Jacksonville High School•Lanny R. Gallahar is a native of Oxford but resides in Jacksonville. He will be teaching special education to seventh through twelfth grade students. The Etowah county veteran teacher of 25 years received his BS from Jacksonville State University, majoring in sociology education and minoring in English. In addition, he holds an add-on in Mental Retardation and a MS from the University of Alabama in Learning Disabilities. Gallahar and spouse Paulette have one child, Chris Jenkins.
I decided to go into teaching because I love working with young people and watching them reach goals they did not think they could achieve. I enjoy working in special education because they are special and they can be productive members of society.”
•Ken Washington, a native of Mobile, Alabama resides with his spouse, TaSheila in Jacksonville, and will teach seventh grade study skills and 11th-12th grade focus groups. The novice teacher holds a BS in exercise science and a Certified Personal Training (CPT) from International Sports Science Association (ISSA) .
A former basketball player from Faulkner State Community College, Washington was a trainer at Gold’s Gym and CPR certified through the American Heart Association.”
“I am a health teacher to make students aware of health issues I see every day as a trainer. I am very excited about teaching the Focus Group classes. Focus Group is a great hands-on program that was developed to educate students on different health problems. By providing the facts, my goal as a teacher is to get the students to think before they act.”
•Jeremy James Harper, a native and resident of Weaver brings to Jacksonville High School three years teaching experience acquired at Wellborn High in the county system. Harper will be the new In School Suspension (ISS) instructor. Harper is a 2001 graduate of JSU and holds a BS in biology; he is currently completing his fifth year master’s degree in secondary education. Harper is also a member of Cornerstone Fellowship Church in Weaver.
“I really felt that I wanted to impact a child so much that they changed their attitude or ideas about learning or school in general. In today’s society, we as teachers have one of the greatest impacts on teenagers’ lives. Whether we realize it or not, most of them are watching you. How we present ourselves and how connected we can make the school materials to each individual’s life, will determine how far we can go with that child.”
•Jill Welch Green, a native of Jacksonville resides with spouse Ty Green with their two children, Jake and Hunter in the Williams community. Green is scheduled to teach 7th - 12th grade physical education. Green is a graduate of Jacksonville High School and of Jacksonville State University (JSU), has 23 years experience teaching physical education with a specialty in softball training. She is a member of the Alabama Education Association (AEA) and Alabama State Association of Health and Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (ASAHPERD) and often helps with the youth group at Williams First Baptist Church.
“I have always enjoyed being around children. I have always loved to see children learn something new and see the gleam of excitement in their eyes when they succeed.”
•Denisa Billington Deviton, a native of Anniston resides in Oxford; she has four children: Brooklan, Lauren, Kimberly, and Erin. Deviton brings 12 years experience of teaching special education to her new position as collaborative teacher. Deviton is a 1973 graduate of Anniston High School and a 1993 graduate of Jacksonville State University with special training in the Alabama Reading/Writing Initiative and Special Education. She currently is a member of professional affiliations National Education Association (NEA) and AEA.
“I became a teacher because I think it is the best career to have and working with young people is very interesting. I always learn something from each student that I have taught.”
•Kimberlee Inmon Taylor, a native of Jacksonville, Taylor also resides in Jacksonville with children Russ and Michaela.
•Ryann Workman Arnold, a native and resident of Jacksonville, Arnold resides with her two children Jonathan and Anna Kate. Arnold, who will be teaching Algebra I, brings into the classroom six years experience in teaching Algebra II and Junior College mathematics where she taught in Birmingham. She holds a BS in mathematics from the University of Monevallo and a MEd from Jacksonville State University. Arnold is a member of professional affiliation with NCTM.
“Strong math skills is important in any career path. I am excited about the opportunity to help the young people of our community be successful and well prepared by having a strong math foundation. I also hope to make a real-life connection and teach the everyday usefulness of math.”
•David Paul Lentjes, a native of Asheville, North Carolina resides in Anniston with spouse Rozelle Burt Lentjes and his three children Rebecca, William, and Jack. Lentjes to teach 7th grade math holds a BS in math and computer science from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill and is currently enrolled in the fifth year program at Jacksonville State University. Lentjes holds a highly qualified status in math and recently attended the EMCAT math workshop at JSU. He is also active in his community as a soccer coach at Anniston Parks and Recreation.
