Meet MCS Teachers!
Stacey Hill
Hometown: Chicago, IL
6th grade science teacher at Sherwood Middle School
Meet Stacey, a middle school science teacher in her sixth year of teaching. Stacey’s story is an example of the impact effective teachers can have on student achievement. “I am currently at a school that was once considered to be one of the lowest performing schools in our district,” says Stacey, “but with the hard work and dedication of the teachers and students, last year we made AYP (Annual Yearly Progress). I have seen the progress of our school show academic gains in each academic area.”
Stacey has been a part of the positive changes of MCS. MCS is looking for others like her who are ready to take the time each student needs. How has Stacey lead change? “I have positively impacted my school by reaching out to the Hispanic population at our school by celebrating Cinco De Mayo and embracing their culture. For numerous years I have tutored after school to help improve T-CAP scores. In addition, I coach volleyball and softball, and as a coach I stress academics before athletics.”
Want to ask Stacey how you can be apart of the positive changes at MCS? Email her at:
shill@teachmemphis.org.
Adriane Allen
Hometown: Little Rock, AR
Intervention Strategist at Northside High School
“Knowing I make a difference is a feeling that can’t be explained,” says Adriane about why she is in her eighth year in the field of education. Adriane, who has also taught science with MCS, says one of the biggest challenges of being an effective teacher is learning to work within the confines of a given curriculum for a subject area when a student is deficient in basic skills.
Adriane has written several grants and has participated in training to help other teachers ensure that MCS meets the needs of our student population. She has also lead programs that help prepare MCS students to become better citizens by preparing them for the workforce.
Want to hear more Adriane’s outlook on teaching with MCS? Email her at:
aallen@teachmemphis.org.
Cassandra A. Orishaniyi
Hometown: Vicksburg, Mississippi
Physical Science and Diversified Technology teacher at Cordova High School.
Cassandra says she enjoys teaching because it gives her the opportunity to share the wealth of knowledge she has accumulated over her lifetime. “I am inspired when I have a struggling student finally understand concepts taught in class and get turned on to learning. I am glad that I have the chance to affect positive changes while motivating and engaging my students in learning.”
Although Cassandra has been teaching for 17 years, this is her second year teaching with Memphis City Schools. “Compared to the previous system I was in, MCS does a great job with technology utilization and implementation.”
“I have made an impact on my students,” says Cassandra, “because I let them know that I have their best interest at heart and am willing to do whatever it takes to see them succeed in all their endeavors. I think that I have impacted student achievement by being approachable. Children don’t care how much you know, they know how much you care. I talk to other teachers or counselors and try to use anyone available to help them achieve academically. I tutor students after school in math, science, and even English but I don’t receive monetary compensation. I have satisfaction in knowing that I have helped them achieve one of their goals.”
Cassandra would be happy to answer any of your questions about teaching in Memphis City Schools. Email her at:
cassandra@teachmemphis.org.
Clennon Saulsberry Jr
Hometown: Memphis
7th Grade Math teacher for students who are overage for their grade at Geeter Middle School
Clennon has been teaching for eleven years and says that one of the most challenging things about teaching is remembering that student’s value systems are different. “Our children face new obstacles and more influences than we faced as children. However, the core values that we learned are just as vitally important to their well being as it was to ours. Teaching in an urban school district means that you deal with urban challenges, but the key is you have something to offer.”
Clennon says he overcomes these challenges on a day-to-day basis by keeping focused on his teaching mission. “I remember that I wasn’t always perfect and that someone put up with me and didn’t give up. I can understand because I once walked in the shoes of some of my students.”
Clennon would love to answer any of your questions! Email him at:
csaulsberry@teachmemphis.org.
Selina Sparkman
Hometown: Memphis
Selina teaches U. S. History, A. P. U. S. History, Honors U. S. History, and Honors World History at South Side High School.
Selina, says that she believes MCS is improving through the expectations that all children can learn. “I have high expectations for my students and I make sure that my students know that I am their biggest advocate.”
Selina sees the difference she has made in her student’s education. “I have impacted student achievement through implementing literacy strategies across my content, as well as demonstrating these strategies at developmental meetings. I believe that these strategies helped ninety-three percent of my students, including special education students, to become proficient on the United States history end of course test in 2005.”
