Her Story
About Tameka
Tameka Massey-Goldsmith, M.A.Ed., is an experienced educator and Instructional Coach with Prince William County Public Schools in Stafford, Virginia, bringing over 22 years of experience in the field of education. In her current role at a Title I elementary school serving a high-need, low-income student population, she works closely with teachers to strengthen instructional delivery, classroom management, and curriculum implementation. She facilitates professional development, coaches teachers, and serves as a thought partner to educators through collaborative planning, co-teaching support, and ongoing instructional feedback aligned with school improvement goals. Her daily responsibilities include classroom walkthroughs, providing real-time instructional support, and partnering with school leadership to support the implementation of the school’s Continuous Improvement Plan. She is deeply committed to student success and educator growth, working hands-on with both teachers and students to foster a supportive and effective learning environment. Prior to her career in education, Tameka honorably served in the United States Navy from 1995 to 2000, with assignments including Naval Security Station in Washington, D.C., Norfolk, Virginia, and aboard the USS Enterprise, experiences that helped shape her discipline, leadership, and dedication to service. Tameka holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration from Ashford University, earned in 2016–2019. In addition to her work in education, she is a published author of the children’s book Kyree’s Colorful World: Being Different is OK, available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million. Motivated by her son, who is high-functioning autistic, the book shares a heartfelt story about inclusion and friendship through the experience of a child making his first friends in kindergarten. Through both her professional and creative work, she remains committed to empowering others, promoting inclusivity, and making a lasting impact in the lives of children and educators alike.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tameka
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the unwavering support and influence of the people who have shaped my journey over the years. A defining inspiration in my decision to return to education after my military service was my 12th grade English teacher, Mrs. Christine Knight, whose poise, compassion, and deep commitment to her students left a lasting impression on me and instilled a profound respect for the power of education. I am also deeply grateful for the encouragement and support of my husband, Terence, and the many mentors who have guided me throughout my career. Most importantly, my son has been a central motivation in my work, inspiring me to pursue a career in education so that I can help ensure every child has access to the opportunities, support, and encouragement they need to thrive.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to give myself grace and not be overly critical of myself, especially early in my career as a new teacher. I was reminded that I would not know everything at the start, and that growth takes time, experience, and patience. Over the years, my mentors reinforced an important truth that even as a veteran educator, you never know everything. There is always something new to learn, and embracing that mindset has helped me remain open, reflective, and continuously committed to professional growth.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell them the same thing that I was told, make sure you give yourself grace. Great teaching takes time and experience. Always strive to educate and learn new things outside of your required professional development because education is always evolving. Remember every student is not the same, be sure to make those connections. Every day is a different day, and no matter how hard it gets, never give up, because it gets easier over time.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
At this time I don’t have a challenge however when I first started this position 3 years ago, was gaining teacher trust and buy in. When you are new to a school and teachers have connections with the previous coach it can sometimes be difficult. However, I have found if you are authentic, honest, and genuine with teachers, it is much easier to build those positive relationships, and they are more willing to work with you.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are trust, honesty, integrity, and character. Those mean a lot to me.
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