanted to be a school counselor.

“I really enjoy people and getting to know them. I’m a creative thinker and I like to help them brain storm and problem solve,” she explained.

In addition to her counseling, Witty brings a strong background in math remediation to the school.

She recalled teaching in Barrow, Alaska - the northernmost city in the United States, some 320 miles north of the Arctic Circle. The sun sets in late November and doesn’t rise until mid January, and summertime highs only rise into the mid 40s.

“You do have to worry about Polar Bears. They don’t hibernate and they will eat you,” she said.

Although she doesn’t currently fly, her adventurousspirit also led Witty to obtain her pilot’s license. She enjoys hiking, Contra dancing and reading.

Witty is the mother of two children, Zoe and Zeke, who will be attending Decatur Northside Elementary.

Growing up in southwest Missouri, Arkansas has been Witty’s playground. She has enjoyed the Buffalo River and Mountain View areas for many years and said she is excited to be coming to Arkansas to live. Another benefit is that Witty will be within driving distance of her family in the Branson, Mo., area.

Witty said she is looking forward to working with the elementary school teachers and principal Leslie Sharp. While the school does face some challenges, it has an excellent and caring staff, she said.

“I’m very excited to be here. I feel like my heart is here ... I think we can do great things this year,” Witty said.

Community, Pages 11 on 08/17/2011