Chautauqua Elementary School’s new vice principal, with 23 years of experience in the education field and multiple credentials, says she is pleased to be on Vashon and is looking forward to the school year.

“For me, it’s about making sure every kid has the opportunity to learn what they need to learn,” she said.

Theressa Prather, 49, came to the district from Gig Harbor, where she taught second, third and fourth grades at Artondale Elementary School before becoming licensed as an administrator. Along the way, she also earned her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and became a national board certified teacher for the elementary and middle school years. But, she said, she knew more was in store for her.

“I’d always known I wanted to go into administration,” she said.

Two years ago, she said, she began an education administration program at Western Washington University, which she completed, along with a one-year internship, in June.

Serving in her new role will allow her to reach more children, she said, not just the 25 or 30 in her own classroom.

“I want to help create a culture and a climate where everyone involved does what’s best for all kids,” she said.

The district eliminated the part-time vice principal position at Chautauqua in 2009 as a cost-cutting measure, but brought it back as a full-time position this year.

District Superintendent Michael Soltman said having Prather in place will free up Chautauqua principal Jodi Metzger to spend more time in the classroom and allow her to be an instructional leader, which she had little time for previously. Soltman also spoke to Prather’s strengths, including her many years in the classroom, experience with the discipline system at the school and considerable skills with data analysis and instructional studies and intervention.

“There were a lot of skills that fit for us,” he said.

In her new role, Prather said she expects to be involved in education in a range of ways, from helping students who need guidance and practice with positive behaviors to assisting with the state’s new academic assessment law, which calls for more rigorous and regular assessments of teachers.

While this law has caused concern for some, she said it is not meant to be punitive, but rather is intended to give all teachers, including the most distinguished instructors, the chance to be the best they can be.

As the year gets under way, she also hopes to improve communication with families and, when there is difficulty, create a team that includes the teacher, child and parent.

“I want to support any part of that wheel that needs to be shored up,” she said.

Prather began in her new position in July and is impressed so far with her district colleagues and their dedication.

“Everyone cares passionately for the kids that are here,” she said.