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Mykeshia Bell is excited to serve on the curriculum team as a Secondary ELA Instructional Coach. Ms. Bell received both her B.S. and M.S. degrees from Alcorn State University. She has served as a secondary educator for the past sixteen years. Moreover, she believes that to teach a child effectively, one must teach the whole child. In the words of Maya Angelou, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Consequently, she believes that if a teacher is a child’s ‘breath of fresh air,’ that child will work to his or her fullest potential and be proficient in whatever tasks he or she undertakes. #EXCITEDTOEDUCATE
Penny Bethany is honored to currently serve the VWSD as a member of the Curriculum and Instruction team as District K-3 Literacy Coach and Dyslexia Coordinator. For the past 16 years, Mrs. Bethany has served as an elementary educator in General Education and Special Education. In addition, she has served the VWSD as the District Dyslexia Coordinator and District Special Education Literacy Specialist. Mrs. Bethany received her Bachelor of Business Administration from Belhaven University, her Master of Science in Elementary Education from Alcorn State University, and her Master of Education in Dyslexia Therapy from Mississippi College. Mrs. Bethany firmly believes in the words of Dr. Louisa Moats, “The most fundamental responsibility of schools is teaching students to read. Because reading affects all other academic achievement and is associated with social, emotional, economic, and physical health, it has been the most researched aspect of human cognition.” Literacy for ALL!
Virginia Campbell currently serves as a District Instructional Coach serving Bowmar Avenue Elementary. This school year marks 24 years of educating children in Vicksburg in both public and private settings. She has served on the elementary level as a classroom as well as a resource teacher. She has a B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Mississippi and a M. Ed. from Mississippi College. She believes the more you learn, the more you want to learn.
Stormy Dupre a Vicksburg native, pursued her education through the Vicksburg Warren School District and later at Alcorn State University, where she earned her B.S. in Child Development. Her passion for the well-being and education of young children led her to become a staunch advocate in this field. Stormy's dedication to nurturing young minds has been unwavering, and she is determined to make a positive impact on their lives.
Kurtrina Earls is an Instructional Coach for the Vicksburg Warren School District. This is her sixth year in education. Her academic portfolio includes a B.S. from Alcorn State University, a M. Ed from Jackson State University, and an Ed.S from Delta State University. She believes strongly in Malcolm X’s words when he states, “Education is the Passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
Kenya L. Horn enters her 25th year as an educator serving as the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology Integration for the VWSD. She began her career as a science teacher and served as a professional school counselor for ten years. Her years of work as a leader has focused on school improvement in the areas of turnaround leadership, instructional transformation, and making cultural shifts in schools and districts across the state. Ms. Horn brings a wealth of experience, having served as the Director of Federal Programs, Counseling, College, & Career Readiness Coordinator, Student Services Coordinator, District Test Coordinator, and Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction. She earned a B.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of Southern Mississippi, a M.Ed. in Secondary Education and School Counseling from William Carey University, and an Ed.S. in Educational Administration from Jackson State University. “Teaching and learning takes place every day in all facets of life and goes far beyond the written curriculum. As educators, it is our responsibility to not only teach the standards but ensure that we educate students on how to acquire knowledge, connect experiences, and create new opportunities for growth and success.”
Dr. La’Tonya Jackson currently serves as a District Instructional Coach with the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in the Vicksburg Warren School District. Dr. Jackson’s academic portfolio consists of a BBA, MBA, and MAT from Jackson State University, an Ed.S. in Educational Administration and Supervision from Delta State University, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. This school year marks her 19th year in the educational arena. Dr. Jackson has taught fifth and sixth grade. She worked as an Interventionist, Lead Teacher, Academic Coach, and School Test Coordinator in her previous school district, where she taught for fifteen years. Dr. Jackson comes from a long line of educators and believes all students can achieve if given a genuine opportunity.