“I have always enjoyed math and also enjoy working with children. Students need a solid foundation in math. I hope to create an environment where kids want to learn math.”
•Carlton Delon McDaniel, a native of Heflin, McDaniel and spouse also reside in Heflin with children Olivia Hope and Brooklyn Faith. McDaniel, to teach ninth grade world history and eleventh grade American history, satisfies the highly qualified status in history education. He did his practicum teaching at Jacksonville High School in Fall 2004 and student teaching at Anniston Middle School in Spring 2005. McDaniel graduated from Cleburne County High in 2000 and from Jacksonville State University in April 2005. He holds memberships in professional affiliations AEA and NEA and is active in church, politics, and community youth projects.
“I became a teacher because I wanted to do something to help young people find their way in this world. By becoming an educator, I desire to not only help the new generation set their goals high, but I also desire to help them reach their goals. I feel that students today need role models and as an educator I must be a role model to them both in the classroom and outside the classroom.”
•Francine Hutchinson, a Sarasota, Florida native resides with husband Bruce and their children in Anniston. Together they have three children: Mary, Jacob, and Ruth and six grandchildren: Brad, Dylan, Hunter, Jessica, Whit, and Morgan. Hutchinson will be teaching 7th - 12th grade science courses including biology, environmental science, botany, zoology, and anatomy. Hutchinson holds both a BS in Education and in Biology from Jacksonville State University; she also holds a MS in biology from JSU. She brings a vast amount of experience to include working as a biology graduate teaching assistant for two years at JSU, a naturalist educator for three years at the Anniston Museum of Natural History, adjunct instructor at Gadsden State Community College for one year, high school educator for five years at Ranburne High School, and instructor at Little River Canyon Field School for five years. Her special training includes biology field work, especially in botany. She holds memberships in the following professional affiliations: Green Teacher Regional Editor, Omicron Delta Kappa, Alpha Delta Kappa, Alabama Science Teachers Association, Alabama Water Watch, and Alabama Environmental Council. Hutchinson also maintains community relations through providing services as an instructor at both JSU Field Schools and Audubon Mentone Retreats; she is also project chairperson at Dugger Mountain Wilderness.
“I spent one career working in an unhappy bureaucracy; I became a teacher because I want a meaningful life. Teachers exert a profound influence on students’ lives for better or worse, on every part of a student’s psyche. Being a teacher means having the opportunity to spark the excitement of learning in a child, which is the ultimate compensation for long hours of hard work. Being a teacher also means a with a clear conscience that I’ve done meaningful service to our future. The current era in education? Public education is a critical, vital service that is undervalued and underfunded at this time. Our future security depends on holding a “national revival” to renew the vision of an informed democracy.”
•James Wilson Vasquez, a native of Phoenix, Arizona now resides in Jacksonville. Vasquez will teach 7th grade Social Studies and Civics/World Geography. He holds a BS in Secondary Education in Social Science from Jacksonville State University, he also attended United States Army Finance and Accounting School of Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He brings with him to the classroom one year’s teaching experience at Childersburg High School (2004-05) where he taught ninth grade World History and coached varsity football, junior high football and basketball, B-team softball, and varsity softball. His special training includes army related skills. Vasquez is a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and of Association of the United States Army (AUSA) and frequently contributes to his community through his participation in the habitat for humanity.
“I became a teacher because when I was in high school my family and I lived in extreme poverty, and most people looked at me as “unreachable.” However, in ninth grade, I had an Algebra teacher who took a great amount of interest in me and took me under her wing and taught me how to believe in, and better myself. It was because of this teacher that I became the person I am today. Thanks to her caring for me, I was able to learn how to make something out of myself which not only led me to have an extremely successful military career, but it also drove me to become the first person in the entire family name to ever attend and graduate from college. Because of what this teacher did for me, I want to give back to others, especially those who may be growing up in the same environment. I did when I was a child. To me, being a teacher, means being a life saver. As a teacher, I want to touch children’s lives, but more importantly, I want to be the last line of defense to save a child who is sitting on the edge. That’s what it means to me to be a teacher.”
