Meet the Thomas Jefferson High School Administration

Left to Right: Ms. Mathews, Ms. Rubit, Mr. Brown, Dr. Marshall, Ms. Talbot, Mr. Griek, Mr. Grady

Dr. Mark Marshall, Principal

Dr. Mark Marshall was born in Houma, Louisiana and is one of two brothers. He completed his Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership at Auburn University in June 1999. He has also completed a Bachelors of Arts (1986) and a Masters Degree (1990) in Special Education from Nicholls State University; and a Specialist in Education Degree (1995) in Educational Leadership from West Georgia College. A recipient of numerous accolades over the past two decades, Dr. Marshall's educational career includes assignments as a teacher, an adjunct college professor/researcher, a supervisor, an assistant principal, and a principal at the middle and high school levels. He has been a featured presenter at several State Level and National Educational Conferences and has served a member of several civic groups and professional associations. Dr. Marshall is elated about the opportunity to continue to serve the stakeholders at Thomas Jefferson High School!

His motto is:
“A Quality Education can unlock any door or break down any barrier!”

Wayne Brown—Associate Principal

Wayne was born in Tacoma, WA. He graduated from Lincoln High School. As a junior at Lincoln he was tabbed to lead all athletic bands at the University of Puget Sound. He graduated from U.P.S. and taught for many years prior to becoming an administrator. His educational experience includes a plethora of work in both suburban and urban school systems. Mr. Brown has a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership from Washington State University (WSU). He is currently in the Doctoral program and is a member of the Statewide Educational Leadership Superintendent Certification/Preparation Cohort at WSU. Since coming to TJHS, Mr. Brown has tripled the available revenue for the Associated Student Body (ASB) by establishing procedural controls over the use of funds. A substantial deficit was also removed due to his efforts. This was accomplished in partnership with student ASB treasurers, the leadership teachers, coaches and advisors and the best finance secretary in FWPS. Mr. Brown remains committed to being a professional resource for staff and a guide and mentor to students.

His motto is:
“No significant learning occurs without respectful, professional engagement between students and educator.”

Forrest Griek, Curriculum Assistant Principal

Forrest Griek was born in Yakima, WA; he grew up and attended public school in Leavenworth, WA. Mr. Griek moved to Tacoma in 1996, where he attended Pacific Lutheran University to run competitively and study education. He graduated from PLU in 2000 with a BA in education and a school record in the 5000-meter run. In 2001, Mr. Griek began his career in education in the Tacoma School District and returned to PLU to earn his MA in education. Soon thereafter he moved to the Federal Way School District where he taught at both the primary and secondary levels. He taught for three years at the Todd Beamer High School and was an Activities Director for two of those years. He later interned as a school principal during the 2005/2006 school year at Todd Beamer High School. Mr. Griek became the Dean of Students at Thomas Jefferson High School in 2006 and is now currently serving as the Curriculum Assistant Principal. He holds a BA and MA from PLU, and endorsements in Elementary Education, History, ELL, Reading and Special Education. Mr. Griek has served as a teacher, coach, activities director and dean of students and holds a principal certificate through the University of Puget Sound.

His guiding question:
How can we provide all kids the skills to acquire knowledge?

Sarah Talbot, Assistant Principal

Sarah Talbot was born in Bethalto, Illinois. Raised in a military family, she was educated in public schools around the country and overseas. Ms. Talbot earned her Bachelor’s degree at The Evergreen State College, where she had the privilege of learning with educational theorist Bill Arney. Ms. Talbot earned her Master's in Teaching from Seattle University, where she is currently working on a Doctorate in Education. She started her teaching career as a student teacher at Thomas Jefferson High School, and is very happy to return to the school. Ms. Talbot has taught English 9 - 12 and English electives at high schools around the Puget Sound and was named Olympia Education Association Teacher of the Year in 2001. In 2006, she interned and was the Pathways Dean at Ballard High School.

Her guiding questions for 2007/2008 are:
Under what circumstances could we get every single student to standard? What can we do to make those circumstances the lived experience at Thomas Jefferson?

Jurea Rubit, Dean of Students

Jurea Rubit was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana and the oldest of three children. She completed her administrative credentials in 2003 at City University. She also holds a Masters Degree in Management from Troy State University, and Bachelors Degree in Information Systems Management from the University of Maryland. She worked as a Dean of Students for one year and taught Technology and Business to adults and adolescents for the past 10 years. She served in the United States Air Force for 8 years. She enjoys learning and becomes overly excited when others learn. She appreciates the opportunity to work with Thomas Jefferson’s Community of Learners!

Her motto is:
“The mind is a terrible thing to waste!”

Mike Grady, Athletic Director

Mike Grady was born in Jamaica New York. His father was in the Army so the family traveled often (Japan, Texas, and Georgia) and finally ended up in the state of Washington in 1969. He is a product of the Federal Way School district attending Panther Lake elementary, Lakota Junior High and graduating from Decatur in 1975. He continuing his education at Washington State University graduating in 1980 with a Major in PE, minor in Social Studies, Social Sciences, a Traffic Safety endorsement and has completed his Masters Degree in Computers. After 4 years at Bickleton High School in eastern Washington, Mr. Grady came back to his hometown to teach and coach at Totem Junior High for 10 years and is now in his 10th year at Thomas Jefferson High School. As Mr. Grady has had very fortunate successes mostly associated with the athletic world in Junior High and in High School, he is most proud of his historical 2 state participant basketball teams in 2001-02 and 2002-03. TJHS only state teams in the game of basketball! Mike Grady has been married for 25 years to his wife Karin and has 2 children, a daughter, Erin, a recent TJ alumni who is currently a Nurse at Harbor View Hospital in Seattle and a son Bobby who is currently a student at TJHS.

His motto is:
“Don't ask what your school can do for you but what can you do for your school”

Lainey Mathews, Activities Director

Lainey Mathews was born and raised in Ft. Collins, Colorado. A competitive swimmer from an early age, she graduated from high school and joined the Loggers Swim Team at the University of Puget Sound where she earned her Bachelors of Science degree in 2000. Prior to returning to UPS to earn her Masters of Arts in Teaching in 2003, Lainey worked for the YMCA as both a swim coach and Assistant Aquatics Director. Since 2003, she has been a devoted Raider at Thomas Jefferson High School. She has played many roles at TJ including science teacher, leadership teacher and Activities Director. In addition to her work in the
classroom, she continues to fulfill her passion for swimming as the assistant coach for both of Thomas Jefferson's swim teams for the past 4 years. She is looking forward to another excellent year as a Raider!

Her motto is:
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world (Nelson Mandela) "