Veronica Jefferies has worked as a District Instructional Coach since 2017. She has also worked as a math and science teacher in the district as well as a math and science teacher for Jackson Public and Madison Parish School Districts. With 20 years of experience as an educator, Veronica brings a wealth of knowledge in the areas of math and science instruction, lesson planning, student engagement, data analysis, and best practices to ensure teacher success and student growth. As an instructional coach, Veronica is tasked with providing instructional support to the administrators and teachers of the Vicksburg Warren School District. Her academic portfolio includes a B.S. in Biology/Health Science and a M.Ed in Elementary Education from Alcorn State University. She also has an Ed.S in educational leadership, which she obtained from William Carey University in May 2020. Veronica truly believes that all children can learn if they are given an equal opportunity to do so.
Camella Johnson serves as the District Science Instructional Coach. Over the course of her career, she has served as a research associate at UMMC School of Medicine for ten years, an administrator and a teacher. Classroom teaching experience includes over 25 years in middle and high school. Camella has served as a science coach/mentor teacher, workshop facilitator/trainer, and a host of other responsibilities, which included being selected to serve on the MDE Science Framework committee. Her education portfolio includes an AAA license in Curriculum and Instruction and a Master's in Education Leadership from MS College. Certificates include Millsaps Summer Leadership Institute and SEE Learning Certificate from Emory University.
Sherry Louisville currently serves as a District Instructional Coach with the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in the Vicksburg Warren School District. This school year marks her 17th year in education but her 2nd year with VWSD. Mrs. Louisville has successfully taught all subject areas in fourth and fifth grades within the Jackson Public School District and Hinds County School District. She has spent most of her time educating ELA and Math 5th-grade students. Her academic portfolio includes a BS in Accounting from Jackson State University, a Master of Art in Teaching from Mississippi College and a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. Sherry truly believes in Aristotle’s quote: “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”
LaToya Lott currently serves as a District Instructional Coach. This year commences her 21st year of experience in education and service in the Vicksburg Warren School District. She has held positions throughout her career, such as being a resource, math, science, and social studies teacher. Her professional degrees include a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, a Master of Art in Teaching, and an Education Specialist in Educational Leadership. “I believe that education is all about being excited about something,” by Steve Irwin.
Jennifer McCaa currently serves as the Gifted and Special Programs Coordinator. She has worked as a second-grade teacher and GATES teacher in the district. This is her 26th year serving the Vicksburg Warren School District. She has a B.S. degree in Elementary Education from Mississippi College and a M.Ed in Elementary Education from Alcorn State University. As the Gifted Coordinator, Jennifer works with GATES teachers to provide support and build capacity. One of her favorite quotes is by Albert Einstein, “Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.”
Dr. Regina Bell O’Leary is a nineteenth-year career educator. Her career includes teaching Math, Science, and Social Studies to fifth-grade students for eight years and to sixth-grade students for two years. Not only has she taught Biology I, AP Biology, Chemistry, AP Chemistry, and Principles of Biology and General Biology (dual credit courses) to students in grades 9-12, but she also served as Lead Teacher for Vicksburg High School. Currently, she serves as the Curriculum Coach for New Teachers and oversees Professional Development for the District. Moreover, her academic portfolio includes a B.S. in Biology and a M.S. in Biology from Alcorn State University, and an Ed.D. from Walden University. Summarily, her sustaining belief is that all people can learn when provided the necessary tools.
April S. Ross currently serves as Pre-K-2 Coordinator for Vicksburg Warren School District. Her academic portfolio includes a B.S. in Elementary Education and a Master of Education from Alcorn State University, along with an endorsement in Early Childhood Education. She has passionately motivated and inspired students academically and socially for 26 years. She believes every child can learn with the guidance of a loving, caring, and compassionate teacher.
