Principal Joann Dickerson

Joann Dickerson is the first principal of John T. White Elementary School.  She brings administrative experience from I.M. Terrell Elementary School, where she had been principal since 2006.

Ms. Dickerson joined Fort Worth ISD in 1982.  She has served the district in several roles including: assistant principal at L. Clifford Davis Elementary, instructional specialist at I.M. Terrell Elementary, kindergarten teacher at D. McRae Elementary, and a teacher at A.M. Pate Elementary for fifteen years.

As a native of Arkansas, and daughter to parents who stressed education, Joann learned at an early age the value of education and life long learning.  Ms. Dickerson first earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and then a Master of Education Degree in Administration, from Texas Christian University. Throughout her career, Ms. Dickerson’s passion for literacy and instructional leadership led to numerous experiences serving the educational community in staff development in the district and countywide.

Michelle Ballais graduated from Oklahoma State University with a major in finance however she followed her true calling, education, in 2001.  Since then she has received a M. Ed. emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction as well as a M. Ed. in Educational Administration, both degrees were earned from UTA. 

Mrs. Ballais is married with two children.  She enjoys tennis and traveling.  Her educational philosophy is that learning opportunities naturally exist all around us…all day…everyday.