Administration

Valerie Morris - Principal

Mrs. Valerie Morris received her undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education with a Minor in Marketing and Management from Salisbury University. She also earned her graduate degree in Curriculum and Instruction and continued her studies to obtain her Administration I Certification from Salisbury University.

In 2011, Mrs. Morris began her teaching career in Wicomico County Public Schools, teaching 1st Grade at Beaver Run Elementary School for five years. She then looped with her students to teach 2nd Grade, teaching 2nd Grade for four years. Mrs. Morris was honored as the Teacher of the Year Semifinalist for Beaver Run Elementary School in 2017 and 2018.

Throughout Mrs. Morris' teaching career, she continued to seek leadership opportunities to support her team, school and community. In the summers, Mrs. Morris served as the Site Supervisor for the Summer LEAP Program at Pemberton Elementary School. In 2017, Mrs. Morris was selected by the Superintendent as one of the WCPS educators to become an effective school leader through the "Exploring the World of Educational Administration and Leadership Cohort" as well as the "Academy for Leadership in Education Series" (ALES) two-year program at Salisbury University.

Mrs. Morris was appointed as the Assistant Principal at Fruitland Intermediate School from 2020 - 2023 and was appointed Principal at Pemberton Elementary School in 2023. She looks forward to continuing to support the Pemberton staff and extending her passion for building and maintaining relationships with the students and families of Pemberton Elementary School.

Mrs. Morris enjoys spending time with husband Justin, their two children, Makenzie and Justin Jr., and her two dogs, Meeko and Chance.

Elizabeth Finch - Assistant Principal

Dr. Elizabeth Finch holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Marshall University. She earned a Master's degree in Educational Leadership, along with her Administration I/II Certification, from Salisbury University. Additionally, she completed her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

Dr. Finch began her teaching career in 2017 with Somerset County Public Schools, where she taught 3rd grade at Greenwood Elementary for two years. She then joined Wicomico County Public Schools, teaching 2nd grade for two years before transitioning to 1st grade, where she served for an additional two years. In 2022, Dr. Finch was recognized as a Quarterfinalist for Fruitland Primary School's Teacher of the Year, highlighting her dedication and excellence in education.

Dr. Finch was appointed as the Dean of Students at Pemberton Elementary School from 2023-2024 and was appointed Assistant Principal at Pemberton Elementary School in 2024.

She is committed to fostering and sustaining meaningful relationships with the students and families of Pemberton Elementary School. Dr. Finch enjoys spending time with her family and her dogs, Willow & Oliver.