After twenty-eight years in secondary public education, I am transitioning to Director for Excel Learning Academy. Excel provides what students and parents need, and what every classroom teacher wants: positive intervention and tutoring, centered on the individual’s strengths and weaknesses. Excel’s unique approach to learning ensures success for everyone. What makes us different from the others? Our staff of tutors are highly qualified professionals in their fields of study. Each staff member has a degree in their teaching area and has served as a public educator for at least five years – some as many as thirty-five years! I’m proud to be associated with them and I’m proud to be leading this team of exceptional educators. I believe a person’s story reveals the core of who they are. Let me share the best part of mine: I’m a Christian. I believe the most vital relationship in my life is my relationship with Christ. Ask me about it sometime. I’m a wife. Forty years ago I married my best friend and I feel like the luckiest woman in the world because he chose me to be his wife. I have three intelligent, delightful children – Tommy, our son, and Chelsea and husband, Kody. Between the two families, they have given us six incredible, unique, adorable grandchildren. Those kids have taught us more about life, parenting, and unconditional love than any other experience we’ve ever had. I’m a teacher. Not because I have to be or because I couldn’t do anything else, but because I’m called to be. I love what I do and I’ve come to understand that a great teacher can be one of the most influential people in a child’s life. I have taught seventh through twelfth grade, and am certified in English 6-12, English As A Second Language, Reading (all level), and Speech. I’ve spent the past twenty-six years of my teaching career within Arlington Independent School District, with twenty-four years at Martin High School, teaching freshman-senior English. TSI, SAT, and ACT tutoring/test preps have also been a part of my yearly schedule. I’ve received two Teacher of the Year nominations, and have served as Level Leader for Senior English for the past three years. I'm honored to serve on the Board of Directors for Tarrant Academy of Faith & Arts.

I was born in Louisiana and moved with my family to Arlington in the 1970’s when my father was transferred here. l attended Nichols, Shackleford and eventually graduated from Lamar High School. From there I attended Midwestern State University and graduated with a BS in Education and English and later obtained my Master’s degree in history. I love being in the classroom and wanted to become a teacher from my earliest days. I taught in Fort Worth for one year before I moved with my husband and children to Seattle, Washington. While living in Washington I homeschooled my children for 15 years before we returned to Texas. I thoroughly enjoyed the years I spent homeschooling my children and feel that it was a blessing to them as well as to me. I have many happy memories of those days and our experiences. After our return to Texas, I began teaching in Mansfield ISD and later moved to Arlington ISD. I am currently teaching English at Martin High School. In addition to my English certification for grades 1-12, I am certified in history, journalism and ESL. I have a deep love for literature and history and try to incorporate both into my lessons to help my students form their own personal connection to literature and develop a lifelong love of reading. I live in Arlington with my husband and our three dogs. My husband and I love to travel and do so whenever possible. We also love camping, fly fishing, gardening and woodworking. I have three sons and two daughters. Most of them live in this area so I am able to see them and my nine grandchildren frequently which is one of the greatest joys of my life.

Travis Ellison is originally from Warner Robins, Georgia, but after graduating from UTA found a home in Arlington. He has had a lifelong love of teaching and helping people find self-confidence. He has trained in martial arts for over 15 years including Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Kombatan, Krav Maga, and Tang Soo Do. He is a 3td degree black belt in martial arts. Travis lives in Arlington with his wife Grace, and their two fur-babies, Cricket and Mouse. He loves teaching, encouraging others, sit-coms (his favorite is The Office) pushing himself in the gym, and competing. Travis's goal in life is seeing others achieve theirs!

