Administration
Principal
Langston Longley
Principal Longley leads with passion, integrity, and intentionality. His leadership philosophy is based on the ability to do three things motivate, educate, and elevate. Principal Longley believes that all students all have the capacity for greatness, and it is unlocked through motivation. Once motivated all students can be educated. When educated students are empowered to elevate themselves and the community around them. At Invictus “Excellence is expected every day from everyone”. Principal Longley has had the pleasure of leading in Atlanta Public schools as a principal for over ten years.
For twenty-two years, Principal Longley has dedicated his career to serving students, families, and communities within Atlanta Public Schools. His journey began at D.H. Stanton Elementary School, now known as Barack and Michelle Obama Academy, where he served as a classroom teacher for eight years.
Recognized for his leadership potential and commitment to educational excellence, Principal Longley was selected as one of two Race to the Top Principal Fellows. Through this prestigious opportunity, he served as an assistant principal at both Morningside Elementary School and Grove Park Elementary School, gaining valuable experience in instructional leadership, school operations, and student achievement.
Principal Longley continued to advance his leadership journey as an assistant principal and later interim principal at Connally Elementary School, now known as Tuskegee Airmen Global Academy. Each leadership experience prepared him for what would become a defining chapter in his career: serving as principal of W.J. Scott Elementary School.
For ten years, Principal Longley proudly led W.J. Scott Elementary, building strong relationships with students, families, educators, and the broader school community. His commitment to developing the whole child and creating opportunities for students to thrive became hallmarks of his leadership.
With a deep connection to the Douglass Cluster and a desire to continue investing in the students and families he has served throughout his career, Principal Longley was afforded the opportunity to follow his students to John Lewis Invictus Academy, where he continues his mission of cultivating excellence, leadership, and achievement.
Beyond his work as a school leader, Principal Longley is committed to developing the next generation of educational leaders. He serves as a guest lecturer and principal internship coach for Columbia University’s Principals Academy and Albany State University, sharing his knowledge, experiences, and leadership expertise with aspiring principals.
In 2023, Principal Longley was selected as the Communities In Schools Principal of the Year and received the prestigious “Choose Success” Award, recognizing his commitment to educational excellence and student success.
His leadership extends beyond the school building. Principal Longley currently serves as the Douglass Cluster Advisory Chairperson and is a member of the Atlanta Public Schools District Executive Committee. He also serves on the district’s Continuous Improvement Team and Personalization Committee, contributing his expertise to initiatives designed to strengthen schools and improve outcomes for students across the district.
A respected voice in education, Principal Longley has been a featured presenter and panelist at the National Principals Association Conference, United States Department of Education panels in Washington, D.C., and before the Georgia Legislature Education Committee. During his ten-year tenure as principal of W.J. Scott Elementary School, he secured more than $3 million in grants, expanding resources and opportunities for students and the school community.
Principal Longley’s commitment to educational innovation extends beyond the United States. He has conducted international educational research and visited schools in Japan, China, and Egypt, gaining global perspectives on teaching, learning, and school leadership. His accomplishments and commitment to service contributed to his selection as one of Atlanta’s 40 Under 40. He has also been recognized by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, receiving both the Superior Service Award and Citizen of the Year Award.
Principal Longley began his collegiate career at Morehouse College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He later attended Agnes Scott College, earning a certificate in Early Childhood Education. He continued his academic journey at Teachers College, Columbia University, where he earned a Master’s degree, and later earned his Educational Specialist degree from Albany State University.
Committed to continuous professional growth, Principal Longley completed the Turnaround School Leaders and Data Wise programs through the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He also completed the Partnership for Leaders in Education program through the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia, further strengthening his expertise in organizational leadership and school transformation.
A native of Miami, Florida, Principal Longley enjoys traveling, sports, and cooking. Much of his time outside of school is devoted to coaching sports and serving his community through the 100 Black Men of South Metro and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.
While his professional accomplishments are extensive, Principal Longley considers his greatest joy to be his family. He is a proud father of three and a devoted husband to his amazing wife. His life and career reflect a deep commitment to service, leadership, community, and the success of every student he serves.
After twenty-two years of service, Principal Longley continues to lead with purpose, passion, and a steadfast commitment to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.
