Mrs. Tonya Fields-Hines, Principal
Mrs. Fields-Hines is a 1991 graduate of Bluestone High School (Skipwith, Va.) She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from Saint Paul’s College, a Masters Degree in Urban Education with a Concentration in Mathematics from Norfolk State University, and an Education Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Old Dominion University. With 25 years of experience in Portsmouth Public Schools, she has worked as a 4th and 5th grade Inclusion Teacher at Hodges Manor Elementary and a K-6 Instructional Mathematics Specialist at Park View Elementary. Most recently, Mrs. Fields-Hines served as an Assistant Principal at Churchland Academy Elementary School.
Mrs. Fields-Hines has served on several Virginia Department of Education SOL Math Assessment Committees and other groups within her respective, assigned schools. In March of 2023, Mrs. Fields-Hines was awarded the Phenomenal Woman "Bridge Builders" Award through the Portsmouth Outreach Foundation.
Please see the committees and groups below:
- Member of Virginia Alliance of Black School Educators (Member of Governance Committee)
- Executive Board Member of Virginia Council of Mathematics Specialists (charter member)
- Past president of the Virginia Council of Mathematics Specialists
- VDOE Team Leader - Just in Time “Quick Checks”
- School Improvement Chair
- School Improvement Team
- Principals’ Cabinet Member
- Leadership Team Member
- Grade Chairperson (4th and 5th grade)
- Science Lead Teacher
- Curriculum Writer (Science and Mathematics)
- Data Analyst (K-6)
- Benchmark Testing Coordinator
- School SOL Test Coordinator
In addition, she is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Mrs. Fields-Hines is a native of Chase City, VA (Mecklenburg Co). She is the eldest daughter of James and Peggy Fields and she has one sibling James Andre Fields. Mrs. Fields-Hines is married to Michael D. Hines, Sr. They have twin daughters Mikayla and Aliyah of the home, two adult children Chanel and Michael Jr., and three grandchildren Micah, “Tre”, and Charlotte.
As we prepare for a new school year, Mrs. Fields-Hines will work tirelessly to model the motto for Douglass Park Elementary…
Mrs. Terrica Newby, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Newby is a highly accomplished education professional with extensive experience in
mathematics instruction and school administration. With a career spanning over 20 years, Mrs.
Newby has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving educational outcomes for
students and supporting teachers in their professional growth.
Currently serving as K-6 Division Mathematics Program Specialist for Portsmouth Public Schools
since 2020, Mrs. Newby has been responsible for organizing and presenting instructional math
materials for K-6 teachers. She has created benchmark and assessment questions ensuring that students' progress is consistently monitored and evaluated. Additionally, Mrs. Newby meets regularly with teachers to discuss data and tailor instructional strategies to the unique needs of each school.
In previous roles in Portsmouth, Mrs. Newby has achieved notable accomplishments. As an
Assistant Principal from 2017 to 2020, she was instrumental in increasing the special education
pass rate by 35% at Brighton Elementary. The school also achieved accreditation within just
one year. Mrs. Newby provided valuable support and mentorship to teachers, observed and
monitored instruction, and developed strong relationships with parents and students. Mrs.
Newby also contributed to the interviewing and retention of teachers, handled discipline
matters, and served as a LEA, 504, and crisis administrator.
As an Elementary STEM Co-Coordinator and Division Mathematics Program Specialist from
2007 to 2017, Mrs. Newby played a key role in implementing STEM education initiatives and
promoting excellence in mathematics instruction across the division. She analyzed data to
identify strengths and weaknesses and collaborated with teachers through lesson planning, co-
teaching, and small-group instruction.
Prior to coming to Portsmouth Public Schools, Mrs. Newby gained valuable teaching experience
as an Elementary and Middle School Teacher in Surry County Public Schools from 1997 to 2007
and Harnett County Public Schools from 1995 to 1997. In 2002, she was awarded Teacher of the Year for Luther Porter Jackson Middle School. She consistently demonstrated a strong
commitment to students' success and continuously sought opportunities to enhance her own professional growth.
Mrs. Newby holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Campbell
University, Buies Creek, NC, and a Masters of Education degree in K-12 Educational Leadership
and Policy Studies through Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA.
She also earned a K-8 Mathematics Specialist Endorsement from Old Dominion University,
Norfolk, VA. Additionally, Mrs. Newby served as an Adjunct Professor at Old Dominion
University in 2010-2011.
