VICKIE ECHOLS has established a reputation as a creative problem-solver who seeks results. She has served over three decades in the field of education as a teacher, campus administrator and director of communication in Texas schools. In addition to a Bachelor of Science degree and teaching certificate in Elementary Education from Texas A&M University, Vickie earned a master’s degree from James Cook University in Townsville, Australia, supported by the Rotary International scholarship program.
Vickie currently works with a non-profit organization, Wellness for Educators, which is invested in supporting educators with research-based, trauma- and equity-informed somatic (mind-body) education, practices, and strategies for mental, physical, social, and emotional health and wellbeing and learning.
Most recently she engaged teachers and campus leaders as a coach and consultant at Momentous Institute. She also led Smith Elementary School as Principal in Duncanville ISD. While living in East Texas she served as Leadership Development Specialist with Region 7 Education Service Center, Director of Communication, Curriculum Coordinator, Elementary School Principal and Teacher of students in grades 1st-7th in several Texas school districts, specializing in literacy acquisition in early childhood.
Professional experiences include serving as an adjunct instructor and author of online coursework at LeTourneau University, in Longview, Texas. She coached educators new to the field, and taught in areas of expertise including online and in person courses for lesson design and methods for instruction and assessment.
Echols is a skilled facilitator of collaborative discussions, public speaker and author. She has contributed through a wide variety of speaking engagements and presentations at state and regional conferences for teachers, parents, community members and students.
Many experiences outside the school walls contribute to her perspectives and beliefs as a leader. A portion of her childhood unfolded in Bangladesh, on the continent of Asia, where her parents demonstrated how to leave a legacy. Her father worked with farmers as an employee of the US Department of Agriculture and her mother started a preschool for the local community.
Most of her life played out in the Piney Woods of East Texas. Her interests and responsibilities included volunteering on many committees and boards at the local and state levels, and serving as co-founder of a children’s theatre, ArtsView Children's Theatre, whose mission is changing lives through education, outreach and the performing arts. She and her husband, Brad raised two sons in Longview, Texas and now reside in Dallas.