Assisstant Principals
6th Grade
Craig Simmons
Mr. Craig Simmons is excited to begin his second year as the 6th Grade Assistant Principal at John Lewis Invictus Academy. He oversees 6th Grade English Language Arts and serves as the school's Lead Testing Coordinator, Safety & Security Administrator, and Title IX Coordinator.
With more than 20 years of experience in education, Mr. Simmons has served as a teacher, Master Teacher, instructional coach, MTSS coordinator, and assistant principal. He is also a published ASCD author and has presented at the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) conference.
Mr. Simmons is passionate about building strong relationships, developing collaborative teams, and fostering a safe, supportive learning environment where every student and educator can thrive. He believes that strong relationships, high expectations, and a commitment to excellence create the foundation for student success.
7th Grade
Derwin Purnell
Mr. Derwin Purnell is a dynamic educational leader with over 20 years of dedicated service, renowned for bringing bold, equity-focused ideas to life. As an educational change agent, he is committed to building positive, student-centered cultures that drive achievement and close opportunity gaps. Mr. Purnell’s leadership is grounded in full transparency, collaboration, and an unwavering belief in education’s power to transform society.
8th Grade
Kimberly Wiles
Ms. Kimberly Wiles was born and raised in the beautiful city of Savannah, Georgia. She is a proud graduate of Savannah State University, the oldest public HBCU in Georgia, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Mechanical Engineering. During her time at Savannah State, she also became a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
With more than 20 years of experience in education, Ms. Wiles has dedicated her career to serving students, educators, and school communities. She began her professional journey as a secondary mathematics teacher, spending 11 years in the classroom before transitioning into leadership roles as an Academic Specialist, Instructional Coach, Assistant Principal, and most recently, Program Director within the Office of Schools. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to one guiding principle: "If I can't help you, then I definitely won't hurt you." This philosophy reflects her unwavering commitment to supporting others and fostering positive, collaborative relationships.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Ms. Wiles enjoys spending quality time with her two wonderful children. She loves traveling with family and friends, especially when it includes exploring new restaurants and experiencing local cuisines. She also volunteers and worships at Ebenezer Baptist Church. In her free time, she enjoys strength training, cycling, and enthusiastically starting DIY home improvement projects that—more often than not—remain works in progress.
School Business Manager
Ms. Tandra Gibel
Phone: 404-802-6111
Email: tandra.gibel@atlanta.k12.ga.us
Ms. Tandra Gibel is a native of New York who relocated to Atlanta to pursue her college education. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Education from Clark Atlanta University and later obtained a Master of Arts in Special Education from the University of Phoenix.
Ms. Gibel began her career in education more than 23 years ago at Community Education Partners (C.E.P.), a partnership alternative school within Atlanta Public Schools, now known as Hank Aaron New Beginnings Academy. During her time at C.E.P., she taught reading and mathematics intervention and implemented the school’s adopted social skills curriculum. It was through this experience that Ms. Gibel developed a deep passion for creating meaningful opportunities and ensuring successful outcomes for every student.
Ms. Gibel later joined Clayton County Public Schools, where she taught mathematics and science as an interrelated teacher and served as the school’s Special Education Department Lead. Her commitment to student success and educational excellence eventually brought her back to Atlanta Public Schools, where she has served in a variety of instructional, leadership, and student-support roles.
Throughout her tenure with Atlanta Public Schools, Ms. Gibel has served as a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Specialist, Special Education Lead Teacher (SELT), and School Business Manager. Her extensive experience reflects her ability to support students and staff while effectively managing the many facets of school operations.
Ms. Gibel has also embraced numerous additional responsibilities throughout her career, serving as a Testing Coordinator, Assistant to the Athletic Director, Club Sponsor, Student Health Advocate, TaPP and New Teacher Mentor, Student Mentor, PBIS Coach, and Wraparound Support Provider.
This diverse range of experiences has provided Ms. Gibel with a comprehensive understanding of the educational landscape and the varied needs of students, families, teachers, and school leaders. Whether supporting instruction, student services, school operations, or professional development, she brings a collaborative spirit and a steadfast commitment to helping others succeed.
Ms. Gibel’s career is a testament to the power of versatility, service, and dedication. Through every role she has embraced, her focus has remained consistent: advocating for students, supporting educators, and contributing to a school environment where every member of the community has the opportunity to thrive.