Penny Thompson received her Bachelor of Science degree in Education, with special distinction from the University of Oklahoma. She has taught students from second grade through twelfth grade. Penny is currently teaching ESL, Special Education, Reading Improvement, and Dyslexic students at the junior high level. Her teaching career spans 25 years. Penny’s goal is to teach children the skills of encoding and decoding, so they become successful readers. She makes lessons fun and engaging to encourage students to become lifelong learners. Penny is excited to become a part of students’ journeys to success! Penny lives in Arlington and is mom to Bodie, 18 years old, and Chloe, 15 years old. She enjoys yoga, reading, podcasts, movies, and traveling. She also shares her home with Violet, her Great Dane, and Blue, her Husky. Penny loves spending time with her family and friends. There is never a dull moment in the Thompson household!

David Rakes is a transplant from the East Coast where he grew up in Maryland and Virginia. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Duke University in Computer Science and has worked as a Systems and Software Engineer for over 43 years. His job brought him to Arlington over 25 years ago, and he is glad to be here! David has taught classes at his company in C++ and Monte Carlo simulations. He is a registered math tutor with the AISD school system. David is married to Carol Rakes, who recently retired from Martin High School where she worked over 16 years as an Attendance Clerk. They raised three children, all graduates of Martin High School and Baylor University. They also have five grandchildren with one on the way! David is looking forward to retirement where he can travel with his wife as well as help students excel in their studies, particularly in the area of math.

Debbie earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Arlington. Debbie taught 8th grade math and Pre-AP Algebra I for 26 years at Gunn Junior High in Arlington, Texas. She also taught high school Geometry in Mansfield. Debbie lives in Arlington with her husband, Curtis. They have two adult children, Alison and her husband Chris, and Jonathan and his wife Bethany. Debbie is a very proud Nana to Jonathan and Bethany’s adorable sons Caspian (3) and Theo (1). After retiring in 2018, Debbie has enjoyed a variety of hobbies including quilting, gardening, traveling, and volunteering. Debbie looks forward to sharing her passion for math with her students.

I believe that every student can learn to confidently write well and deserves to see writing as a gift and not a chore. Students can learn to write well for any purpose, audience, or occasion, and I am passionate about helping them fall in love with writing. I received my Bachelor of Arts in English from Texas A&M University, and then I went on to get my Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. I have been teaching for thirteen years and my classroom experience includes both nine years teaching at the high school level and four years teaching at the elementary level. I have taught kindergarten, fifth grade, and English I, Pre-AP English I, English II, Pre-AP English II, World Experience: Pre-AP World Literature, English III, and AP English III: Language and Composition. I firmly believe that God has given me opportunities to work with both elementary and secondary students in order to bridge the gap between them and develop strategies for both alignment and confident content acquisition for writing in kindergarten through twelfth grade. While I am certified in ELAR and ESL, I most love helping students discover and improve their writing skills. I live in Arlington with my husband, Brandon, and our three sweet kiddos. I love Jesus and love serving in my local church. I love to walk and spend time adventuring with my family. I currently teach 5th grade English and History at a local elementary school, and I have the privilege of working with teachers to help students EXCEL in their writing! I’d be honored to partner with you to catalyze your student’s success in writing!

Julie Williams earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with minors in Mathematics and English from Stephen F. Austin State University. She then went on to earn a Masters degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at Arlington. She spent five years in the classroom, and was promoted to a middle and elementary school vice-principal for 5 years. After 10 years in education, she resigned to begin staying at home with her children. She has homeschooled her children for the last 11 years and continues to teach other homeschoolers mathematics. She loves to help others and see that light bulb moment when they begin to understand concepts. Julie lives in Crowley with her husband of twenty years, Erik. They have three children that keep them busy with band concerts, theater shows, ballet recitals and choir concerts. In her spare time, she is volunteering with her church children’s and youth ministries and at her children’s school.

