Adams, Amy
Second Grade Teacher
Born in: Dyersburg, TN
College attended: Dyersburg State and Middle Tennessee State University
Started teaching in: 1992
Favorite thing about my job: Being able to help students become lifelong learners
3 things I love: Reading, The Beach, 80's Music
Favorite quote: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou
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Albright, Kristi
Title One Teacher
Born in: Nashville, TN
College attended: Freed-Hardeman University and TSU
Started teaching in: 1993
Favorite thing about my job: Teaching and helping students become confident and successful
3 things I love: Family and friends, the beach, my job
Favorite quote: The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.
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Allbert, Jill
Third Grade Teacher
Born in: Dickson, TN
College attended: Tennessee Tech, Austin Peay, Cumberland University
Started teaching in: 1997
Favorite thing about my job: Seeing students learn and master new skills
3 things I love: Coffee, Music, Sports
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Archer, Mandi
First Grade Teacher
Born in: Jamestown, NY
College attended: Austin Peay State University
Started teaching in: 2014
Favorite thing about my job: building relationships with students and families
3 things I love: coffee, bargain shopping, podcasts
Favorite quote: “Look for the helpers; you will always find people that are helping” - Fred Rogers
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Berry, Karen
First Grade Teacher
Born in: Dickson, Tennessee
College attended: APSU and Cumberland University
Started teaching in: 1995
Favorite thing about my job: helping students achieve their best
3 things I love: family, traveling and reading
Favorite quote: Do your best and let that be enough!
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Brown, Amber
Special Education Teacher
Born in: Nashville, TN
College attended: Fisk University and George Mason University
Started teaching in: 2016
Favorite thing about my job: Seeing students grow through out the year!
3 things I love: watching sports, hunting, and spending time with family
Favorite quote: "Never let the fear of striking out, keep you from playing the game." - Babe Ruth
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Brown, Shelia
School Nurse
Born in: Jackson, TN
College attended: Nashville State Tech, West Texas A&M University
Started working with children in: 2017
Favorite thing about my job: All the smiles ;)
3 things I love: God, Family and Friends, and vacations
Favorite quote: "They may forget your name, but they will never forget the way the way you made them feel" Maya Angelou
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Buhler, Barbara
Title One Teacher
Born in: Evansville, Indiana
College attended: Austin Peay State University
Started teaching in: 1979
Favorite thing about my job: Helping students reach their potential
3 things I love: My family, My home, My God
Favorite quote: "Ask not what this country can do for you. Ask what you can do for this country." JFK
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Burgess, Jenny
First Grade Teacher
Born in: Nashville, Tennessee
College attended: University of Tennessee at Martin and Cumberland University
Started teaching in: 2002
Favorite thing about my job: Making a difference
3 things I love: family time, farming outdoors, and fitness
Favorite quote: "The biggest mistake you could ever make is being afraid to make one." - Unknown
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Burns, Rachel
Fifth Grade Teacher
Born in: Nashville, TN
College attended: University of Tennessee at Martin
Started teaching in: 2016
Favorite thing about my job: When students have "lightbulb" moments
3 things I love: Jesus, Family, Coffee
Favorite quote: "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." Exodus 14:14
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Burroughs, Carla
Speech Teacher
The kids call me: Ms. Carla Grades I have taught: As a speech language pathologist I have worked with people of all ages. My favorite thing about teaching: Developing relationships with my students and watching them grow and their skills improve. Favorite Quote: "If you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all."
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Buttrey, Jana
Speech Teacher
Born in: Nashville, TN
Colleges attended: Columbia State Community College, Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee State University
Started teaching in: 2010
Favorite thing about my job: Helping students improve their communication skills.
3 things I love: Music, Coffee, Friends/Family
Favorite quote: "Throw Kindness Around like Confetti!"
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Cummings, Tammy
Kindergarten Teacher
The kids call me: Ms. Tammy Grades I've taught: K and 2nd My favorite thing about teaching: I love kids! I love watching them learn! Favorite Quote: "Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts is best." - Bob Talbert
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Curcio, K. K.
Art Teacher
The kids call me: Mrs. KK
Grades I've taught: K-5 Art (6-8 Art for one year)
My favorite thing about teaching: I love helping students to find their creative voice and to see themselves as artists. You don't have to wait until you grow up to be an artist - you already are!
Favorite Quote: "Let's get a little crazy here" - Bob Ross
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Daniels, Wendy
Special Education Assistant
The kids call me Miss Wendy. I have been teaching 3rd grade inclusion for 3 years and have been at Centennial for 5 years. Before that, I taught preschool for 20 years. My favorite thing about my job is watching the kids grow. I have 4 children.
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Dwyer, Pam
Fifth Grade Teacher
Born in: Dickson, TN
College attended: Austin Peay State University
Started teaching in: 2012
Favorite thing about my job: hugs, laughter, and when students share powerful words and thoughts during class discussions
3 things I love: Funyuns, movies, and yoga pants
Favorite quote: "The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you."
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Gabell, Kathryn
Special Education Teacher
The kids call me: Mrs. Kathryn
Grades I've taught: PreK Inclusion and Special Ed. Distance Learning
Why I teach: I like being a voice for students with disabilities and knowing that I can make a difference in their lives.
Favorite Quote: "Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end." - John Lennon
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Garrett, Susie
School Secretary
The kids call me: Mrs. Susie Grades I've worked with: K-5th (in class when I was a teacher's assistant and now in the office) My favorite thing about my job: I love helping children learn. Favorite quote: "Do the right thing because it's the right thing to do."
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Gasiecki, Amanda
First Grade Teacher
Born in: Miami, FL
College attended: UT Martin and Lipscomb University
Started teaching in: 2011
Favorite thing about my job: Fostering a love of learning and building a classroom community
3 things I love: traveling, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
Favorite quote: Always go the extra mile, it is never crowded.
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Gentry, Luci
Preschool Teacher
Born in: Cheverly, Maryland
College attended: APSU
Started teaching in: 1988
Favorite thing about my job: Seeing the children's joy when they learn a new skill.
3 things I love: God, Family and Shopping!!!
Favorite quote: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil. 4:13
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Griffin, Lauren
Second Grade Teacher
The kids call me: Mrs. Griffin Grades I have taught: Second, Fourth, and Fifth grade My favorite thing about teaching: My favorite thing about my job is being able to create a fun and safe environment for children that will instill in them a love of learning. Favorite Quote: "Wander often. Wonder always."
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Hargrove, Katey
Third Grade Teacher
The kids call me: Miss Katey Grades I've taught: Third and Kindergarten
My favorite thing about teaching: The ability to help my students learn and enjoy school. My wish is that they will want to come to school everyday! Favorite Quote: "I am learning everyday to allow the space from where I want to be and where I am to inspire me and not terrify me." unknown
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Himes, Amanda
Fifth Grade Teacher
Born in: Jackson, TN
College attended: Austin Peay State University, Nashville State Community College
Started teaching in: 2010
Favorite thing about my job: Watching students get excited when they have that "ah ha" moment
3 things I love: being on the river, traveling, hanging out with family and friends
Favorite quote: "The Power of YET"
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Hudspeth, Tianna
Bookkeeper
Born in: Dickson, Tennessee
College attended: Middle Tennessee State University
Started working with children in: 2009
Favorite thing about my job: The schedule and co-workers
3 things I love: Disney, my family, and my pug, Otis
Favorite quote: Hakuna Matata. It means "no worries".
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Jackson, Jessica
First Grade Teacher
The kids call me: Mrs. Jessica
Grades I have taught: Only 1st Grade
My favorite thing about teaching: Being able to see their smiling faces in the morning. Watching them grow and learn everyday.
Favorite Quote: "If you can dream it, you can do it." - Walt Disney
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Kanis, Bianca
Special Education Assistant
The kids call me: Miss. Bia. Grades I've worked with: K-5 Special Education My favorite thing about assisting: Helping students be successful. Favorite quote: “ Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” - Mark Twain
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Klimasara, Rosanne
Special Education Assistant
Born in: Tacoma, Washington
College attended: Park University and Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Started working with children in: 2007
Favorite thing about my job: Having a positive impact on students
3 things I love: My family, outdoor activities, and learning new things regularly
Favorite quote: "Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believe in that it is stupid." - Albert Einstein
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Lane, Linda
Preschool Assistant
Born in: Dickson, TN
Started working with children in: 1990
Favorite thing about my job: Getting to know the children and their families
3 things I love: spending time with family, coffee, and reading a good book
Favorite quote: Thank God for each day on this earth!
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Lewis, Amy
Kindergarten Teacher
The kids call me: Ms. Amy
Grades I've taught: Only Kindergarten!
My favorite thing about teaching: My personal relationships with each of my students! I strive for them to feel loved. After that, they really want to learn and work their hardest because of the relationship they have built with me!
Favorite Quote: "Learning is never done without errors and defeat."
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Logan, Erica
Assistant Principal
Born in: Dickson, TN
College attended: Austin Peay State University, Trevecca Nazarene University, Arkansas State University
Started teaching in: 2008
Favorite thing about my job: Watching the students grow up and become contributing members of society
3 things I love: Farming with my family, riding four-wheelers, and shopping.
Favorite quote: What would you accomplish if you knew you couldn't fail?
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Lunn, Jennifer
Special Education Teacher
Born in: Memphis, TN
College attended: UT Martin and Austin Peay
Started teaching in: 2021
Favorite thing about my job: Seeing the joy on the kids faces when they improve week after week.
3 things I love: Baking, Photography, Nature
Favorite quote: Life is a gift not a promise.
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Matlock, Emily
Librarian
Born in: Michigan
College attended: Cornerstone University, Trevecca Nazarene University, East Tennessee State University, University of West Georgia
Started teaching in: 2009
Favorite thing about my job: Reading stories aloud
3 things I love: God, Family, Fancy Coffee Drinks
Favorite quote: "No book is really worth reading at the age of ten which is not equally, and often far more, worth reading at the age of fifty and beyond." - C.S. Lewis
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Mcmeen, Sallie
Office Assistant
The kids call me: Mrs. Sallie
Areas of work: ISS Monitor, Office Assistant, Computer lab and Special Education Asst.
My favorite thing about working with kids: My favorite thing about my job is giving the students the time to regroup and succeed in class.
Favorite Quote: "Let it Be." - The Beatles
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Miller, Starla
Special Education Assistant
The kids call me: Mrs. Starla Grades I've taught: Pre-K, Kindergarten, first, and second grade aide My favorite thing about teaching: I love to see the light bulb moments that every child has. Favorite Quote: "There is no failure except in no longer trying."
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Payne, Alicia
Special Education Teacher
Born in: Dickson, TN
College attended: Austin Peay State University, Arkansas State University
Started teaching in: 2000
Favorite thing about my job: Celebrating even the smallest successes with students
3 things I love: spending time with my family, coffee, and crafting
Favorite quote: "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." - Theodore Roosevelt
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Perez, Johnna
Title One Teacher
Born in: Joelton, TN
College attended: Middle TN State University and Cumberland University
Started in: 1992
Favorite thing about my job: every week is different
3 things I love: weekends, spending time with my husband and 3 daughters, attending/watching various sports
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Proffitt, Kristy
Fourth Grade Teacher
Born in: Seguin, TX
College attended: Austin Peay State University
Started teaching in: 2015
Favorite thing about my job: Helping students to understand and love learning!
3 things I love: Coffee, my daughter, boating on the river
Favorite quote: The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. - Nelson Mandela
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Pulley, Kathey
Cafeteria Manager
Born in: Dickson, TN
Started working with children in: 1995
Favorite thing about my job: being a part of childrens' lives and making sure they don't go hungry
3 things I love: God, family, giving
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Reed, Mary Grace
Fourth Grade Teacher
The kids call me: Mrs. Reed Grades I have taught: 4th and 5th My favorite thing about teaching: I love the feeling when a student has a "light bulb" moment and understands a skill. It is the most rewarding part of the job. I also LOVE it when former students come back to visit. You know you've made a difference when they want to come back to see you! Favorite Quote: "Mistakes are proof that you are trying."
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Richards, Annette
Special Education Teacher
Born in: Nashville, TN
College attended: MTSU
Started teaching in: 2000
Favorite thing about my job: Helping children overcome obstacles
3 things I love: coffee, running, outside
Favorite quote: "The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why." - Mark Twain
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Robinson, Ronda
Third Grade Teacher
The kids call me: Mrs. Robinson
Grades I've taught: 3rd and 6th
My favorite thing about teaching: Getting to make new friends and hopefully making a positive impact on young minds
Favorite Quote: "Mistakes are proof that you are trying."
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Rodgers, Janessa
Kindergarten Teacher
The kids call me: Mrs Janessa
Grades I have taught: Only Kindergarten!
My favorite thing about teaching: I love being around children (5 and 6 year olds are the best!) watching them learn new things and play with each other, and making it fun for them!
Favorite Quote: “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”
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Ross, Keith
PE Teacher
Born in: Nashville, TN
College attended: Union University
Started teaching in: 1996
Favorite thing about my job: Working with kids
3 things I love: God, family, baseball
Favorite quote: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
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Rowland, Vicky
Computer Lab Teacher
Born in: Byrdstown, TN
Started working with children in: 2016
Favorite thing about my job: Influencing the future by giving children the skills they need to go out into the world and succeed
3 things I love: God, my family, and my dachshunds
Favorite Quote: “Winners never quit and quitters never win.”
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Russell, Jessi
Special Education Assistant
The kids call me: Mrs. Jessi Grades I've worked with: Pre-K, K, 3-5 My favorite thing about assisting: Watching students overcome obstacles and be successful. Favorite Quote: "Perhaps you were born for such a time as this." - Ruth 4:14
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Sanders, Ashley
Kindergarten Teacher
The kids call me: Mrs. Ashley
Grades I have taught: Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd
My favorite thing about teaching: Watching children learn their letters and how to read.
Favorite Quote: "The days are long, but the years are short."
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Sensing, Sarah
Second Grade Teacher
Born in: Dickson, TN
College attended: Freed-Hardeman University
Started teaching in: 2019
Favorite thing about my job: The students...teaching and learning from my students!
3 things I love: family, coffee, and friends
Favorite quote: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou
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Sheley, Crysti
Principal
Born in: Johnson Air Force Base, Japan
Colleges attended: Middle Tennessee State University, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee State University
Started teaching in: 1988
Favorite thing about my job: Making a difference and the people are great!
3 things I love: Paper Crafts, Reading, Baking
Favorite Quote: Every little thing is going to be all right!
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Shepard, Kitzie
Instructional Coach
Born in: Dickson, TN
College attended: University of TN Knoxville; Belmont University
Started teaching in: 2011
Favorite thing about my job: Influencing student strengths, imaginations, choices, and direction
3 things I love: my family, hiking, and hats
Favorite quote: "Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier." -Mother Teresa
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Shepard, Madison
Music Teacher
The kids call me: Miss Shepard
Grades I have taught: K-5 music
My favorite thing about teaching: Allowing students to be creative through music.
Favorite Quote: "Am I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6
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Spann, Marty
Guidance Teacher
The kids call me: Mrs. Marty
Grades I've taught: K-12
My favorite thing about teaching: Kids!
