TEACHING IN LEARNING VILLAGES

Homefronts of the Lower School classrooms.

The Evolution of Teaching in our Learning Villages by Dr. Amy Alsip

As a newcomer to the All Saints community, it has been so rewarding to be welcomed into the fold with such warmth and sincerity. Part of what makes All Saints such a remarkable place is the sense of family that resonates from every part of the campus. I have the privilege to work in the most recently renovated building on campus, the King Early Learning and Lower School, and it has been such a pleasure to see the sense of home, family, and community being lived out in “real time” each day.

Research shows that children who feel safe, loved, included and welcomed will be more successful in their learning experiences. Here at All Saints, our goal is to make each and every student feel those very emotions so we can help them to become learners of the future and the best versions of themselves.

To capitalize on this, much thought was put into each and every design element of the new King Early Learning and Lower School building. Creating the look of the home front and neighborhood was a purposeful choice to connect students to a feeling of home and create a sense of belonging. Each teacher in our building embraces her teaching practices in her own unique way, but one thing that ties us all together is our sense of community which is echoed throughout the hallways.

In Mrs. Lemons’ 4th grade classroom, the concept of “home” has changed not only the way in which students learn, but also the way the teacher approaches her day to day experiences in the classroom. She says, “I no longer feel like I am simply coming to work, rather I feel as if I am coming home to a place I genuinely enjoy practicing my craft.” In each classroom in the King Early Learning and Lower School building, the “tree” is the centerpiece of the learning space. The design for the tree was created to provide a gathering place for the students and is used in Mrs. Twomey’s 4th grade class as a place that brings students together as a family. Often that space can be seen as a reading station or a class meeting place where students feel comfortable and welcomed. Mrs. Twomey believes that if “educators can provide a space for students to feel comfortable and safe, that is where the most beneficial learning and teaching takes place. By choosing to model our learning environment after a home, we are creating a sense of safety and comfort for our students.”

Even our youngest learners understand the importance of school family and the responsibilities that come

Mrs. Ables gathers her students at the tree in their classroom.

Mrs. Copfer stands in her classroom with her 1st grade students.

along with that concept. Mrs. Ables’ Preschool class works as a team and a family during their time together each day. They help each other “by being kind and friendly, [and all students] have ‘jobs’ that make our ‘home’ a happy, healthy, clean space to be a part of.” In Mrs. Copfer’s 1st grade class both the students and teacher shared that there is a strong “sense of comfort and trust in our classroom which encourages a love of learning [and] we all have responsibilities to keep our house running smoothly” just like we do when we are at our homes at night. One of the most important things we strive to instill in our students is to have a voice and to feel empowered. By having the home-fronts as the entry points to our classrooms, it builds a strong sense of community when students begin their day. In Mrs. Arnold’s 3rd grade class, she has seen a “heightened sense of belonging” and strongly feels that this has “provided academic as well as social-emotional benefits” to her students. As a parent of two All Saints students and also a member of this professional community, I feel blessed that my family gets to be a part of the wonderful things happening here on campus. By living each day as a community of learners and treating each other as members of our school family, I hope we can continue to encourage each child to feel happy, loved, and challenged so they can grow into the leaders of tomorrow because of the strong foundation we have laid for them today. Mystery sleuthing crime scene in Mrs. Arnold’s class. I no longer feel like I am simply coming to work, rather I feel as if I am coming home to a place I genuinely enjoy practicing my craft. Mrs. Lemons, 4th grade “ ”

Celebrating Our Faculty/Staff

DR. DAVID LAMBERT

With a masters degree and a PhD in Zoology, Dr. David Lambert brings over 30 years of experience in the teaching profession to All Saints upper school students when he teaches Biology, Honors Biology and Human Anatomy and Physiology. “I first taught in graduate school, and I really enjoyed it,” says Dr. Lambert. “That’s when I decided to go into the teaching side of academia.” A published author on topics that range from dinosaurs to paleoecology, Dr. Lambert is considered an expert in his field on fossil elephants.