Samuel Russell Clark, a native and resident of Jacksonville, Clark will teach eighth and ninth grade applied algebra A & B as well as 12th Grade algebraic connections. Clark, a Jacksonville High School graduate, attended Gadsden State Community College graduating with a BA in both history and in mathematics from University of Alabama. In Spring 2005, Clark was a Jacksonville High School substitute teacher; his special areas of training include 4 years collegiate basketball player, and participating in the Exploring Mathematical Concepts Through Applications of Technology (EMCAT) at JSU. Clark holds professional affiliations in AEA and NEA and is a member of Angel Grove Baptist Church.
“I believe that students today need a positive male role model in the classroom. I became a teacher to mold and help change lives of students. I believe seeing a student excel in the classroom and athletic field is the greatest achievement of a teacher. Jacksonville High School has been very successful in producing high test scores and successful graduates. I believe I can play a vital part in maintaining the tradition that is Jacksonville High School.”
•Steve Anson Simmons, native of Adamsville, Simmons resides with spouse Alicia in Jacksonville. Simmons is scheduled to teach English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), fourth and fifth grade Elementary Special Education this year. In addition, Simmons will teach high school choir and band. Simmons’ diverse background includes doctoral work from the University of Georgia in voice/music and awaits his All But Dissertation (ABD). He also holds an MM in voice performance from the University of Michigan and a BS in music education from Jacksonville State University. His 12-year span of teaching experience includes working as a para-professional in both special education and ESOL with an elementary school in Windsor, Georgia between 2003-2005. Simmons also worked as a teaching assistant for both the University of Georgia and the Universtiy of Michigan where he taught voice lessons between 1991 and 2003. In 1984, Simmons was band and choir director for The Donoho School and in 1983, he was student teacher in Jacksonville High’s choir program. His areas of special training include: elementary education, band and choral, opera workshop and presentation, opera and musical theatre, theatre Production and crew, children’s theatre production and workshops, ESOL, special education, graded choir settings, as well as reading and journaling. Simmons’ professional affiliations include memberships with College Music Society (CMS), American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), and National Assoication of Teachers of Singing (NATS). Simmons is active in his community as former Artistic Director Windsor Barrow Community Theatre in Windsor, Georgia. He is also the former Director of Music Minister at Bethlehem First United Methodist Church in Bethlehem, Georgia and foundry member and director at Barrow Community Chorus. He served as a former Georgia Vocal Project board member and formerly was a foster parent and youth/music director of United Methodist Church.
“After finishing my bachelor’s degree in the early 80’s, I thought of teaching as a way to make a living. However, after having a career as a singer, I truly fell in love with people. As a teacher, I have the opportunity to give love to children and guidance to them in their educational pursuits. I can influence parents, encouraging them to spend time with and getting involved with their children’s classroom work, reading with them, and helping them monitor their children’s progress. Teachers are a tremendous influence on student learners in almost everything teachers do the student is watching and will work with teacher to advise them on how to think about a particular subject matter, etc.”
Kitty Stone Elementary
•Michelle Allison Conner, a native of Guntersville and resident of Jacksonville, Conner is to serve as special education aide in the upcoming school year. Conner is a 2001 graduate of Guntersville High School and holds a BS in Elementary Education from Jacksonville State University acquired in April 2004. Conner is currently enrolled in the master’s of science program in special education/collaborative teaching. She holds memberships in professional affiliations such as AEA, NEA, Pi Lambda Theta, Council for Exceptional Children and attends First Baptist Church of Jacksonville.
“I have always enjoyed sharing knowledge with kids. Nothing thrills me more than to see a child’s face light up when they finally succeed at something. Teachers must play so many roles in children’s lives. They are the key that opens so many doors. Being a teacher means loving and sharing with others.”
•Vicki Brooks White, native of Houston, Mississippi, White and husband Kevin reside with children Brooks, Drew, and Landon in Jacksonville. White will teach third grade this year and brings a year’s experience teaching kindergarten at Alexandria Elementary in 2004-05. She graduated from Houston High School in Houston, Mississippi and holds a BS in Elementary Education from Mississippi State University. White stays active in civic and community activities since her husband is Minister of Education at First Baptist of Jacksonville and she teaches 4 year old Sunday School.
“I have always loved children. I get total joy when I see that spark in a child’s eye from learning a new skill or reaching a goal. I believe that being a teacher is the most rewarding job anyone can have and that a teacher’s role in a child’s life should always be positive and loving.”
