My name is Tanisha Malone and I am honored to be the proud principal of Clift Elementary. My hometown is Dallas, Texas and I graduated from Townview Magnet Center. I attended the University of North Texas, Go Mean Green! Where I received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. I received my Master of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Degree at the University of Texas at Arlington. I began my teaching career at Richardson ISD in 2004, where I served as a teacher for 5 years and then moved on to pursue my career in administration. I have almost 20 years of experience in the field of education. 

I am an involved leader, and collaborative and I am a servant at heart. I love helping students, staff, and families achieve their goals. I am so excited and thrilled to have the opportunity to lead and be a part of the Clift Nation Family. I am married to Darrell Malone and we have two beautiful children, Zoe’, who is 10 years old, and Darrell Jr., who is 3 years old. Both of our children attend WISD schools and we are proud to be WISD parents! During my free time, I love spending time with my family, cooking, and I enjoy exercising. 

I am looking forward to growing with my Clift Nation Family and working together to be a “District where innovation thrives and growth is limitless.”

I was raised here in Waxahachie as a “teachers kid”, as both my parents were WISD educators as well, so I am very excited to be representing WISD as an administrator at Clift Elementary.  I graduated from Waxahachie ISD in 2010. After high school graduation, I went to Tarleton State University where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in EC-6 in 2014.  I lived in Stephenville for 8 years before making my way back to Waxahachie.  I began my teaching career at Millsap ISD, teaching Kindergarten and later, third grade. When I first moved back to Waxahachie, I taught 3rd Grade in Red Oak ISD. I then made the move to teach 1st grade at Wedgeworth Elementary.   During this time, I went back to Tarleton State and received my Master's in Educational Administration in 2020. 

I have a passion for building relationships with my staff and all students so they feel supported, loved, and safe. I strive to make elementary school fun for students and a place they can't wait to be each day.  I have identical twin girls who are 4 years old and attend Little Chiefs Preschool. They keep me busy and I can’t wait for them to become part of the Clift Nation Family!