Critzer Elementary School was in a tough spot. Teacher and administration turnover rates were creating problems that impacted everyone involved. The Critters needed a new leader to help take them to the next level. Tony Viers was up for the challenge.
Tony Viers was born and raised in Pulaski County. He attended Claremont Elementary School for kindergarten through fourth grade, then Northwood Elementary for fifth. He spent his middle school years as a Pulaski Middle School Oriole. He is a graduate of Pulaski County High School with the Class of 2008.
He earned his Bachelor's of Science from Radford University in 2012 with a major in Exercise, Sport, and Health Education. During that time, he was coaching the track team at Dublin Middle School. He took on the task of teaching science at Pulaski Middle School from 2012-2019. Meanwhile, he earned a Master's of Science in Educational Leadership from Old Dominion University in 2019.
He continued to take on other tasks and responsibilities. He served Pulaski County young people as a behind the wheel instructor at PCHS, worked as a member of the staff during Camp Cougar as a PE teacher at PCHS during the summer, and coached several sports at PMS, including girls basketball, football, and track.
He was selected to serve as the Assistant Principal at Pulaski Middle School from 2019-2020, and had the opportunity to serve in the same role in the new Pulaski County Middle School. Last year, he was selected as the new principal for Critzer Elementary. The results have been stunning.
Mr. Viers has now helped move Critzer in a very positive direction since taking over as principal last year. Excitement built in the school, with teachers, staff, and students alike joining in. He helped rebuild a culture of pride and excitement in the school that has since spread out into the surrounding community.
Simple things, such as some new paint on the walls and new ways of recognizing students, have been a big part of the plan. Taking pride in their home and the students has become a way of life at CES. Teachers even take an occasional loving jab at Mr. Viers, who has become known as a bit of a prankster. After learning of his previous rodeo experiences, teachers and staff organized a “Cowboy Day” that included photos of their very own cowboy from back in his days in the saddle. Like most everything else new at Critzer, it was a big hit.
At the beginning of his second year, he had the pleasure of announcing to his staff that for the first time in a very, very long time, the school had achieved full accreditation.
So what have been his driving forces through all of this?
“Hard work, determination and a desire to see improvements in Pulaski County,” Mr. Viers said. “As a teacher at PMS we continuously saw turnover in administration. I remember talking with colleagues and a common theme was that consistency was needed. We needed someone to stay and help us make improvements. That is where it all began for me in administration … that is the administrator that I want to be for PCPS. I have no plans of leaving Pulaski County and feel that I can make the greatest impact by giving the school community consistency in administration.”
While serving as the principal is rewarding, Viers also has many fond memories of his previous positions.
“I loved my time teaching in a classroom and the laughter provided by my middle school students,” he said. “If you know anything about middle school, there is never a dull moment. As a teacher at PMS, I organized the annual Washington, D.C. field trip for eighth grade. Taking our students to D.C. and watching their reaction was always enjoyable. D.C. was an amazing trip and the students had so much fun. I loved providing them with that opportunity. There is so much learning that can take place outside of the classroom and these experiences are invaluable. Last year, CES also started offering students the opportunity to travel to Jamestown and Yorktown.”
Serving in his current role has also offered some advantages.
“My favorite part of being a principal is the daily interactions with the students,” he said. “The days are filled with fist bumps, smiles, high fives, and very proud students bragging on their accomplishments. At CES, we celebrate student achievement for attendance, academics, positive behavior, and Citizenship. That’s what it is all about, celebrating each child’s success with them!”
As a product of Pulaski County and Pulaski County Public Schools, Mr. Viers is quick to recommend a career in education to current students.
“Do it and when you are finished, call me! I have past students that are now teachers at Critzer and other schools within our district. I am very proud that they also chose to come back home and continue making Pulaski County a great place to live, learn, and play,” he said.
Tony Viers helps make our hometown better in many ways.
“My wife, Katy, is also an educator in Pulaski County. She currently teaches Kindergarten at Dublin Elementary School. With both of us being educators in PC with two children that will attend PC schools, our lives are completely invested in the children of Pulaski County. Our children are Annistyn (4), and Axton (1).”
“Throughout my career in Pulaski County I have had the privilege to work with and learn from several successful administrators like Mary Rash, Bill Atwood, Adam Joyce, and Rebecah Smith,” he said. “The entire Pulaski County community has proven that the children of this county are the priority. Throughout my time at CES, I have appreciated all the community support that we have received. Since implementing Warm Welcome Wednesdays, where community leaders visit our school once a week, we have seen an outpouring of support at CES. I can’t imagine being anything but a Pulaski County Cougar! Critzer is an amazing place with a very close school community. I appreciate every teacher, staff member, student, and family that helps make Critzer such a special place. Our school is a family and I am very proud to work with the absolute best at Critzer Elementary.”
