New Teachers joining JISD this Fall

Brittany Byrd

Special Life Skills 1-4

First year teaching

My name is Brittany Byrd. I’m a Jefferson alumni. I graduated in 2007. This will be my first year teaching. I’m excited to be working in the district and look forward to a great year.

Ann Chandler

9-12 interpersonal Skills, Teacher Class; Child Development; Career Prep

39 years teaching

I live in Blanchard and taught in Caddo for 39 years. 9 years ECE and K; 11 years Middle School FCS, Art, Broadcast Journalism; and20 years at Caddo Career and Technology Center in Fashion Design and Costume Design. I have a Master of Science in Family and Consumer Science Education.

Karen Collins

7^th Grade Science

14 years in public school, 4-years in private school.

I am a native of northeast Texas and love small towns. I can’t wait to begin this year as a Jefferson Bulldog.

Paul Cothren

7, 8, 9 Outdoor Education, Principles of Agriculture

First year teaching

I cannot escape the passion and desire to invest myself in the life of our youth to help unlock their greatest potential.

Tina Coyne

1^st/2^nd Grade Resource/17 years teaching

I enjoy spending time with my family.

Tonya Gaston

English 3

1^st year here but 6 years in school system.

I’m a mother of four and Gege of one. I love working with kids.

Peyton Huffstetler

Business (9-12)/3 years teaching in Arkansas

I just moved to Texas and I am very excited to be a Jefferson Bulldog. I live in Atlanta with my fiancé and our three dogs.

Antonio Pete Johnson

Inclusion Teacher/Coach/8 years teaching

Born and raised in Jefferson. I’m excited to be back in the district.

Shalonda Knight

2^nd Grade/6 years teaching

I like to garden and fish.

Steve Mainord

Teaching at Junior High, Coaching at High School

41 years teaching

I have five kids and 10 grandkids.

Jestine C. Hadji Omar

Physics/Anatomy and Physiology/7 years teaching

I am a newly hired science teacher from the Philippines. I am very excited to teach at the High School. It’s my first time to be teaching in USA. I am excited to learn and embrace different cultures.

Heather Sanders

2^nd Grade/8 years teaching

I moved here with my husband and two boys from Tulsa, Okla., this summer. We have a family ranch here in Jefferson.

Courtney Setliff

6^th Grade Math/This is year 18!

I am originally from Louisiana and am moving here from Katy, Texas. I am a proud wife and mother of four children – two in college, one senior at JHS, and 1 custodian in Jefferson ISD.

Robin Strong

2^nd Grade/19 years teaching

From Houston. My experience in teaching includes grades 1-5 and all core subjects.

Michelle Wagner

Pre-K/First year teaching

I’ve been a Jefferson Bulldog as long as I can remember. Class of 2013. I’m happy to be a part of JISD and their amazing grow your own program! Have a great school year!