•Sunny (Pepper) Cruse, native of Anniston, Cruse grew up moving to and from several states but now resides in Jacksonville with husband Scott and children Laura and Luke. Cruse has one year of college behind her from Jacksonville State University and will be a substitute in all grade levels as she also has previous experience as a substitute for Jacksonville City Schools and has worked at a nanny and tutor for children in Alpharetta, Georgia.
•Mary Stovall, native of Gadsden and resident of Hokes Bluff, Stovall resides with husband Gary and Glencoe High School senior Cameron. Stovall will teach physical education. She holds a 2005 BS degree in physical education from Jacksonville State University and a Radiological Technology degree from Gadsden State which she received in 1994. Her special training includes an add-on in health education and is a member of professional affiliations such as Health, Physical Education, & Recreation (HPER) , American Society of Radiological Technologists (ASRT), and holds status in honor society. In addition, she is a member of Eastside Baptist Church and participates in her community also by her membership in Glencoe High School Sportsman club.
“I became a teacher because I truly enjoy and love children. They inspire me. Teachers play a vital role in molding and developing students to become active and positive contributors to society. I believe that through hard work and dedication, I can instill lifelong behaviors and skills that will improve the quality of life for my students.”
•Lauren Elizabeth Trawick, a native of Alpharetta, Georgia resides in Jacksonville. Trawick will come on board at second grade special education teacher with previous experience teaching third grade special education at Summit Hill Elementary in Fulton County Schools and eighth grade special education at River Trail Middle School in Fulton County Schools. Trawick is an AEA member.
“I became a teacher because it is what I have always wanted to do. I believe teachers play a large role in their students’ lives not only in helping them succeed academically but in giving them a good self-esteem and the power to believe in themselves.”
•Mahala Godwin, native of Guntersville and resident of Jacksonville will join to first grade special education, bringing experience as instructional assistant at Kitty Stone from last year. Godwin graduated high school from Guntersville High in 2000 and holds a BS in Special Education from JSU in 2004 and is currently enrolled in the master’s degree program for Special Education also at JSU; she holds a professional affiliation in Council for Exceptional Children.
“I enjoy watching students succeed and believe that teachers play a major role in providing students with the ability to succeed. I am looking forward to becoming a part of the Jacksonville City School’s team.”
•Beverly Shinstock, native of Senatobia, Mississippi, resides with husband Chris and children Tyler and Kathryn in Jacksonville. Shinstock will serve as classroom assistant in the A Better Community (ABC) classroom this year; she brings with her experience as kindergarten 4 assistant and kindergarten 4 teacher at Patrician Academy in Butler, Alabama. Shinstock’s educational background includes attendance at Alabama southern Community College, Northwest Community College, and is currently attending Jacksonville State University. She remains active in civic and community and religious activities including her membership of the First United Methodist Church of Butler where she was youth leader for six years and has taught children’s Sunday school in grades third and sixth. She has also co-sponsored varsity cheerleaders for 4 years at Patrician Academy and junior varsity sponsor for 1 year. She was PTA officer for five years and officer for the Marching Saints Band.
“I am currently working on my education degree. I have taught four and five year olds for the past six years. Even at this young age, it is such a wonderful feeling in watching a student develop and learn. It could be something as small as learning to write their name or reading their first words and the feeling of “Wow, they got it!” It is truly what being a teacher is about. You can really make a difference. That is why I am pursuing my education degree.”
Pleasant Valley High
• Jeffery Robert Musser, native of South Florida, Musser resides in Saks. He has four children: Jennifer, Justin, John, and Jeffery. Musser will teach 7th grade General Math and 9th grade Algebra I-A. He holds a B.S. from the University of North Alabama and comes to Pleasant Valley with 17 years teaching experience to include eight years at Pleasant Grove High School, two years at Pelham High School, two years at Cordova High School, one year at Munford High School, two years at Lauderdale County and two years at Franklin County. Musser’s areas of specialized training include physical education and mathematics. He holds memberships in professional associations such as AEA and National Football Coaches Association (NFCA). Musser participates in his community where he seeks to attend a catholic church he can call home and likes to stay involved with many aspects of his students’ lives especially in the classroom and on the athletic field.
“I believe all students have the ability to work and give effort in their particular classroom. I believe that all students have the capability to achieve success in at least one activity either music, athletics, or community.”