“We, as teachers, “says Selina, “can make the difference between our students failing or succeeding in society.” Selina, in her sixteenth year of teaching, knows about the rewards and the challenges of teaching in MCS. Ask her for more information at:
ssparkman@teachmemphis.org.
Brittany Clark
Hometown: Memphis
English teacher at Middle College High
How many years have you been teaching? This is my third year
“The thing I love most about teaching is the fact that every day is a new adventure,” tells Brittany, a third year English teacher. “Nothing is ever the same and the children always need me. I love that I am changing the lives of my students and serving as a mentor to our future generations.”
Brittany believes in her students and goes the extra mile to help them succeed. “One way that I have impacted student achievement is by ensuring that 100% of our tenth graders passed the English II Gateway Exam. This means that they have all met the English requirement for graduation! Another way I have positively impacted student achievement is by teaching my students to think beyond the box. I have taught them how to be creative and represent their ideas by using power point, display boards and creating skits.”
Brittany also believes in Memphis City Schools. “I think that our district is really improving because Dr. Johnson, MCS Superintendent, is very focused on reading and on the Blue Ribbon Plan. I like the emphasis that Dr. Johnson has put on literacy and the way in which the Blue Ribbon Plan makes each school responsible for discipline. “
“You really have to be strong and be passionate about this job in order to succeed,” Brittany says. Let Brittany answer your questions about teaching in MCS. Email her at:
bclark@teachmemphis.org.
Angela Rupprecht
Hometown: Memphis
Instructional Facilitator at Wooddale Middle School
Angela knows the impact she has made on her students over her 21 years in education! “As a teacher I helped my students make significant gains in their TCAP English and Reading scores during the three years I taught Language Arts. These scores were a reflection of the high expectations I had for my students. I raised the bar, and continued to encourage them to push themselves to attain their highest potential.”
Angela also sees the improvements in MCS. “I feel the district is consciously making the effort to improve the communication between all levels of employees. The district is asking for thoughts, opinions, and suggestions from teachers to find out what is needed before important initiatives or programs are completed.”
Ask Angela more about Memphis City Schools!
angela@teachmemphis.org
Michael 'Andy' Demster
Hometown: Memphis
Special Education teacher at Brookmeade Elementary School
Andy says his most inspiring times as a teacher come from seeing the “Ah Ha!” moments from his students. “I also enjoy teaching the common social behaviors lots of students need like shaking hands, eye contact, responsibility,” says Andy, an Instructional Resource teacher.
In his second year with MCS, Andy believes that MCS is continuing to improve.
“Individual school wide behavior plans are working great in our schools. In addition, having access to students’ online progress assessment results are helpful because they show where individual students are being successful or need improvement. Lastly, MCS offers many teacher assistance and professional development opportunities at the Teaching and Learning Academy.”
Andy sees the difference he has made in his school. “Seeing how many other students want to attend Instructional Resource, which usually has a negative stigma, is a great feeling.” Ask Andy more about teaching with MCS at:
ademster@teachmemphis.org.
Marcia L. Y. White
Hometown: Birmingham, Alabama
Algebra I, Algebra II, and Algebra II Honors at Middle College High School
Marcia looks back on her nine years of teaching and admits she’s had many highs and lows. “There have been times when I thought I had the best job ever and then other times when I have questioned myself, ‘Is it really worth it? Why don’t you just quit, why continue?’ It is the response to these questions that leads me to believe that I have been called to this profession.”
Marcia says she operates on the premise of faith. “I have faith in our school system, faith in our students, and faith in the teaching profession. I choose to teach because I realize teaching young minds to think, reason, and make decisions are the most powerful tools in the world. To be able to witness a students’ growth, not only academically but socially as well, is very fulfilling. This fulfillment is not linked to Gateway or standardized test scores or AYP goals; it is simply the rewarding feeling to know that I have impacted a life. It is this calling that empowers me to remain a teacher in Memphis City Schools.”
Let Marcia inspire you to teach with MCS! Email her at:
mwhite@teachmemphis.org
