Vernitra Shivers has been selected as the new principal of Thomas Middle School. Shivers has more than 15 years of experience in public education. She began her career as an elementary teacher in Orleans Parish Schools in New Orleans. In 2004, Shivers joined Team HISD as an ELA teacher at Williams Middle School. Shivers has worked as a literacy coach at Jane Long Middle School and assistant principal at Patrick Henry and Deady middle schools. For the past three years, Shivers has served as assistant principal and dean of instruction at Madison High School. Shivers earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Xavier University of Louisiana and master’s degree in Educational Administration from Prairie View A&M University.