My name is Dr. Shirley Freeman, and I have been a teacher for 24 years. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master's of Education in Remediation from Francis Marion University. My Educational Specialist degree in Elementary Education is from Troy State University, and my Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction is from Argosy University, from which I also earned a Doctorate in Instructional Leadership. My endorsements are in Reading, ESOL, and TSS. My teaching goals are to provide students with a high-quality education that will prepare them to become productive citizens of the 21st century and to facilitate the development of skills that promote lifelong learning and leadership.
My name is Andrea Dixon, and I have 10 years of teaching experience. I attended Alabama State University, from which I received both a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Education degree in Early Childhood Education. My goal is to prepare all of my students to become 21st century leaders.
First Grade Teachers
My name is Dana Ellis, and this is my second year teaching at
D. H. Stanton. I received a Bachelor of Science degree from Louisiana State University and a Master of Education degree from Georgia State University. My wish for my scholars is that they be fluent readers, creative writers, and prepared leaders for 2nd grade.
"I touch the future. I teach.".......Christa McAuliffe
My name is Deborah Welch, and this is my second year teaching at
D. H. Stanton. A Connecticut native, I have lived in Atlanta since 1981. After working in the legal field, I switched to education, having earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Georgia State University with an endorsement in ESOL. I am married with grown children, a daughter-in-law, and two granddaughters. It is my belief that every child can learn and that each day is a new beginning.
Second Grade Teachers
My name is Lorrae Walker, and I am happy to be teaching 2nd graders for the 2012-13 school year. Upon completing Howard University in Washington, DC, with a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business/Finance, I returned to Atlanta, where my parents retired after 23 years in the Marine Corps. After several years in corporate America, I was selected as a member of the first cohort for APLUS--Atlanta Preparing Leaders for Urban Schools. Through APLUS, I became certified in Elementary Education and received a Master's degree from Georgia State University. My interest in technology integration led me to the completion of a Specialist degree in Instructional Technology from Valdosta State University.
"Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world."
--Nelson Mandela
My name is Mrs. Amy Han, and this is my 11th year teaching at
D. H. Stanton. I am a graduate of the College of Nyack in New Jersey, with a B. S. in Education. Before becoming a second grade teacher, I taught kindergarten and EIP. My goal is to have 90% of my students on or above grade level by the end of the school year.
Third Grade Teachers
I am Jessica Greer, and I teach Math and Science to our 3rd graders. I have four years of teaching experience, with this being my second year at D. H. Stanton. Originally from Jackson, Mississippi, I have a Bachelor's Degree from Alabama A&M and a Master's Degree from Georgia State University. My goal for my students is that they be well-rounded, with confidence and high self-esteem.
My name is Jaclyn Wallace, and I have taught in Atlanta Public Schools for six years. This is my first year at D. H. Stanton, and I am very excited! Originally from Florida, I received my Bachelor's degree from Flagler College. My goal for the year is to prepare my students for a 21st century world.
Fourth Grade Teachers
My name is Ketchia Smith, and although this is my 1st year at
D. H. Stanton, it is my 23rd year as an educator. I have degrees from Albany State University, Mercer University, and Troy State University. Here is my philosophy of education: I believe that all children are capable of learning. Each child is unique. It is my job to help students reach their full potential, and it is imperative that my approaches to teaching involve hands-on learning, teacher interactions, and opportunities to connect the classroom with real life skills. I also believe that students should participate in discussions that focus on higher-level thinking. As an educator, I identify the learning modalities of each student and adjust my teaching style to meet the individual needs. It is my desire to help students overcome obstacles and achieve the goals of their dreams.
Outside of school, I enjoy various hobbies that include reading, traveling, and shopping.
My name is Elrier Railey, and this is my 11th year teaching at D. H. Stanton. A native of Detroit, I came to Atlanta to attend college, receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Morris Brown College and a Master's Degree in Library Science from Clark Atlanta University. My goal this year is to equip my students with knowledge and skills that will help prepare them to become productive, successful citizens in today's rapidly changing world.
Fifth Grade Teachers
I am Shayla Barlow, and this is my second year teaching at D. H. Stanton. A product of the Atlanta Public School System, I completed my undergraduate studies at Morris Brown College and received teaching certification from Mercer University. My Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, along with Reading Specialist certification, were earned through Nova Southeastern University. I grew up in a family of educators and have two children of my own. Working with children is my ultimate joy.
My motto is: "If a child cannot learn the way you teach, you must teach the way that he learns."
My name is Candice Johnson, and it is a pleasure for me to be teaching 5th grade this year, which is my second year at D. H. Stanton. I earned a B.S. degree from Clark Atlanta University, a M.S. from Walden University, and an EdS from Brenau University. My goal this year is to fully prepare my students for middle school.
Special Ed Teachers
My name is Marie Githieya, and I am a pre-school teacher for children with special needs. I have a Master of Education degree in Special Education from Clark Atlanta University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child Development from Spelman College. Although these institutions initially prepared me as an educator, what has transformed me is working with the students every day. I am into my 19th year of teaching, having worked with MOID/SID students in my early years. My philosophy in teaching is that each child is a unique and special individual. They don't all blossom at the same time, but they are capable of learning at their own pace. I therefore plan my instruction to meet the needs of each child. I also believe that children with special needs are not "passive learners," but "active" when involved in different instructional activities. I give my students unconditional love, support, and encouragement.
