​Tricia Dotson named principal of Hickory Creek Middle School

FRANKFORT, IL — Tricia Dotson brings experience, skill and a true love for education to her new role as principal of Hickory Creek Middle School at the start of the 2020-2021 school year.

Dotson was selected as the school’s principal at the June meeting of the Frankfort District 157-C Board of Education. She will succeed Jason Crockett, who is stepping down to become the school’s assistant principal.

Dotson has a master's degree in educational administration from Governors State University and a bachelor's degree in middle school education from Illinois State University.

Dotson has worked in the District for 22 years. She spent 17 years teaching seventh-grade social studies and English language arts at Hickory Creek, three years as a district instructional coach for English language arts and two years as assistant principal of Hickory Creek. Prior to her time at District 157-C, Dotson taught eighth-grade social studies at Crete Monee Middle School, and physical education and health at Aptakisic Junior High in Buffalo Grove.

As assistant principal, Dotson oversaw school discipline, social emotional learning, the Multi-Tiered System of Support and curriculum. As an instructional coach, she worked with English language arts teachers in grades 3-8 at Chelsea Intermediate School and Hickory Creek to focus on best-practice instruction and curriculum alignment.

“I have always loved working with kids,” Dotson said of what drew her to pursue a career in education. “My father was a lifelong educator and coach, and I admired the relationships and impact that he had on the youth that he worked with.”

During her time with District 157-C, Dotson has served on multiple District- and building-level committees, including the District Curriculum Steering Committee, District Professional Growth and Evaluation Committee, and as a Building-level Team Coordinator. She is also a member of the Illinois Reading Council and the Association of Illinois Middle Schools.

“I am extremely proud of all that Hickory Creek has accomplished in the 22 years that I have been here,” she said. “From the first day that I started, I have been surrounded by professional teachers, caring parents and a community that takes pride in excellence. I can honestly say that I am challenged daily to be my best because of Hickory Creek.”

“At this time, this small transition within our administrative team will be beneficial to our students, staff, and the entire Hickory Creek Middle School community,” Crockett said. “I am confident Mrs. Dotson will excel as our principal, and I will be able to utilize my skill set to fully support our school as an assistant principal. As always, our administrative team will continue to meet our students’ academic, behavioral, and social and emotional needs.”

Dotson said she looks forward to working alongside her colleagues, families and students to embrace the inevitable adaptations of the upcoming school year.

“It has been challenging these past few months, but I believe that over every hurdle, there is an opportunity to get better,” Dotson said. “Being able to lead Hickory Creek over these hurdles and coming out better than when we started will be my focus.

“It is my goal to continue the path of excellence that has already been paved at Hickory Creek. I believe in whole child education. Middle school is a time to focus on academics and to help develop character. I will challenge myself and others to meet our students where they are, and to help them evolve over their middle school years into intelligent, empathetic and passionate teenagers.”

Outside of her work with the District, Dotson has volunteered in her community as a member of the St. Joseph Parish Council, a Eucharistic minister, a coordinator of the Christmas food donation drive and a volunteer for the Manteno Youth Soccer Association and Manteno Intramural Basketball program. She lives in Manteno with her husband, Adam, and their three children, Cambria, Midori and Aidan.

“I am thrilled that the Hickory Creek Middle School Administrative team will be staying together,” Superintendent Dr. Maura Zinni said. “With Mrs. Dotson as the new principal along with Mr. Crockett and Mrs. Paymaster as assistant principals, Hickory Creek Middle School students and staff will continue to thrive under their leadership."