Ms. Valerie Edison selected Principal for Antilles High School

Department of War Education Activity Americas Mid-Atlantic District Superintendent Mr. Ryan Smith is pleased to announce the selection of Ms. Valerie Edison selected Principal for Antilles High School, effective April 5, 2026.

Ms. Valerie Edison, a native of Westerville, Ohio, brings more than two decades of K–12 educational experience and a distinguished record of instructional leadership to her role as Principal of Antilles High School. Her commitment to service is deeply personal. A proud U.S. Army Combat Medic Veteran, Ms. Edison completed a tour in Iraq before transitioning her mission to education in 2005. 

Her leadership is grounded in a robust academic foundation. Ms. Edison holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Ohio Dominican University; a Master of Arts in Special Education from Mount Vernon Nazarene University; a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from The Ohio State University; and a Master of Science in Data Science from Eastern University. She is currently a PhD candidate in Cognition and Instruction at Grand Canyon University, where she continues to deepen her expertise in learning science and evidence-based instructional practices. 

Ms. Edison’s DoWEA journey began at Yokosuka Middle School in Japan, where she served as a mathematics teacher and assumed key leadership roles, including CSI Chair, Data Chair, and SAC Chair. Prior to entering school administration, she worked as a curriculum writer and educational researcher for the largest online school in the United States. She later served as a Professional Learning Instructional Systems Specialist, supporting schools across Puerto Rico and Cuba. Most recently, as Assistant Principal of Antilles High School, Ms. Edison led the campus through a highly successful Cognia accreditation visit and championed initiatives that resulted in significant gains in PSAT mathematics performance.  

As a veteran, the mother of two active-duty service members, and the grandmother of a military-connected student, Ms. Edison brings a deep understanding of the unique experiences of the families she serves. Ms. Edison and her husband, Mark, are honored to continue serving the Antilles community.