She holds a Virginia Postgraduate Professional Teaching License and is actively involved in
professional organizations, such as Alpha Delta Kappa, VEA, PEA, TCTM and NCTM. Her
commitment to excellence and her ability to positively impact students, teachers, and schools
makes Mrs. Newby a highly esteemed education professional.
Mrs. Newby is a highly accomplished education professional with extensive experience in
mathematics instruction and school administration. With a career spanning over 20 years, Mrs.
Newby has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving educational outcomes for
students and supporting teachers in their professional growth.
Currently serving as K-6 Division Mathematics Program Specialist for Portsmouth Public Schools
since 2020, Mrs. Newby has been responsible for organizing and presenting instructional math
materials for K-6 teachers. She has created benchmark and assessment questions ensuring that students' progress is consistently monitored and evaluated. Additionally, Mrs. Newby meets regularly with teachers to discuss data and tailor instructional strategies to the unique needs of each school.
In previous roles in Portsmouth, Mrs. Newby has achieved notable accomplishments. As an
Assistant Principal from 2017 to 2020, she was instrumental in increasing the special education
pass rate by 35% at Brighton Elementary. The school also achieved accreditation within just
one year. Mrs. Newby provided valuable support and mentorship to teachers, observed and
monitored instruction, and developed strong relationships with parents and students. Mrs.
Newby also contributed to the interviewing and retention of teachers, handled discipline
matters, and served as a LEA, 504, and crisis administrator.
As an Elementary STEM Co-Coordinator and Division Mathematics Program Specialist from
2007 to 2017, Mrs. Newby played a key role in implementing STEM education initiatives and
promoting excellence in mathematics instruction across the division. She analyzed data to
identify strengths and weaknesses and collaborated with teachers through lesson planning, co-
teaching, and small-group instruction.
Prior to coming to Portsmouth Public Schools, Mrs. Newby gained valuable teaching experience
as an Elementary and Middle School Teacher in Surry County Public Schools from 1997 to 2007
and Harnett County Public Schools from 1995 to 1997. In 2002, she was awarded Teacher of the Year for Luther Porter Jackson Middle School. She consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to students' success and continuously sought opportunities to enhance her own professional growth.
Mrs. Newby holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC, and a Masters of Education degree in K-12 Educational Leadership and Policy Studies through Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA.
She also earned a K-8 Mathematics Specialist Endorsement from Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA. Additionally, Mrs. Newby served as an Adjunct Professor at Old Dominion University in 2010-2011.
She holds a Virginia Postgraduate Professional Teaching License and is actively involved in professional organizations, such as Alpha Delta Kappa, VEA, PEA, TCTM and NCTM. Her commitment to excellence and her ability to positively impact students, teachers, and schools
makes Mrs. Newby a highly esteemed education professional.
Mr. Steve Couther, Assistant Principal
Steve Couther is an Assistant Principal originally from Norfolk, VA, and a graduate of Norfolk Public Schools. He holds a bachelor's degree in Kinesiotherapy with a minor in Adaptive Physical Education from Shaw University. Additionally, Mr. Couther earned a master's degree in Educational Leadership from Old Dominion University in 2022, specializing in Educational Leadership.
With sixteen years of experience in public education, Mr. Couther spent 11 years at Lafayette Winona Middle School, where he worked as an instructional leader in health and PE. He also served as a soccer, basketball, and football coach. At Booker T Washington High School, Mr. Couther taught Health, Physical Education, and Driver's Education. He was actively involved in school improvement and athletics in various roles. In August 2018, Mr. Couther joined Portsmouth Public Schools and became an instructional leader for the Health, PE, and Drivers Education Department at Churchland High School.
After his tenure at IC Norcom High School where he served as an Assistant Principal for three years, Mr. Couther transitioned to Douglass Park Elementary School, where he currently holds the same position.
Outside of his professional responsibilities, Mr. Couther is actively involved with the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Beta Sigma Chapter, where he serves as the elected president. He has contributed to the fraternity's efforts in promoting brotherhood, scholarship, and community service.
In his free time, Steve enjoys fishing, grilling, and playing chess. He has been happily married to his wife Melissa for 12 years and is the proud father of two children, Adamiyen Tyrell and Kai Maverick. Mr. Couther's passion lies in serving others to create a stronger community and leave a lasting legacy for his family.