Mrs. Flemings has over 24 years of experience in public and private education. She began her teaching career at Ruffner in 1997 after completing her Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Temple University. She holds a Bachelor's degree from The University of Virginia and an Education Specialist degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Mrs. Flemings has served as a teacher, department chair, instructional specialist, assistant principal and principal in Norfolk Public Schools. Mrs. Flemings took a pause from public education for ten years. During that time, she served as an educational consultant working in schools internationally and across the nation, coaching teachers and administrators. Mrs. Flemings spent the last six years as the Director of Education at a private residential mental health treatment facility for young adolescents where she collaborated with teachers, clinicians, and mental health technicians, to build a comprehensive school program that was awarded Cognia accreditation, which recognizes school programs that exemplify excellence in education and service to learners. She recently returned to public education and is now the very proud principal of Ruffner Academy Middle School.  

Mrs. Wright began her career with Norfolk Public Schools in 2005 as a health and physical education teacher.  She taught health and physical education on both the middle school and high school levels and has also served in the roles of athletic director and school testing coordinator.  Mrs. Wright received her undergraduate degree from Longwood University in physical education, a master’s degree in education from Old Dominion University, and a post-master certificate in educational leadership from George Washington University. 

Mr. Pearson is originally from Hampton, Virginia and is a product of the Hampton City Schools. He attended Hampton High School and graduated in 1987. Mr. Pearson then went on to Virginia Union University and graduated in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Mr. Pearson has 16 years of teaching experience along with 9 years of school administrative experience. Mr. Pearson has Master's degrees from Norfolk State University (Urban Education) and Grand Canyon University (Psychology). Mr. Pearson is currently working on his Ph.D in Educational Psychology at Capella University.

Mr. Pearson loves working with today’s youth and is a firm believer that every child can make a positive contribution to society. He believes that life is the best teacher and success comes through Hard Work and Dedication. Mr. Pearson is also a proud member of the Greatest Fraternity in the world, The Men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.

Ms. Carolyn Jones, has served in Norfolk Public Schools since 1997. In 2009, she transitioned her role into that of a Special Education teacher. Ms. Jones is a now a veteran Dean of Students and has served in that role at Ruffner for the last six years. She holds a Master of Education degree in Supervision and Leadership and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Norfolk State University. She believes that her experience with Norfolk Public Schools has allowed her to stay true to her belief that ALL students can learn, given a positive learning environment. Dean Jones is committed to providing our students with an environment where they are able to grow and thrive.