Teresa Wilson is currently serving in her 48th year in public education. She obtained a B.A. degree in Education (English major/ History minor) from Howard Payne University and a Masters of Education/Administration degree from Tarleton University. Teresa taught 7/8 English in Everman ISD for 11 years, served as an adjunct Professor in the UTA Department of Education for 16 years, and then taught for 21 years on the campus of Young Jr. High by tutoring, starting the Grade Recovery Program, teaching 7/8 English, and then implementing and coordinating the AVID Program for 11 years. After her “official” retirement in 2017, she continues to remain active on that campus as an AVID tutor and a substitute. Teresa and her husband David are west Texas natives, moving to Arlington in 1975. Their two children grew up attending Arlington ISD schools. She is an avid community volunteer, with long years of service on the Miss Arlington Board of Directors, Junior League of Arlington, and A.W.A.R.E Foundation Board of Directors, as well as numerous other community volunteer capacities. Teresa is a proud Texas PTA member since 1985, having served on Pre-School, elementary, junior high, and high school PTA boards. She looks forward to having a positive connection with your students and assisting them in being successful in their educational pursuits.

Janet has been married to her high school boyfriend, David, for the past 43 years! David and Janet have two beautiful daughters, two fantastic sons-in-law, and four precious grandchildren. Janet was born in Arlington and never left. Janet graduated from Texas Wesley University with a degree in elementary education and taught in AISD for 36 years at Butler and Dunn. She has taught Kinder, 1st, 3rd, and 5th grades and was the Team Lead for 5th grade from 2005-2019. Janet received two Teacher of the Year awards from AISD - 1981 from Butler Elementary and 2016 from Dunn Elementary. She also received the Masonic Teacher of Excellence award for the Arlington High School cluster in 2016 and was additionally awarded the Masonic Teacher of Excellence award for AISD that same year. In her honor, Dunn Elementary now gives an exceptional 5th grade student the "Moore Giving Award" for giving "more" to everything: academics, behavior, service to school and community. Janet's legacy of going above and beyond continues to be recognized in the lives of the students at Dunn Elementary.

Deborah Conant has been teaching Spanish at Martin High School since 2003, the year she moved from New York to Texas. Although her college degree is a B.A. in Spanish, her initial intent was not teaching. While raising three children, Deb worked as a youth director at a YMCA. Besides promoting children’s programs and daycare, she taught aerobics and tutored various kids. She substituted for a while to see if teaching was a good fit. Feeling that teaching actually was her calling, Deb furthered her education and obtained her teaching certification and Master’s degree in Education. After teaching Spanish in a local high school for 3 years in NY, the south was calling her! She has taught levels 1-4 and currently teaches levels 2 and Advanced 3. Her favorite pastime is FaceTiming with her 4 grandchildren in NY. Deb also enjoys spending time with her family, walking, swimming and playing cards.

Loretta Ross is a retired Elementary Teacher and Elementary Principal. She retired from Grapevine Colleyville ISD in 2009. She has taught 3rd, 4th and 5th grade in the school setting. She has also taught 3-year-olds and Kindergarten in her church. She is currently teaching 2nd graders in Sunday school each Sunday. Ms. Ross has enjoyed retirement but has not left teaching children. She teaches Bible Study Fellowship children and is a CASA volunteer for foster children. Ms. Ross loves planning and teaching children. Loretta Ross is a single lady who truly loves children. She enjoys being with her friends and family. She loves to laugh, watch sports, play games and working jig saw puzzles. There is always a puzzle up on a table at her house. Ms. Ross has a new dog whose name is Dirk. He is named after the great Dirk who is probably the tallest man, she knows that every played basketball. The most important thing about Ms. Ross is she loves Jesus and loves sharing Jesus with children.

Brianna Lavelle, a beach girl at heart, has lived in Arlington for eighteen years. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and her juris doctorate from Southwestern School of Law in Los Angeles. She began teaching five years ago at Martin High School and loves it more each year. Algebra I and Algebra II, Pre-AP and Regular, as well as Geometry, are her favorite classes to teach. She understands that building confidence and encouraging students to think creatively makes learning math more personal and more fun! Brianna lives in Arlington with her husband, Jim, their three children, and dog. She enjoys traveling, exercising, reading, and spending time with her family. Brianna’s heart is truly the heart of an educator – she loves helping others.