My name is Todd-Anthony Dunn and I have taught in Atlanta Public Schools since 2003. A 1995 graduate of Fisk University with a B.A. in History, I earned a M.Ed in Special Education from Tennessee State University in 2002.
As I work with special needs students--EBD, LD, MID, Autistic--my classroom goal is to help them attain basic educational and life skills so that they will be able to live independently.
My name is Mrs. Darrilyn Mero, and I am the interrelated, or inclusion, teacher here at D. H. Stanton. This is my 26th year of teaching, which includes 15 years with Atlanta Public Schools and 11 years with Boston Public Schools before relocating to Georgia. I received my undergraduate degree from Lesley University in Special Education, and my graduate degree from Grand Canyon University in Educational Technology.
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My name is Wykeisha Dent, and I am a Special Education teacher for Grades K-2. I earned a B. A. in Sociology from Paine College and a M.Ed in Special Education from Cambridge College. This year marks my 6th year in Special Education. Prior to this, I taught Grades 6-8 in the Richmond County School System. In addition to teaching, I enjoy spending time with friends and family and attending various sporting events.
Early Intervention Program (EIP) Teachers
My name is Cassandra Driger, and this is my 27th year of teaching in the Atlanta Public School System. Currently the 4th and 5th grade EIP teacher here at D. H. Stanton, I give thanks for having been called to the greatest profession of all, education. I received a B.A. in Early Childhood Education from Paine College in Augusta, a M.S. in Urban Teacher Leadership from Georgia State University in Atlanta, and a EdS in Educational Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee. Each of my degrees is useful to me in enriching the lives of the children I encounter every day. A native of Macon, Georgia, I have two beautiful daughters, Sydney and Kassidy Driger.
"I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received." Ephesians 4:1
My name is Cindy May, and I am the EIP teacher for grades K-1. I earned a B.S. in Education from Mercer University and a MS.Ed as well as EdS in Educational Administration from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama. My goal this year is to educate students to the best of their ability, while providing a learning environment in which they feel safe and welcome.
Media Specialist
My name is Brenda Street, and this is my 7th year at D. H. Stanton.
I received a B.A. in Education from Millsaps College and an M.L.S. from Vanderbilt University's Peabody College of Education. Our school's literacy program is of special interest to me, as is the incorporating of technology into the teaching of the curriculum. I am here to support our faculty and staff in all that they do for our children, and to make sure that there are appropriate, attractive, up-to-date books and other forms of media available to our children at all times. Visits to the media center can inspire children to become lifelong learners, and it is this fact that motivates me. I enjoy my work very much.
Health and Fitness Teacher
I am Coach Wallace Turner, and I have taught Health and Fitness for 26 years. An Atlanta native, I hold a Bachelor's Degree from Morehouse College. It is important that today's children understand that physical activity and proper eating habits will help them lead long, healthy lives, and I am happy to be a key player in providing this instruction to our students here at D. H. Stanton.
Gifted and Talent Development Teacher
My name is Kia Stephens, and I am excited to be working with the students at both D. H. Stanton and Benteen this year. A Texas native, I moved to Georgia after graduating from Spelman College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Child Development. In June, 2006, I received a Master's of Education in "Curriculum and Instruction: Integrated Teaching Through the Arts" from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In 2009, I received my Gifted Endorsement certificate. I have 12 years of experience with Atlanta Public Schools, having worked 3 years with the Xanadu Summer Program and having been a Teach for America Faculty Advisor. While teaching at A. F. Herndon, I was the recipient of numerous grants, five of which funded an original project for 6 years--"The Herndon House Reading Program." This involved the students producing a literacy video premiered at the end of the school year. As a result of the "Fund for Teachers Grant Award," I have also received training from the Creativity Workshop in Florence, Italy. Most recently I have been a recipient of the "Donors Choose" grant and the "Adopt a Classroom Grant." I am excited over my position this year, and I look forward to working with my students and their parents as well.
Spanish Teacher
I am Claudia Cabezas, and this is my fourth year at D. H. Stanton. I am originally from Colombia, South America, which is where I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Foreign Languages. (I speak three languages--Spanish, English, and French.) After moving to Atlanta, I earned a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership and Technology from Kennesaw State University. One thing that I enjoy very much in my teaching is incorporating technology and music into my Spanish classes. This year I provide Spanish instruction to Pre-K, as well as Fourth and Fifth Grade Classes.
Choral Music Instructor
My name is Gerren Bell, and I have taught choral music for 6 years, although this is my 1st at D. H. Stanton. A New Orleans native, I earned a Bachelor's Degree from Clark-Atlanta University and a Master's Degree from Georgia State University. It is a pleasure to work in a field that I enjoy so much, and I feel that developing a love and understanding of music can help children in many ways throughout their lives.
Art Teacher
Dr. Russell Kennedy
Band Instructor
Mr. Daniel Fairweather
