Vanessa Hinton-Dean has recently been named principal of Casey Elementary School in Jackson. Hinton-Dean is a graduate of Bassfield High School. She is the daughter of Spencena and the late Willie (Billie) Hinton of Bassfield.

Hinton-Dean brings 20 years of educational experience to her new role at Casey. During this time, Hinton-Dean has fostered the success of students and teachers by implementing organizational and instructional strategies that enhance teaching and learning.

Her career began at Vicksburg Intermediate as a math and science teacher. Later, she began working in Jackson Public Schools as a teacher at Casey Elementary. Her commitment to student academic performance contributed to Casey maintaining an A rating and receiving national recognition as a Blue Ribbon School in 2015. She later served as assistant principal at Walton Elementary and Pecan Park Elementary.

Hinton-Dean earned her Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science degree in Biology from Alcorn State University. She also earned a Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Mississippi. She participated in Principal Corps, a comprehensive training program designed to transform classroom teachers into leaders.

Hinton-Dean says she is honored to return to Casey Elementary as principal. She embraces a growth mindset and is committed to maintaining a stimulating educational environment that supports growth for all scholars.