Meet Sheree Du Preez, Trinity’s new Early Elementary Division Head

By Nicole Fash, Director of Marketing and Communications

Trinity’s new Early Elementary Division Head, Sheree Du Preez, knew she wanted to work in education since she was seven years old. Her First-Grade teacher was her source of motivation.

“In First Grade, I had a teacher who loved and inspired me,” says Sheree. “She was funny and kind and wore clown suits to school every Friday. I wanted to be a teacher just like her. As I grew up, I worked for teachers after school, helping them grade papers and clean their classrooms. I loved everything about those experiences, and they solidifi ed my desire to be a schoolteacher.”

Sheree, who came to Trinity from Mount Pisgah Christian School, where she served as head of lower school, has worked in education for more than 30 years. She began her career teaching Second Grade at Cornerstone Academy in Atlanta and Fourth Grade at Grace Academy in Chattanooga. She went on to become Grace Academy’s director of gifted education, head of lower school (Pre-K–Fifth Grade), and assistant head of school and director of professional development. She has also held leadership roles at independent schools overseas, including assistant head of school and director of teaching and learning at Mirdif American School in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and head of school for the Pre-K–12 American International School in Accra, Ghana. In addition, for 11 years, Sheree partnered with a national team to design and develop 15 village schools and a teacher training school in Togo, West Africa. Her ideal environment for elementary-age students is, “One where every child feels loved and safe physically and emotionally, and one that is tailored to meet his or her individual learning needs. Also, the environment should be one in which every child feels a sense of acceptance and belonging regardless of learning, cultural, physical, or socioeconomic diff erences.”

Sheree’s time leading divisions, schools, and initiatives in the United States as well as in other countries gives her a unique perspective on teaching, learning, and leadership and has broadened her love and understanding of others and other cultures. Her educational philosophy has developed over the years and has been shaped by her multidecade career path as well as her childhood experiences. An Atlanta native, Sheree grew up in Decatur, one of three children raised by a widowed mother. “My father passed away suddenly when I was three years old,” she says. “My brother, sister, and I were raised by an incredible, hard-working mother. She taught us many things, most importantly, she taught us to value others, to value hard work, and to persevere through diffi cult circumstances. My mother made sure that our childhood was fun and happy. Our house was the place to be for other children in our neighborhood, and there was never a day that I did not feel secure and loved.”

Sheree wanted to join the Trinity team because of the School’s view of education and its emphasis on cherishing childhood. Additionally, during the interview process, she said she noticed the camaraderie between teachers, administrators, and parents and wanted to be a part of that close community. Since starting at Trinity over the summer, Sheree’s priority has been to get to know the teachers, students, and families and begin building relationships. She also seeks to better understand the program and curriculum at Trinity before she begins looking at areas of growth for the Early Elementary Division. “I believe one of my strengths is my love for children and the ability to convey this love for them so that they see it and feel it,” she says. “I am kind, and I speak and listen to children on their level physically and emotionally. I want them to know that Trinity leaders and teachers have their very best interests at heart. Everything we do and every decision we make focus on them and their learning.” Sheree earned an Educational Specialist Degree in School Leadership from Gordon College, a Master of Education in School Administration and Instructional Leadership from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Bob Jones University. Since 2018, she has served on the board of Mirdif American School and is an accreditation team member for schools in Kenya, Ghana, Cameroon, Peru, and the U.S. She has led numerous professional development workshops, including sessions on 21st century leadership, student-centered curriculum and instruction, and creating an eff ective school culture.

An avid reader, decorator, and baker, Sheree and her husband, Jan Du Preez, live in Lawrenceville. She and Jan have four children ranging in age from 27 to 13: JR Haley (spouse Autumn), Emma Van Der Staaj (spouse Michael), Jandre Du Preez, and Derik Du Preez. Sheree and Jan were excited to welcome their fi rst grandchild, Lucas, in September.

Sheree and Kindergartner Nora discuss how Cloud manages his emotions using the Kimochis social-emotional learning program.

Fun Facts about Sheree Du Preez

Favorite food: Middle Eastern/Lebanese

Favorite band: The Eagles Favorite movie: Sense and Sensibility Favorite TV show: The Crown

Favorite book: The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy Favorite children’s book: The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett Favorite game: Yahtzee Favorite elementary teacher: ”Ms. Wicker, my First-Grade teacher, who was fun and loved me even though I was a precocious little girl.” Favorite elementary subject: Reading Favorite school lunch: Grilled cheese sandwich and tomato basil soup On her bucket list: A trip to Alaska

Kindergartner Hadrian shares details of the book he is enjoying with Sheree.