This summer, Dr. Lambert was given the chance of a lifetime when he was invited to the Sierra College Museum of Natural History in Rocklin, CA, to study a nearly complete skeleton of a fossil elephant Gomphotherium (an extinct type of elephant). Right now, he is still studying and trying to figure out the species of the elephant. While there, he was able to evaluate a private fossil collection of Federal Agent Stanley Davis. Agent Davis has one of the premier private fossil collections in the world.

“My wonder and awe is just outrageous,” says Dr. Lambert of getting to see the private collection of fossils. “My brain just became exhausted as it was one fantastic fossil after the other. It was one of the most wonderful moments of my career, it was simply outstanding.” His connection with Agent Davis has opened a pipeline to specimens to add to the teaching collection at All Saints. Agent Davis is going to send 120 nautiloids (a 400 million year old fossil) that Dr. Lambert can give to students. “My summer experience has definitely had a positive impact on my teaching at All Saints.”

New in 2019-2020

Amy Alsip - Assistant to Head of Early Learning and Lower School Amy’s experience in education spans 15 years working with Lower to Upper School age students. In 2018, She completed her doctorate in Educational Leadership from TCU. In addition to her doctorate she holds a master’s degree from TCU and a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Dance from North Texas. Amy and her husband, Steve, have two daughters, Lily (7th grade) and Gracie (4th grade), who are so excited to be a part of the All Saints family. In her spare time she really loves spending time reading, baking, photography, and gardening.

Chrissie Bazar - Pre-K

Chrissie has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston and taught seven years at Oak Tree

Academy in Tyler. Chrissie enjoys reading and supporting the Houston Astros. Chrissie and her husband, Wade, just celebrated 15 years of marriage and have two children who attend All Saints, Ayden (7th grade) and Addie (5th grade). She likes to say that her superpower is finding the positive in any situation.

Casey Copfer - 1st Grade Casey has been a parent at All Saints for many years and is excited to join the teaching staff after four years at TISD. Casey and her husband, Tim, have two daughters, Mackenzie (9th grade) and Maclayne (3rd grade). She loves spending time with her family and baking on the side. She holds a master’s degree in Teaching and Learning from LeTourneau University and a bachelor’s degree from University of Texas at Tyler.

Amanda Dimon - Head Volleyball Coach

Amanda grew up in Tyler and graduated from Whitehouse High School. During high school, she had an amazing volleyball career that resulted in a scholarship to the University of Central Arkansas. As a libero/ defensive specialist she holds the UCA career record in reception percentage with .955. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Health Science from Central Arkansas. Amanda is excited to mentor the young ladies on her team.

Susie Fergus - Intermediate/Middle/Upper School Choir Susie has taught choir in Fort Worth for the past 19 years, where she raised her four sons. She has a master’s degree from the University of St. Thomas and a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University. Susie has been making and teaching music her entire adult life and is so excited to join the All Saints family for this new chapter of life! She also enjoys yoga and spending time with her family.

David Garza - Teaching Assistant and Assistant Football Coach

David grew up in San Antonio and moved to Tyler six years ago to play football at TJC. He has his associates degree from TJC in History. In addition to being a Lower School teaching assistant, David is coaching football. He enjoys golf, reading and spending time in scripture.

Mike Giordano - Middle / Upper School English Mike is originally from Connecticut, but found his way to Texas. Along the way he has been a website designer, e-commerce consultant, taught high school for seven years, and most recently Director of Graduate Admissions at University of Texas at Tyler. He holds a master’s degree from Sacred Heart University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut. He is excited to be back in the classroom where he can share his love of reading and writing with the next generation. His three cats graciously allow his wife Cathy, his daughter Katie (3rd grade), and himself to share their house with them.

Anna Harthcock - Kindergarten

Anna has nine years of experience teaching in Ore City and Austin and is excited to join the All Saints family. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas with a minor in Spanish. Anna and her husband have two boys that keep them busy. They love to hike, play tennis, explore new places and be with their extended family.

Susan Hatcher - LEC Susan is a graduate of T.K. Gorman but is excited to begin her time as part of the All Saints family. She is the proud mother of a son who is working on his MBA, and a daughter who recently graduated and is gainfully employed! She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M. Whoop! Susan has two cats and hopefully a puppy very soon. She loves to work in her yard, play Mahjong and read as often as she can.

Lisa Horlander - Middle School Art Lisa has her bachelor’s degree in Art from University of Texas at Tyler. She is a professional artist with a heart for teaching and sharing art. Lisa has been active in the art community serving as the Committee Chair for Gallery Main Street and as an Educational Coordinator at the Tyler Museum of Art. Her own work has been shown around Texas. Lisa has one son and they love to hike, play board games, and cook together.

Lee Kiblinger - Upper School English Lee in not a stranger to All Saints, she is a parent of three All Saints Trojans: Ben (11th), Lauren (9th), and Nathan (7th). She grew up in Dallas and has a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Vanderbilt University. Lee taught 9th and 11th grade English at Highland Park High School. The Kiblingers love to travel! Lee and her husband, Greg, spend several combined hours on the tennis court watching their children compete. As for Lee’s loves? They are Jesus, her family, teaching, reading, running, coffee, and tortilla chips.

Natalie Lemons - 4th Grade Natalie Lemons is beginning her 5th year in the classroom and is excited to be joining the All Saints faculty. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M. After graduating, she began her career at Jack Elementary. Natalie and her husband, Taylor, have one sweet Golden Retriever, Remi. She enjoys being with family, traveling to new and old places, and kayaking…really anything outdoors is her cup of tea.

Christian Long - Director of CFI, English Department Chair Christian is so excited to be at All Saints and returning to Texas after 10 years in Ohio. He says coming to

All Saints as a new member of the school is both a professional joy -- getting the rare chance to blend his passions for teaching and design / innovation -- and a personal joy -- getting to experience everything here on campus with his kids (Berkeley, 5th grade and Beckett, 7th grade) and his wife, Karla (Head of Middle School) beside him. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and a master’s from Harvard.

Karla Long - Head of Intermediate and Middle School Karla is thrilled to have joined the All Saints community with her entire family! Her husband is the Director of the Center for Innovation and English Department Chair and her children are in 5th and 7th grade. This is her 25th year as an educator and 23rd with middle school. She absolutely LOVES working with this age group! She holds a bachelor’s degree from Smith College and master’s degree from Harvard. Karla enjoys cooking, walking and reading mysteries when she’s supporting her children in their number of activities.

Jessica Martin - 1st Grade During her eight years of teaching, Jessica has taught Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade. She has a bachelor’s degree from Texas Women’s University. Before TWU she was a Kilgore Rangerette, and loves all things dance. Jessica and her husband, who is an assistant principal in Brownsboro, have two beautiful children. Owen, who’s five and going into Kindergarten, and Lilly, who is 17 months old. Jessica loves spending time with her family and friends, and reading in her spare time.

Kristin Martin - Intermediate School Science Kristin is starting her 23rd year in education. She recently earned a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and has her Principals certificate from University of Texas at Arlington and has a bachelor’s degree from Texas Wesleyan University. Kristin and her husband have one daughter, Kylie (1st grade), and they are so excited that she will be a Trojan this year. They live at Holly Lake Ranch in Hawkins and have three golden retrievers. She loves to read and scrapbook.

Betsy Moore - Upper School Social Studies

Betsy moves from Cincinnati to Tyler and says that she has already fallen in love with the city and the state. She begins her 9th year of teaching and has taught a variety of social studies courses and psychology.

She has a master’s from Ashland University and a bachelor’s from Xavier University. In her spare time she enjoys reading, hiking, horseback riding and spending time with her fiancée, Matt, who is a History professor at UT Tyler. Wedding bells in March!

Ashley Morris - Preschool Ashley in not a stranger to All Saints, she is a parent to two All Saints Trojans, Hyde (3rd grade) and Styles (1st grade), and has been subbing in Early Learning and Lower School. She also attended All Saints. She has a bachelor’s degree from St. Edward’s University and worked for six years at Good Shepherd Episcopal School in Austin. She loves to travel and spend time with her family.

Jackie Salas - Teaching Assistant Jackie was born and raised in Tyler, Texas. She is currently an undergraduate student in childhood education to become a teacher. She has been a nanny for many years and worked in the nursery at Christ Episcopal Church. Jackie loves kids, enjoys the outdoors, is very adventurous and loves visiting museums.

David Sanders - Head Girls Basketball Coach, Blended Learning and Theology Teacher David grew up in Orange, TX in a family of educators. He has his bachelor’s degree from Lamar

University and master’s degree from Northwestern State. David enjoys spending time with his wife

Myranda and three kids: Addy (5), Lainey (3), and Wells (6 months). He has been involved in sports/ athletics most of his life, most recently as the Boy’s Athletic Coordinator and Head Basketball coach at New Summerfield.

Max Simeus – Intermediate / Middle / Upper School French Max was born and raised in Haiti where he attended a catholic school for 14 years. He grew up as the middle sibling in a big family of 11 siblings (5 sisters and 5 brothers). Max has a bachelor’s degree in French/Spanish from California State University San Bernardino and a master’s degree from Rutgers. He enjoys soccer, football, tennis, and swimming.

Kristen Swinney - 3rd Grade Kristen has been a teacher for seven years and comes from Tyler Classical Academy. She has her bachelor’s degree from University of Texas at Tyler. Kristen and her husband, Bret, have been married for eight years and have a 4-year-old daughter Kamdyn and an almost 1-year-old son Beckham. When she’s not chasing kiddos, she enjoys shopping, singing, and spending time with family and friends.

Tonya Taylor - Development/Data Entry Assistant Tonya has been married to the love of her life, Steven, for 32 years. She has two daughters and on beautiful granddaughter. Tonya has been working in education for over 15 years. She was in Arlington at Tate Springs Christian School and most recently LeTourneau University in Longview. She loves to read, play with her fur babies, and spend time with her chickens.

Katelyn Tidwell - Teaching Assistant

Katelyn recently graduated from Tyler Junior College and plans to attend University of Texas at Tyler where she will pursue a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. Katelyn is an aunt to six-year-old twin boys with another nephew on the way. She’s looking forward to working at All Saints and excited to be an assistant the education and encouraging environment surrounding the students.

Every year Mrs. Adair takes of photo of her APES (AP Environmental Science) classes where they look like APES. It’s a tradition she has done with every class since she started teaching!

Mrs. Amanda Adair, Upper School Science

Mrs. Adair was a delightful addition to the All Saints teaching staff in fall 2018. She teaches upper school science: Physics, AP Physics, Engineering and AP Environmental Science, and coordinates upper school Academic Rodeo teams. She has two daughters at the Lower School – Natalie (4th) and Caroline (K). She enjoys teaching “without walls” – meaning with a global connection - and loves when her classroom lessons have life-long impacts.

Mrs. Adair is especially proud of sponsoring the new Makers on a Mission Club. In the club, 16 students who have a passion for helping their community create devices for people with physical or sensory needs. By partnering with the UT Tyler Occupational Therapy Department, her students have designed and fabricated rockers, a “hug machine,” hand grip assists, and a golf ball maze.

“Our club members are in the process of building several bubble tubes that Camp V (a local Veteran nonprofit) and the Treatment and Learning Center will use to calm clients with sensory issues or PTSD,” says Mrs. Adair. “Our slogan represents our passion - Engineering a Better Community.”