Garden City, KS – Garden City Public Schools is excited to announce that Dr. Virginia Duncan has been selected for a new leadership role supporting secondary instruction and learning. With a passion for teacher development, professional learning, and student achievement, Dr. Duncan brings a wealth of experience and innovation to her new position.
Dr. Duncan has been an Associate Principal in the Arts & Communications Academy at Garden City High School since 2021. Prior to that, she spent 10 years as an Instructional Coach, guiding and mentoring educators to enhance their instructional practices. Before stepping into coaching, Dr. Duncan taught English, History, and Drama at the middle school level in California.
Her extensive educational background includes an Ed.D. in Teacher Leadership from Walden University (2012), a Master’s in Literacy in the Content Areas (2007), and a Master’s in Educational Leadership/Administration (2016). She earned her Bachelor’s degree in English and Secondary Education from Lubbock Christian University in 1998.
"I am truly honored to step into this role and continue supporting our incredible educators," said Dr. Duncan. "My passion has always been helping teachers grow in their professional journey, and I look forward to creating innovative professional learning opportunities that enhance instruction and student success across our secondary schools."
USD 457 Deputy Superintendent Josh Guymon expressed strong confidence in Dr. Duncan’s ability to lead professional learning and instructional development at the secondary level.
"Dr. Duncan is a visionary leader with a deep understanding of instructional excellence and teacher development," said Guymon. "Her experience, passion, and commitment to transforming professional learning make her the perfect choice to help shape the future of secondary education in USD 457."
Dr. Duncan has built a reputation for reimagining and transforming professional learning by implementing flexible, personalized models that allow teachers to grow and develop in ways that directly impact student achievement.
"Education is constantly evolving, and I believe that when we invest in teacher development, we directly impact student learning," said Dr. Duncan. "I am excited to collaborate with our teachers and administrators to refine instructional strategies and build a culture of lifelong learning."
Deputy Superintendent Guymon also praised Dr. Duncan’s leadership and ability to elevate instruction across the district.
"Dr. Duncan has spent her career elevating the teaching profession by empowering educators with the tools and support they need to succeed," Guymon stated. "Her leadership will strengthen our commitment to student achievement and instructional excellence in our secondary schools."
As Dr. Duncan transitions into her new role, Garden City High School Principal Steve Nordby, who has worked alongside her in recent years, reflected on the impact she has already had.
"Dr. Duncan has been an invaluable member of our leadership team at Garden City High School," said Nordby. "Her dedication to professional learning and instructional growth has made a tremendous difference for both teachers and students. She will bring that same passion and expertise to this new role, and I have no doubt she will excel."
Dr. Duncan, who grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, has been married to her husband, Chris, for 25 years. Chris currently teaches computer science at CSIC. Their son, Ethan, is a Garden City High School graduate who now resides in New York, where he recently opened a dance studio with his fiancée.
With a deep commitment to helping teachers grow into leaders and fostering a culture of learning, Dr. Duncan’s new role will focus on strengthening professional development, instructional support, and academic success across USD 457’s secondary schools.
USD 457 looks forward to the impact she will have and is excited to see her lead the way in shaping the future of secondary instruction in the district.