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Excel Learning's Mission

We exist to educate students to their highest level of academic achievement.  It is our goal to offer a supportive network that includes student, parent, teacher, and tutor to maximize students’ achievements, building a life-long love of learning.

Excel Learning's Vision

The vision of Excel Learning is to empower students to acquire, demonstrate, articulate, and value knowledge and skills that will support them as life-long learners. Our mission is to work together to build a respectful, nurturing environment focused on maximizing each student's potential. Excel Learning’s goal is to ensure all students receive high quality tutoring based on their individual needs.

Director of Excel Learning

Rynthia Clements

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.

Associate Director, Excel Learning

Deirdre Cannon

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I wear a lot of hats! Funnily enough, I really like hats and wish they were still a daily fashion! I am a wife, a mom, a daughter, a sister, a teacher, a homeschooling mom, an assistant director here at Excel Learning Academy, a lactation consultant, a tutor, and most importantly a daughter of the King. God has called me to many different roles over the years, but He has always prepared me for the next steps and given me the tools He knew I would need. I have found that I just need to be open to what He is asking me to do. Teaching is in my nature. I was always the teacher when playing school as a child. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Oklahoma Christian University. I taught elementary and junior high science for several years before beginning a family with my husband, Patrick. We have been together for more than 25 years and we have 3 amazing children. As our oldest reached school age, we realized that we felt called to homeschool our children. Our homeschooling adventures began in 2009. Our oldest has since graduated and I continue to school our youngest two. Our family does what I call “hybrid homeschooling” these days, because we supplement what we do at home with superb co-ops and programs like Excel Learning and TAFA. It’s really the best of both worlds! They benefit from different, wonderful teachers that truly teach because they love to teach, and I am able to build their foundation through educational choices founded on Biblical principles. I am so blessed that God has allowed me to use my spiritual gift for teaching to not only bless my own family, but others as well. I love teaching science for Excel Learning and TAFA. Science is such a beautiful way to show the intricacies and details of God’s design for our world. I want my students to realize just how amazing they are too! I believe people rise to the bar that is set before them. If the bar is low, many don’t go further. If the bar is high, people learn to excel. Students shouldn’t settle for less of themselves, because God made each of them in His image and they are capable of greatness! We all are!

Teacher

Allison Barton

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!

Teacher

Bekah Lewis

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I’m so happy to be part of the Excel Learning Academy team! My husband and I have been in youth ministry for 20+ years, serving at Lake Church for the last seven. I graduated from Central Baptist College with a BA in Religious Education and taught 3rd grade for a few years at a small Christian school before we started our family. I currently teach Keyboarding with Excel Learning and TAFA, and sub for a variety of classes on our campus. We have three teenagers now who home school so I stay busy with them. My hobbies include cheering on the Rangers with my husband, reading, exercising, and spending time with my kiddos participating in activities they enjoy.

Teacher

Cathy Elliott

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.

Teacher

David Rakes

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.

Teacher

Debbie Conant

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.

Teacher

Debbie Rutledge

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.

Teacher

Janet Moore

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.

Teacher

Jennifer Clark

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.

Teacher

Julie Williams

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.

Teacher

Kayleigh Guthrie

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Kayleigh Guthrie received her bachelor's Degree in English Education at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She is currently a Pre-Ap English II teacher at James Martin High School within the Arlington School District. This is her fourth year teaching high school English. Before this, Kayleigh taught three- to five-year-olds at a private Christian preschool located in Decatur, Texas. Throughout her higher education studies, she worked as both a library technician and a writing tutor. Kayleigh has always had a passion for literature and teaching. Attempting to tutor her brother starting at the ripe age of eleven, she knew that she was always attracted to the idea of education, and this was confirmed when Kayleigh felt the call of the Lord to become a high school English teacher at fourteen years old. Most afternoons after a day of teaching, she can be found snuggled up with a novel or volunteering at her church, Overflow DFW, in Grand Prairie. Outside of loving Jesus, Kayleigh finds fulfillment in helping children read and write well. Moreover, she firmly believes that children can only truly learn when they know their value and feel secure. Kayleigh aims to always teach in such a way that these fundamentals are the priority above any academic pursuit.

Teacher

Keri Osterberg 

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.

Teacher

Loretta Ross

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.

Teacher

Penny Thompson

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!

Teacher

Rebekah King

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.

Teacher

Rhonda Dunn

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.

Teacher

Sally Cagle

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.

Teacher

Susan Reynolds

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.

Teacher

Teresa Wilson

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.

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