Leadership Team

Principal

Jeanette Vinson is the principal at George Washington Middle School (GWMS) after serving as the school’s acting principal since January 2023. As principal, Vinson directs the development of the school vision and establishes and maintains the school philosophy and educational programs, consistent with community characteristics and school division goals and practices.

Vinson joined Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) in 2003. She previously served as an academic principal at GWMS since 2016. Prior to that she was dean of students, an administrative intern and a special education teacher, as well as a Saturday school coordinator. Before joining ACPS, Vinson was a special education teacher at Kettering Middle School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

Vinson has a Bachelor of Science in special education from University of Maryland-Eastern Shore and a Master of Science in educational administration from Trinity University. She has a postgraduate professional license in administration and pre-K supervision and a special education collegiate professional license (ED/SLD/ID).

jeanette.vinson@acps.k12.va.us

8th Grade Dean of Students

Kevin Malone began working as the eighth grade dean of students at George Washington Middle School (GW) in 2022. Prior to becoming dean, he was a professional school counselor at GW for students in grades 6-8. While working in Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS), Mr. Malone has also been coaching with the Alexandria City High School boys’ basketball team.

Mr. Malone earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from James Madison University with a minor in coaching education. He received a Master of Education in counseling and development from George Mason University. Preferred Pronouns: He/Him/His.

7th Grade Dean of Students

Javaughn Perkins became dean of students at George Washington Middle School (GW) in 2022. Mr. Perkins has been at GW since 2006 where he previously taught civics and economics. Prior to joining Alexandria City Public Schools, Mr. Perkins held leadership roles with Howard University School of Education, The College Board and Prince George's County Public Schools with an emphasis in curriculum evaluation and program management.   He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in political science from Bowie State University and a Master of Education degree in education and community engagement from Concordia University.

6th Grade Academic Principal

Ms. Maggie Tran came to George Washington after six years at ACHS. She holds a Bachelor of Science in History Education from Appalachian State University, a Masters Degree from the University of Virginia in Educational Social Foundations and an Education Specialist degree from Virginia Tech in Leadership and Policy Studies. Ms. Tran started her teaching career in Warren County, taught at the Islamic Saudi Academy and spent 18 years as a Fairfax County teacher.    

Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

8th Grade Academic Principal

Kristin Gullette is the eighth grade academic principal at George Washington Middle School.  Previously, she served as the EL department chair and a biology teacher at Alexandria City High School. Ms. Gullette also spent two years living and working with migrant families in Sinaloa, Mexico where she started a literacy program for adults. She has spent time teaching with Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth and leading humanitarian work in Central Appalachia.

Ms. Gullette has a Bachelor of Science in biology and secondary science education from the University of Maryland. She earned a master’s degree in school leadership and development from Harvard Graduate School of Education. During her time at school, she worked with Dr. Irvin Scott at the Leadership Institute for Faith and Education, which focuses on connecting families and local volunteers to public schools. Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

7th Grade Academic Principal

Donita Muse is the seventh grade academic principal for George Washington Middle School (GWMS) as of July 2023. In January 2023, Muse became the eighth grade acting academic principal at GWMS while serving as the math instructional coach. Prior to this role, she taught Math 6, Math 7 and Math Intervention at the school from 2013 until 2017. 

Muse also served as the summer learning principal for rising students in sixth through ninth grade in 2022 at the Alexandria City High School Minnie Howard Campus. Before joining ACPS, she worked as an educator in Prince George's County Public Schools and Fairfax County Public Schools. Muse holds a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and a Master of Arts degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Phoenix. She attended Longwood University to acquire her educational leadership and administration endorsement.

Director of School Counseling

This year marks Mr. Greg Forbes’ 24th year as an educator, professional school counselor, and administrator. Mr. Forbes began his educational career as a high school business teacher in Colonial Beach, VA. It was the positive relationships he built with students that attracted him to the world of school counseling. Having a desire to pursue administrative opportunities, Mr. Forbes joined ACPS in 2008 working in the Department of Student Services and Equity. From there he joined Alexandria City High School where he served as the Director of School Counseling for six years. Mr. Forbes joined our George Washington Middle School community in 2016 as Director of School Counseling. Mr. Forbes received his Associate of Arts Degree in Secondary Education from the College of Southern Maryland, his Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Fairmont State University, and his Master of Education in Counseling and Development from George Mason University.

6th Grade Dean of Students

Phyllis Shepherd became the 6th grade Dean of Students at George Washington Middle School in August, 2024.  Prior to joining Alexandria City Public Schools, Ms. Shepherd served as the Assistant Principal/Dean of Academics for 4 years and Intervention Coordinator/Math Interventionist for 2 years at Harmony DC Public Charter School in Washington DC.  For 14 years, Ms. Shepherd served as a secondary math and science teacher and coach. Ms. Shepherd holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from Voorhees University and a Master of Science in Administration from Trinity Washington University.  She has recently been accepted to Howard University’s EAGLE program where she is earning her doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies.