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Michelle Roundy looked out over the class.
“When you’re finished with your surveys, close your laptops, and that’s how I’ll know you’re done,” she told the students.
Once everyone was finished she had them stand up and arrange themselves in a circle around the classroom, spaced out comfortably. Then she explained the morning’s icebreaker: Everyone would introduce themselves and describe how they were doing by choosing a metaphorical food.
She had a slide projected on the wall with the options, which included a Baby Ruth bar and a plate of Indian food, which she said described her “because she has a lot going on.”
“Can we choose any food?” one student asked.
“No, it has to be one of these,” she replied. “I’m making you use your brain this morning.”
This group assembled Friday wasn’t made of students eagerly starting the school year early. Instead it was the new crop of staff members at Teton County School District No. 1, getting to know each other and the schools they’ll soon call home.
Hailing from Jackson and all around the country, the teachers, counselors, psychologists and nurses are eager to meet their students, though they’ll have to wait a few more days. Every school year is unique, but this year they’ve faced a pandemic and a housing crisis before the first bell has even rung.
When that first kid smiles at them or comes to their office in need of a Band-Aid or someone to talk to, those external pressures won’t matter. No matter their role, these 26 new faces will be ready to support students when the school year begins.
We wanted to get to know them better, so we gave them a chance to say a bit about themselves — where they’re from, how they approach their work in the classroom. Now’s your chance to meet them, too.
GALLERY: New TCSD teachers and staff for 2020-21 school year
New teachers 2021-22
Maggie Carruth
Assignment: Fifth grade teacher at Jackson Elementary School
Education/Background: Bachlor of Science in elementary education and master of education in K-12 Educational Leadership
Professional Experience: 2019-20, substitute for Teton County School District No. 1; 2020-21, taught third grade at Whittier Elementary School in Phoenix.
Teaching philosophy: As an educator I want to empower students to be lifelong learners and spark curiosity about the world around them. It’s my job to give each individual student the unique tools they need to be the best version of themselves socially, emotionally and academically. It’s important to create a safe, caring and supportive community that allows students to be their best true self.
How long you’ve lived in Jackson: I was born and raised in Jackson.
New teachers 2021-22
John Williams
Assignment: Math teacher at Jackson Hole Middle School
Education/background: I received my bachelor’s degree in international relations from Colgate University and my master’s degree in education from Stanford University.
Professional experience: I worked at Journeys School for six years, teaching middle school social studies and high school math. Before that I taught math at the National Sports Academy and served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Suriname.
Teaching philosophy: My teaching philosophy focuses on inspiring and challenging students to reach their full potential. I believe my role is to build positive relationships, create meaningful learning experiences and foster a supportive and collaborative classroom environment that encourages them to thrive.
How long you’ve lived in Jackson: Six years
New teachers 2021-22
Hilary Hays
Assignment: Kindergarten
Education/background: Clark University, Bachelor of Arts in communications and culture; Teton Science Schools Graduate Program; Montana State University. Master of Education
Professional experience: Began my teaching career working for the National Outdoor Leadership School. Connecting with students outside made me realize my passion for community and education. While working for Mountain Academy of Teton Science Schools on the Victor, Idaho, campus, teaching kindergarten and first grade, I developed a love for teaching at the elementary level.
Teaching philosophy: I believe that the best learning experiences are relevant, hands on, and most importantly joyful.
How long you’ve lived in Jackson: 13 years
New teachers 2021-22
Sarah Kilmain
Assignment: Second grade teacher
Education/background: Teacher’s certificate from Connecticut College, Two years working for the New Teacher’s Institute in San Francisco and three years developing and teaching kindergarten in Jackson. Worked in the school district as an artist for pARTners. Was the education consultant for the Children’s Museum of Jackson Hole before it opened, and then was part of the exhibits and education department.
Professional experience: I taught for five years in kindergarten and six in second grade before starting my family.
Teaching philosophy: I want to develop a passion for learning that students can carry with them throughout their lives. As a teacher I strive to be kind, organized, open minded, flexible and humble.
How long you’ve lived in Jackson: Since August 1999
New teachers 2021-22
Wendy Russell
Assignment: Middle school Spanish
Education/background: Bachelor of Arts in geography and Spanish. I’m working on a master’s for English as a Second Language.
Professional experience: Have taught Spanish in New Hampshire, Vermont and Telluride, Colorado. Spent the past six years teaching Spanish in grades six through 12 at Teton Science Schools. Have been teaching ESL workshops for educators in Mexico and China for Dartmouth College’s Rassias Center for Language and Culture since 2012.
Teaching philosophy: My years in the classroom have taught me that all students want to feel valued and successful. If students are having fun, enjoying and participating in language class, language acquisition is occurring.
How long you’ve lived in Jackson: Since 2015
New teachers 2021-22
Julie Baroni
Assignment: Special education
Education/background: Undergrad/graduate degrees from Indiana University of Pennsylvania — certifications in art and special education
Professional experience: This is year seven of teaching for me. I started my career in Loudoun County, Virginia, moving back to my home state of Pennsylvania for a few years, then teaching at an inner-city school in Pittsburgh before moving west last year.
Teaching philosophy: Motivate and engage students to be active learners and participants in their education. I believe in supporting all students where they are in their education. My role is to empower students to meet their own goals, while providing them with the skills and guidance to succeed in their future.
How long you’ve lived in Jackson: I have lived in Wyoming for close to two years. I call Star Valley home.
New teachers 2021-22
Sean Mulherin
Assignment: Math faculty
Education/background: Bachelor of Science in mathematics at North Carolina State; MAT in secondary math, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
Professional experience: One year at Mountain Academy of Teton Science Schools
Teaching philosophy: I view mathematics as a mechanism through which I can empower students and help them develop their character.
How long you’ve lived in Jackson: Two years
New teachers 2021-22
Natasha Peterson
Assignment: Middle school English
Education/background: Masters in education, Montana State University.
Professional experience: Seventeen years in a variety of public and private institutions locally and abroad
Teaching philosophy: Empower students to understand the world around them
How long you’ve lived in Jackson: In and out since 2006
New teachers 2021-22
Mark Morse
Assignment: Math teacher, Jackson Hole Middle School
Education/background: Bachelor of Science in mathematics from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas; teaching credential from San Francisco State University.
Professional experience: I taught Math Course 3 and AP Calculus for Oceana High School in Pacifica, California, and I taught summer calculus for Saint Francis High School in Mountain View, California.
Teaching philosophy: Inspire students to achieve their goals, enhance their sense of communityband become versatile problem solvers
How long you’ve lived in Jackson: About one month
New teachers 2021-22
MaryBeth Mason
Assignment: Special education teacher at Colter Elementary School
Education/background: Bachelor of Science, University of Wyoming, with K-6 elementary education and K-12 special education. Master of Education, University of Kansas, in special ed, secondary and transition
Professional experience: I have had the great opportunity to teach special education for 16 years.
Teaching philosophy: I have the opportunity to inspire, motivate and encourage learning. I believe every student can succeed in their learning and academic career, regardless of ability. Teaching is meeting the needs of every learning, every day. My greatest hope: that students leave my classroom knowing that they can learn and that learning is a lifelong journey.
How long you’ve lived in Jackson: I was born and raised in this amazing community.
New teachers 2021-22
Andrea Mazer
Assignment: Nurse, Wilson Elementary School
New teachers 2021-22
Collin Binko
Assignment: Jackson Hole Middle School music teacher
Education/background: I have a Bachelor of Science in music education from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. After graduating I spent time playing and recording music with a wide range of bands before teaching.
Professional experience: This will be my sixth year in public education. I taught middle school music in the Pittsburgh Public School District as well as elementary general music in Boston Public Schools.
Teaching philosophy: I believe that music can be a creative outlet for all students to grow and express themselves. It is my goal that students will not only become well-rounded musicians but also grow as members of our school community.
How long you’ve lived in Jackson: My wife and I moved to Jackson in July.
New teachers 2021-22
Hannah Lane
Assignment: Counselor at Colter Elementary School
Education/background: Bachelor of Arts in social work from Auburn University; Master of Social Work and School Social Work Certificate from University of Wyoming
Professional experience: Intern at Jackson Hole High School and long-term substitute counselor at Jackson Hole High School
Teaching philosophy: My primary responsibility is to promote the academic and social/emotional development of all students. Children may face difficulties, including school adjustment issues, stress, family change, grief, fears, or difficulties with friendship — which can prevent them from doing their best in school. Having support through difficult times can be essential to a child’s educational success.
How long you’ve lived in Jackson: Five years
New teachers 2021-22
Maddie Pitts
Assignment: Middle School nurse
Education/background: Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Bowdoin College and a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Wyoming.
Professional experience: I most recently worked at an OB-GYN and family care office. I really enjoyed caring for women while they were pregnant and then transitioning to caring for their child. My favorite part of my job is getting to know my patients. I am very excited to get to know students through the years.
Teaching philosophy: Compassion, patience and a nonjudgmental attitude are necessary to ensure children feel comfortable and heard. I will be available to provide education, guidance and any necessary help to ensure everyone remains safe and healthy.
How long you’ve lived in Jackson: 12 years
New teachers 2021-22
Jared Hardman
Assignment: Spanish teacher at Jackson Hole High School
Education/background: Master’s in educational administration, San Diego State University; bachelor’s in Spanish education from BYU-Idaho
Professional experience: I student taught in Las Vegas and then began my teaching career in Sundance teaching K-12 Spanish. I then became a K-8 principal in Desert School and an elementary school principal in Green River. This will be my 12th year in education.
Teaching philosophy: Teaching has the capacity to reach individuals where they are and help them achieve a higher level of thinking and view in the world. Learning is the most satisfying endeavor that allows us to grow, expand and reach our potential.
How long you’ve lived in Jackson: Just moved to the area, but grew up in the mountains of Salmon, Idaho, so I have been coming to Jackson Hole most of my life.
New teachers 2021-22
Clinton Weaver
Assignment: Music teacher, Wilson Elementary School
New teachers 2021-22
Hayden Hatfield
Assignment: Jackson Hole High School special education
Education/background: Bachelor of Science at Queens University of Charlotte; Master of Arts at Mercer University.
Professional experience: Two years of teaching experience in Georgia
Teaching philosophy: “Kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
How long you’ve lived in Jackson: I moved to the area in early June of this year.
New teachers 2021-22
Christine Houlton
Assignment: Nurse, Munger Mountain Elementary School
New teachers 2021-22
Ben Vincent
Assignment: Fifth grade at Munger Mountain
Education/background: I have a bachelor’s from Indiana University and master’s in education from Western Governors. I also spent six years in the Marine Corps.
Professional experience: I was a special education paraprofessional at Colter Elementary for two years. I student taught in kindergarten last fall, then worked as a permanent substitute for the remainder of the year at Jackson Elementary School.
Teaching philosophy: I truly believe that all children can learn and that it’s my job as an educator to find the balance. To me, building a relationship with each child in my class comes first. It’s so important to grow that relationship throughout the year versus treating them as a number on a roster.
How long you’ve lived in Jackson: Four years
New teachers 2021-22
Mackenzie Heator
Assignment: Kindergarten teacher, Kelly Elementary School
Education/background: Bachelor’s in elementary education at Olivet College in Michigan
Professional experience: For three years I taught third grade in Windsor, Colorado. I also taught first grade for one year in Nashville, Tennessee. I have been a paraprofessional with Teton County School District No. 1 for two years, working at Munger Mountain Elementary School last year and Kelly Elementary School the year before.
Teaching philosophy: I believe that all children have the right to a quality education and it is my job as an educator to provide the foundational skills that all students need to be successful in and contribute to our ever-changing world.
How long you’ve lived in Jackson: I have since lived here permanently for five years.
New teachers 2021-22
Lena Rossolo
Assignment: STEM teacher at Jackson Hole Middle School
Education/background: Bachelor of Arts in secondary education from the University of Wyoming with concurrent majors in earth science and geology; endorsement in biology
Professional experience: Started working with Teton County School District No. 1 after college. For the past two years I’ve worked as a permanent support specialist, coach, long-term sub and pre-K teacher.
Teaching philosophy: I believe learning to be a lifelong process, and as a teacher I hope to give my students the tools they need to be successful both in school and in life. It’s my job to build relationships where each student feels valued and confident.
How long you’ve lived in Jackson: I was born and raised here in Jackson.
New teachers 2021-22
Jennifer Wilson
Assignment: Summit Innovations School learning specialist
Education/background: Master’s in Education from California State University Bakersfield; Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts from the University of Southern California. Have taught in California, Oregon, Texas and Wyoming. I have worked as a learning specialist, AVID teacher and transition specialistfor 21 years.
Professional experience: I have a passion for helping my students prepare for life after high school. I work with at-risk students and students who learn differently.
Teaching philosophy: I believe all students can learn and have strengths and aptitudes to share with their classmates, the community and the world. I believe in empowering students to be their personal best.
How long you’ve lived in Jackson: I have lived in Pinedale since 2013.
New teachers 2021-22
Tracy Hiatt
Assignment: Psychiatrist, Wilson and Jackson elementary schools
New teachers 2021-22
Kendyl Thorne
Assignment: Sixth and eighth grade math teacher at Jackson Hole Middle School
Education/background: I have been working with kids for about eight years through after-school programs like the Boys and Girls Club, Parks and Rec, and dance classes. In spring 2020, I graduated from Boise State University with my bachelor’s in elementary education and a middle school math endorsement.
Professional experience: After one year of interning and student teaching, I taught fifth grade at the Boise Online School.
Teaching philosophy: I believe that all students are capable of learning, but each student learns in their own way. It’s important to build a strong community where students feel cared about and cultivate an environment for learning with a growth mindset.
How long you’ve lived in Jackson: About two months
New teachers 2021-22
Shauna Earl
Assignment: AVID teacher, Jackson Hole High School
New teachers 2021-22
Sage Preston
Assignment: Spanish at Jackson Hole High School
Education/background: Bachelor of Arts in Spanish language and literature
Professional experience: Two years teaching at Naperville North high school in Illinois
Teaching philosophy: I believe in building relationships with students and teaching language in authentic settings that help students build confidence using the language and allowing them to have fun.
How long you’ve lived in Jackson: A month
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