Sally Cagle graduated from Texas A&M University with a BA in Speech Communications. She has been teaching English Language Arts for ten years. Sally is certified in ELA 4th-12th grades, Education Generalist 4th-8th grades, English as A Second Language, and Special Education. Sally enjoys working with students to improve their reading and writing skills, study skills, as well as building test taking confidence. Sally was born and raised in Arlington. She enjoys family life with her husband, Brady, and their two children, Scout, age six, and Ranger, age three. You can find them on the soccer fields, riding bikes along Arlington’s biking paths, or camping on the weekends. Sally loves to laugh and strives to create an environment for learners that is positive, creative, and fun.

Rhonda Dunn received her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Nebraska. She has been teaching English for the past twenty-four years. Her classroom experience includes: English I, English II, English III, English IV, Pre-AP English II, AP Literature and Composition. She has a special emphasis in Writing. Rhonda currently teaches AP Literature and Composition to seniors, and has experience teaching ESL students in a regular, as well as advanced classroom setting. Rhonda is trained and practiced in teaching close reading and analytical writing strategies. She especially enjoys helping seniors craft and shape essays for college applications and scholarships. Rhonda lives in Arlington with her husband, Patrick, who is also a teacher and coach, and her four children. Rhonda coaches volleyball and soccer, and loves coaching children of any age and skill level. Her Saturdays are spent on one of Arlington’s athletic fields, and her Sundays are spent at Lake Church where she volunteers in the Children’s Ministry as a teacher in KidsRock, and as a drama leader in Cross Trainers.

Susan Reynolds received her Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Abilene Christian University. She taught in elementary schools for thirty years. Her teaching career has been in public as well as Christian schools. She has continued to be a reading and math interventionist during the last seven years at Viridian Elementary School. She enjoys children and loves to see the “light bulb” go off as they grow in knowledge of a new concept. Susan attended Arlington schools herself during elementary school and junior high school and graduated from Arlington High School. She lives in Arlington with her husband, Mark, where they have raised their three children. Her son, Brennan and daughter, Jennifer are teachers at Trimble Tech High School in Fort Worth. Her eight grandchildren are blessings in her life. They are now ages seven to twenty-two years old. Watching them grow in the Lord is a delight in her life.

I love working with students who are struggling with their academics for a variety of reasons. It is my desire to assist students in developing a love for reading and writing and to understand they can be successful in those areas even if they have struggled with them in the past. I want them to realize how reading and writing are essential skills in any phase of life. I received my Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas, Austin and my Master of Divinity from Arlington Baptist University. I went on to get my certification in Education from Texas Wesleyan University, and my Master of Educational Administration from Dallas Baptist University. My teaching experience includes both elementary and secondary levels in both public and private school settings. I live in Kennedale with my husband, Doug. Our three children are all grown and out on their own, and I enjoy spending time with them and our three grandsons. My husband and I are both retired and enjoy spending time traveling, both by car or ship. I would be honored to work with your student to enhance their reading and/or writing skills.

