Salado students return to class Aug. 17. The following are new teachers and staff at Salado High School for 2022-23 school year.
Carissa Adkins
Education and Certifications: Lamar University, Masters in School Counseling, Tarleton State University, B.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences, Servsafe Food Managers Certification
Teaching Experience: 13 years
Subjects and Grade Levels: 9th-10th graders, Hospitality and Tourism, Intro to Culinary and Culinary Arts
Why a Teacher?: I always tell people that teaching chose me because it was not my first career choice. However, I will be starting my 13th year in education and I could not see myself doing anything else. I love getting to know my students; their talents, interests and goals for the future. The most rewarding part of my job is knowing that I am teaching these students skills that they will use throughout their life. Such as, leadership skills, communication skills, employment skills and problem solving skills. It is so rewarding to see my students succeed in the classroom and outside the classroom.
Extra-curricular activities: Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Advisor
Alyssa Bennett
Education and Certifications:Bachelors of Science in Agriculture Science from Texas A&M University. Certifications include: Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources (Grades 6-12)
Teaching Experience: First-year teacher
Subjects and Grade Levels: Principles of Agriculture, Small Animal Management/Equine Science, Livestock Production, Wildlife. Grades 9-12
Why a Teacher?:I became an Agriculture Science teacher to make a difference in the lives of students. My entire life revolves around the agriculture industry and as a kid heavily involved in 4H and FFA my visions and dreams of wanting to serve the industry forever only broadened. I knew that giving back to the industry for me looked liked educating our future leaders and preparing them to feed our world.
Extra-curricular activities:
Ellie Bragg
Education and Certifications:Currently working towards a master’s degree in Teaching and Learning with a concentration in TESOL at Sam Houston State University, certified to teach English Language Arts grades 7-12
Teaching Experience: 1 year at Cleveland ISD as a middle school English and journalism teacher
Subjects and Grade Levels:10th grade English 2 and 12th grade English 4
Extra-curricular activities: Not at the moment, but I am wanting to get involved with UIL academics as a coach
Alyson Brochtrup
Education and Certifications:English Language Arts 7-12
Teaching Experience: 0
Subjects and Grade Levels:English 1 and Honors English 2
Why a Teacher?:My father and grandmother were both teachers. I have always wanted to follow our family tradition. As a member of our community, I look forward to preparing our youth for their futures.
Extra-curricular activities: To be determined
Nathan Carman
Education and Certifications:History
Teaching Experience: 3 years
Subjects and Grade Levels: High school
Why a Teacher?: I was previously a state trooper when I lived in Ohio. When I moved to Texas, I wanted to be able to give back to communities in another way. Being a college athlete, all of my mentors and influences have been teachers/coaches. I wanted to be able to give back to young student athletes.
Extra-curricular activities: Football and wrestling
Justin Edmondson
Education and Certifications:Bachelors of Science in Liberal Arts
Teaching Experience: First year
Subjects and Grade Levels: English II 10th grade
Why a Teacher?: I recently retired from the Army and saw teaching as a way to continue to have an impact on the development of our countries future.
Extra-curricular activities: Freshman Football, Track and Field
Andrew Gomez
Education and Certifications:Texas A&M Univ. (College Station)
Teaching Experience: 28 years
Subjects and Grade Levels: High School Life Skills
Why a Teacher?:I became a teacher to help guide students to academic inquiry and help them set and attain positive life goals.
Extra-curricular activities: SHS Wrestling Lindsey Heise
Education and Certifications: Texas A&M University, Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science & Lamar University, Masters of Education in School Counseling
Teaching Experience: 6 years, starting 7th
Subjects and Grade Levels: High School Counselor, M-Z
Why a Teacher?: I wanted to give back to the industry that poured so much into my life and education. I taught agricultural education and was an FFA advisor for six years and felt I was able to give back. I am excited for my new adventure in School Counseling and truly believe I will be able to give back at a truly deeper level.
Extra-curricular activities: NA
Joe Lepsis
Education and Certifications: Physical Education and Health
Teaching Experience: 27 years
Subjects and Grade Levels: PE High School
Why a Teacher?: I love being a coach and educator because you have a chance everyday to make a positive impact on the people who will represent the future of this great country!
Extra-curricular activities: Football, Powelifting
Micaela Richardson
Education and Certifications: Associates in Education, currently pursuing Bachelors at Texas Tech University in Waco
Teaching Experience: First year teacher
Subjects and Grade Levels: HS Credit Recovery
Why a Teacher? I became a teacher when I saw the positive impact a teacher can have on their students. After many years of tutoring I realized how passionate I am when it comes to being a mentor and educator.
Extra-curricular activities N/A
Colleen Tucker
Education and Certifications:BA in History from UT Arlington, Masters in History from Texas A&M Central Texas
Teaching Experience: My first year of teaching was in Waco ISD at the middle school level, while my last seven years I taught English and history at the middle schools level.
Subjects and Grade Levels:AP World History, AP US History, AP Government and Economics
Why a Teacher?:I believe that through history and literature, one can understand themselves, others, and the way the world functions. I always loved school, and I believe now more than ever, there need to be individuals that advocate for knowledge, instill a love of learning, and encourage the youth of our state to know history. I became a teacher because I find it necessary.
Extra-curricular activities:I will be teaching UIL Social Studies
Support Staff
April Wright
Education and Certifications:Food Service License
Experience: 5 -6 years
Duties: Child Nutrition
I enjoy serving students. I look forward to the excitement in the cafeteria line because we are helping kids and serving food they want.