•Jeanette Cassity, a Bellaire, Ohio native, Cassity resides with spouse Mark and their three children John, Tyler, and Whitney in Rainbow City. Cassity will teach 7th - 12th grade physical education Cassity holds a BS from Jacksonville State University in Education majoring in English and minoring in history. Additionally, she holds a M.S. in special education with concentration areas in learning disabilities and emotionally conflicted. She brings multiple experiences with her into the classroom to include 12 years experience at Glencoe High School, two years at Litchfield High School, one year at Gadsden High School, one year at Cherokee County High School, and one year at Cedartown High School. Her special areas of training include a highly qualified status in English, learning disabilities, and history. Cassity holds memberships in professional associations such as CCEA, AEA, and NEA.
“To address the whole child, whatever the need and be a small part of something greater than myself. Teaching is a “full service” profession. Do it right and it will multiply over and over again.”
•Shaa Bolt, a Saks native, Bolt lives with husband Jason and two children Blakeli, and Walker in Oxford. Bolt will teach 7th - 12th grade physical education. She is a graduate of Saks High School and earned her BS in Education at Jacksonville State University. She is looking forward to her first year of teaching and using her special training of coaching varsity cheerleaders. Bolt’s professional affiliations include memberships of AEA and Pi Delta Kappa. She also stays active in the community and attends the First Baptist Church of Oxford.
“I became a teacher to educate students on the importance of being and staying physically fit. Staying fit is a lifestyle not just a class.”
•Paige Nunnelly Shaddix, an Ohatchee native, Shaddix resides with husband and children in Saks. Shaddix will teach 7th - 12th grade family and consumer science. Shaddix holds a BS in education in family consumer science. She brings into the classroom three years experience from Alexandria High School and is a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church.
“ The reason I became a teacher is simply to help today’s youth learn skills for life. Teachers and parents play a vital role in students’ development. To me, being a teacher is a lifestyle not just a nine to five job.”
• Shane Harrell, a Jacksonville native also resides here with wife Paige and their three children: Austin, Wesley, and Olivia. Harrell is a 1992 Jacksonville High School graduate. Harrell will be an asset in the library as a media aide this year. He is currently attending GSCC and JSU. Harrell is a member of Asberry Baptist Church.
•Randy Haynes, a Calhoun County native, resides in Jacksonville with wife Cheryl and their two children Nikki and Kari. Haynes will teach 9th - 12th grade special education. Haynes holds a B.S. from Jacksonville State University in physical education and Health, a M.S. from Jacksonville State University in special education, and a MS in psychometry from the University of Alabama. Haynes brings with him into the classroom eight years experience from Saks High School, six years from Anniston City Schools, and two years from Pepperell High School. Haynes holds special training as a school psychometrist. He adds professional affiliations such as memberships in AEA and Alabama Coaches Association (ACA) and is a member of Williams Baptist Church.
“I have always felt that teaching was a calling. I feel that I was called to work with students with special needs. I feel that education plays major roles in the lives of all children. To me, every person has been influenced by a master teacher. I am looking forward to this year at Pleasant Valley High School.”
Pleasant Valley Elementary
•Mary Darlene Morrow, native of Piedmont, Morrow resides with husband Ricky and two children in Jacksonville. Morrow will work as a Reading Coach at Pleasant Valley Elementary this year. Her vast experience of 17 years includes teaching kindergarten for 1 year, second grade for seven years, third grade for eight years, and Instructional Coach for the Calhoun County Board of Education. Morrow’s educational background includes a higher degree, Educational Specialist in elementary Education from JSU and achieved National Board Certification in 2002.
“Student learning has always been priority in my professional growth.”
•Stacy Michelle Silvey, the Rainbow City resident will teach kindergarten this year. Silvey has a BS in elementary education from JSU which she achieved in 2004. Her prior experience includes teaching at Pleasant Valley High School during the 2004-2005 school year.
•Shannon Mallett resides in Jacksonville with husband Eric. Mallett will teach first grade. Mallett holds a BS and MS from Jacksonville State University. Her six-years experience includes teaching third grade for five years at Kitty Stone Elementary and teaching one year of second grade at Shades Cahaba in Homewood.
•Catherine “Catie” Haney Hamilton, the Munford native resides with husband Chris in the Nances Creek Community. Hamilton is scheduled to teach third grade this year. She graduated with her BS in elementary education in April 2005. Hamilton holds memberships with professional affiliations such as AEA and NEA.
