Administration

Principal Joe Tyson

Mr. Tyson most recently served as an assistant principal at River Road Middle School in Elizabeth City before returning to FFHS to be an assistant principal. He was named the principal of FFHS on Monday, Feb. 5, 2024. 

Tyson has 17 years of experience in education. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in Exceptional Children from James Madison University. He also holds a master’s degree in school administration from Elizabeth City State University. 

“I am inspired to be a part of the collective efficacy of the Dare County Schools district," Tyson shared. "I am a firm believer in that every student can learn when they are provided a support system that is prepared to meet their social, educational, and emotional needs. I look forward to working with all stakeholders to provide our students with a rigorous and challenging education that will prepare them for the transition out of high school."

Tyson can be contacted at tysonjo@daretolearn.org or 252-449-7000 x 2403

Assistant Principal Sarah Pritchard

This school year marks Mrs. Pritchard’s 20th year in education. Her first 16 years were spent in the classroom at Manteo High School, where she advised the school’s yearbook and newspaper, taught English, and worked with the AVID program. 

Mrs. Pritchard graduated from Manteo High School in 2000 and received her BA in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2004. She completed additional coursework through Elizabeth City State University to earn her teaching license. In 2011, Mrs. Pritchard earned a Master of Arts in Education in Instructional Technology through East Carolina University. She returned to East Carolina University in 2018 after being accepted into one of their Master of School Administration cohorts. In the fall of 2018, she began overseeing the district’s AVID program. During the 2019-2020 school year, she completed her administrative internship at Manteo High School. She received her Master of School Administration in May 2020 and was promoted to assistant principal in June 2020. She served as assistant principal at Manteo High School until transferring to First Flight High School as an assistant principal in February 2024. 

Mrs. Pritchard and her husband, Davis, reside in Manteo, and they have three children. 

Assistant Principal Sam Reynolds

I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as an Assistant Principal at First Flight High School. This marks the middle of my 12th year in education! Most recently, I have been the Instructional Technology Facilitator at First Flight High School since March of 2021, where I also had the opportunity to work as the MTSS Lead and Interventionist. 

I earned my Bachelor of Arts in History and Master of Arts in Teaching, Secondary Education from James Madison University (GO DUKES)!! I began my career as a social studies teacher at Chantilly High School in Fairfax County, Virginia. During my time at Chantilly, I was able to teach Ancient World History, Comparative World Religions, AP Human Geography, and Leadership. During this time I was also able to serve as the APEX Learning Coordinator, Service Learning Coordinator, and SGA Sponsor while helping to develop teachers across the district as a DBQ Writing Coach. These experiences encouraged me to continue to grow as a learner, and I earned an additional Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a Graduate Certificate in Incorporating International Perspectives in Education from The George Washington University. This coursework led me to Arlington Public Schools, where I was able to work as a K-12 Social Studies Specialist in the Department of Teaching and Learning. During my time in Arlington, I earned an additional teaching certification to work with K-12 English Language Learners, as well as a graduate certificate in K-12 Administration and Supervision from Longwood University. 

I am so grateful to call this beautiful piece of North Carolina home! I am invested in Dare County and excited to continue supporting our young learners academically, socially, and emotionally as they grow and determine their post-secondary path.