Dr. Kory Thigpen is a 17-year educator. Dr. Thigpen has served as a teacher, coach, and administrator. In the 2018-2019 school year, he served as a member of the MS Teachers Council. Dr. Thigpen has taught Social Studies in Jr. High and High School. Dr. Thigpen earned a B.S. degree in Human Performance from the University of Southern MS, M.Ed. in Secondary Education, Ed.S. and Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from William Carey University. Dr. Thigpen believes in the importance of quality instruction and its benefits on student achievement.
Tasha Thompson is the Middle School Math District Instructional Coach with the Vicksburg Warren School District. She graduated from Alcorn State University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science / Applied Mathematics(1994) and a Master of Arts in Teaching (2005). In 2013, she graduated from Mississippi College with an Educational Specialist degree in Leadership with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction. The 2023-2024 school year marks her 21st year in education, where she has been a math teacher and lead teacher. Her philosophy of education is that all kids can learn, just not in the same way.
Charity Towne serves as a District Instructional Coach for the Vicksburg Warren School District. She is a 2006 graduate of Mississippi State University, where she earned her B.S. in Elementary Education, and a 2017 graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, where she earned her M.Ed. with an emphasis on Gifted Education. Mrs. Towne has fourteen years of experience teaching third and fourth grade. She has experience teaching at the Gifted Institute of Summer Learning at the University of Southern Mississippi and has served as a mentor for numerous new teacher candidates. She believes that by building positive relationships, educators have the opportunity to change the lives of children.
Dr. MaKeba Turner currently serves as a District Instructional Coach with the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in the Vicksburg Warren School District. Dr. Turner is a graduate of Alcorn State University. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Business Management and a Master of Science in Secondary Education with a concentration in School Counseling. Dr. Turner received her Specialist Degree from Alcorn State University in Elementary Education. She later furthered her education at Jackson State University, earning a Doctor of Philosophy in Education Administration and Supervision. Dr. Turner is also a licensed administrator. During her tenure as a twenty-year educator, she has worked with students in the grade levels of fourth through twelfth grade. Dr. Turner is very passionate about education. Dr. Turner truly believes in Martinek’s quote: “Children don’t hate math. What they hate is being confused, intimidated, and embarrassed by math. With understanding comes passion, and with passion comes growth; a treasure is unlocked.”
Jonneka Washington has been a dedicated educator for the past eighteen years. She has been privileged to work with students and teachers in various educational settings. Mrs. Washington pursued many outlets to develop her skills as an educator through various school-based teaching and learning opportunities. She has received several awards for fostering academic excellence and leadership throughout her career, including a two-time Teacher of the Year recipient. She earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from Jackson State University and M. Ed. in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. Mrs. Washington’s professional passion is collaborating with teachers and students to establish authentic learning experiences.
Angel White currently serves as a District Instructional Coach. This is her fifteenth year in education. Miss White has previously taught second, third, and fourth grade. She also spent two years as a middle school interventionist. She received her B.S. and M.S. degrees in Elementary Education from Alcorn State University and her Specialist degree from Mississippi College in Educational Leadership. Her personal belief is, “ Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” - John Dewey
Shajuan Wilson has served the Vicksburg Warren School District for 20 years as an educator. She currently works as a District Instructional Coach specializing in English Language Arts. She has taught grades 4th, 5th, and 6th ELA and Math throughout her educational career. Mrs. Wilson holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Elementary Education, both from Alcorn State University. She also has an Ed.S degree in Educational Leadership from William Carey University. Mrs. Wilson believes, "If a child cannot learn the way we teach, then maybe we should teach the way that they learn.”
Stephanie Wilson serves as the District Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Coordinator. With 20 years of experience, she has served as a second-grade teacher, building-level instructional coach, TST coordinator, and counselor. One of her favorite quotes is by W. Edwards Deming, “In God we trust. All others must bring data.” Mrs. Wilson holds an AAA license in the areas of Kindergarten - 4th, Elementary Education (4th - 6th), and Guidance Counseling (K-12th) with a B.S. degree in Elementary Education, a M.Ed. in School Counseling, and an Ed.S. in Counseling all from Mississippi College.