Favorite Quote: "What we think controls how we feel. How we feel controls what we do. What we do controls our lives. Happy thoughts = Happy Lives!"
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Stevenson, Chike
PE Teacher
Born in: Nashville, TN
College attended: Freed-Hardeman University, American Intercontinental University
Started teaching in: 2010
Favorite thing about my job: Shaping kids for the future and seeing the progress as it unfolds
3 things I love: Family, Sports, and Music
Favorite quote: "Personality can open doors; only character can keep them open." - Anonymous
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Thompson, Brenda
Preschool Assistant
Born in: Davidson, TN
Started working with children in: 2007
Favorite thing about my job: The children and people I work with 3 things I love: My Family, The Lord, Cooking
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Walls, Brittany
Second Grade Teacher
Born in: Dickson, TN
College attended: Austin Peay State University
Started teaching in: 2016
Favorite thing about my job: Just simply working with kids and making an impact, even just a small one, in daily lives.
3 things I love: God, my family, and teaching Favorite Quote: "If you ask me what I came into this world to do, I will tell you without hesitation. I was born to be a teacher." - Robert John Meehan
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Ward, Jackie
Fifth Grade Teacher
Born in: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
College attended: MTSU
Started teaching in: 1990
Favorite thing about my job: Doing science inquiry and STEM activities
3 things I love: animals, horseback riding, eating out at nice restaurants
Favorite quote: Mistakes are proof that you are trying.
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Warf, Sandra
Third Grade Teacher
Born in: Clarksville, TN
College attended: Austin Peay State University, Arkansas State University
Started teaching in: 1999
Favorite thing about my job: Every day is a fresh start.
3 things I love: German chocolate cake, puns, sweet tea
Favorite quote: "Teaching kids to count is fine but teaching them what counts is best." - Bob Talbert
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Webb, Melissa
Title One Teacher
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Wigington, Paige
Fourth Grade Teacher
Born in: Olney, Maryland
Colleges attended: Lipscomb University, Belmont University
Started teaching in: 2019
Favorite thing about my job: Getting to know each student's unique personality and watching them grow over the school year
3 things I love: Coffee, Animals, Traveling
Favorite quote: "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou
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Williams, Beth
Kindergarten Teacher
The kids call me: Mrs. Beth (Grandkids call me Bebah) Grades I have taught: K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and a 4th/5th combination. My favorite thing about teaching: I love students "ah-ha" moments, but my very favorite part is when students run into my arms when they come into my classroom. Favorite Quote: "You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." Winnie the Pooh.
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Williams, Traci
Second Grade Teacher
Born in: Nashville, TN
College Attended: Freed Hardeman University
Started teaching in: 1993
Favorite thing about my job: Seeing the joy on children's faces when they understand something
3 things I love: Jesus, family, chocolate
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Wilson, Lori
Fourth Grade Teacher
Born in: Dickson, TN
College attended: Austin Peay State University
Started teaching in: 2005
Favorite thing about my job: Watching my students grow and seeing the changes that take place in just one short academic year
3 things I love: my family, bonfires, coffee
Favorite quote: "If you don't like the road you’re walking, start paving another one." - Dolly Parton
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Wilson, Rita
RTI Assistant Manager
The kids call me: Ms. Rita.
Grades I've taught: I have taught 1st, 3rd, resource room grades 1-5, CDC, and was an Interventionist for grades K-5.
My favorite thing about teaching: Watching students become excited about learning something new.
Favorite quote: "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." Helen Keller
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Wood, Amy
Special Education Assistant
Born in: Tennessee
College attended: Pensacola Christian College
Started working with children in: 2009
Favorite thing about my job: Helping children to learn that they can do hard things
3 things I love: Spending time with my family, playing with my dog, and relaxing.
Favorite quote: "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." - Eleanor Roosevelt
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