Serving children and families has been one of my passions for over 25 years! I've had the joy of being in a variety of roles including mother to three delightful children, a pediatric & school-aged speech-language pathologist and supervisor, parent communication trainer, Children's Ministry volunteer and later director, and a mother's day out director. I have been blessed to co-lead church small groups and community groups consisting of newlyweds, young parents, and young adults along with my husband. I have also mentored ladies from college-aged to my own peers and taught conversational English as a second language locally and overseas. My professional career began as I received my Master of Arts degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in the area of Speech-Language Pathology. I have current licensure through the state of Texas, and national certification + accreditation with ASHA. Settings for performing speech-language pathology have included: private practice, university clinical service with graduate student supervision, outpatient, pediatric home health, preschools, private schools, and ECI. Group and individual teaching opportunities have also abounded. I have taught parents how to communicate in a variety of ways with their child(ren) having special needs. Educational pre-reading, phonetics, and early reading skills have been a pleasure to teach. Teaching early American Sign Language to parents of infants and toddlers is a fun experience. I have had the privilege of being a guest speaker in the area of speech and communication development within young children in university classes, in parent training classes, and within preschool staffing events. I have taught about feeding disorders amongst area gatherings of psychologists, sociologists, parents, and developmental specialists. I have found that following the various paths placed before me by my Lord, Jesus Christ, has given me incredible adventures along with the pleasure of meeting wonderful people from all over the world! I hope to continue with the goal to empower young children and students, as well as their parents to be partners in helping them develop foundational skills needed for success within social and educational activities so they can grow confident in communicating well within the world. Thank you and good night! May you know the true source of joy in life! Romans 15:13

Coming Soon!

The best part about me is my relationship with Jesus Christ. He is my friend, Savior, and the reason that I love to serve others! All things are from Him, through Him, and to Him… and as soon as we realize how much this affects the education of our children, the more joyful we become! I attended Sam Houston State University and graduated in 2003 with a degree in music education. Soon after I married my husband, Brent, and we moved to Fort Worth so that he could attend Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. I taught in the Keller Independent School District for four years until the Lord blessed us with our first son. I decided to stay home to be with my baby and the Lord led us to homeschool. I have homeschooled my three children, Peter (16 yrs), Justin (14 yrs), and Jane(12yrs) for the past 11 years. My family and I currently live in Mansfield where my husband is co-pastor at Living Hope Bible Church. I am the Director of Women’s Ministry and I also teach fourth through sixth grade Sunday School. In addition, I teach elementary science and art at our church’s co-op. I have a passion for teaching and I love spending time outside or in a good book. Sometimes on the weekends you can find me watercolor painting or hiking with my family.

Deirdre Cannon is a graduate of Oklahoma Christian University with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She taught elementary and junior high science for several years before beginning her family. She began her homeschooling journey in 2009 with her three children. Her oldest has since graduated and she continues to homeschool her youngest two. Outside of teaching at TAFA and other co-ops, she is a private practice lactation consultant. She enjoys teaching sciences as they show just how beautiful and intricate God’s design is in every detail of our universe.

Rebekah King graduated from The University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor’s Degree in University Studies. Her most recent classroom experience included four years of eighth grade English and two years of Texas History. Rebekah’s work concentrated on 504 students as well as special education students. Rebekah believes that learning differences do not define the individual! In her classroom, she has seen her students push beyond expectations and realize educational success. Rebekah loves being able to help students achieve their goals – and beyond.  Rebekah was born and raised in Arlington and was educated within AISD. She married her high school sweetheart, Bobby, and they currently have two littles under two. Rebekah paused her teaching career to become a full-time mom. Rebekah and Bobby have grown up at Lake Church and have found it to be their home.

Jennifer graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a degree in elementary education with an emphasis in special education. She later returned to Texas A&M – Commerce for a master’s degree in reading and behavioral management. She has taught for 25 years in public education in a variety of special education classrooms. She has spent the last 19 years in Arlington ISD teaching reading and writing to elementary students with a variety of special needs. Dyslexic students have always held a special place in her heart, due to the fact she is one herself. Jennifer has devoted herself to teaching students with the gift of dyslexia how to utilize their gifts, through a multisensory approach to learning which includes decoding, encoding, and comprehending written language. She is a CALP certified dyslexia practitioner working toward the therapist level. Jennifer lives in Arlington with her husband Mike. They have two amazing children, Jordan, a recent Martin graduate who is studying to be a child life specialist at the University of Arkansas and Zachary, who is currently at Martin. She loves watching her son perform in show choir and theater productions as well as golf tournaments. She spends her remaining time reading, hosting game nights with friends, and relaxing with the family watching movies.