Fourth Grade
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Dena Smith
Dena Smith received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Louisiana State University in 2010. She has taught 4th grade in Caddo Parish since 2011. Mrs. Smith is an ELA Content Leader, prior teacher of the year, and also serves on the Caddo Parish district task force which concentrates on planning curriculums. Mrs. Smith is married to Nathan Smith and they have two young children, Cooper and Camille. In her free time, Mrs. Smith enjoys playing with her babies, exercising, and baking.
Dena Smith received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Louisiana State University in 2010. She has taught 4th grade in Caddo Parish since 2011. Mrs. Smith is an ELA Content Leader, prior teacher of the year, and also serves on the Caddo Parish district task force which concentrates on planning curriculums. Mrs. Smith is married to Nathan Smith and they have two young children, Cooper and Camille. In her free time, Mrs. Smith enjoys playing with her babies, exercising, and baking.
Kelly Free
Kelly holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from LSUS and a Master's Degree in Teaching from Louisiana Tech. After working in the business industry for several years, she sought a more rewarding career in education. She discovered a love for teaching and its rewards when she began subbing at South Highlands while her daughter was attending SHM. She began her teaching career in Caddo Parish in 2014 and moved to South Highlands in 2015. She married Keith Free in 2002 and they have a daughter, Sydney. Kelly enjoys reading, camping, and hiking with her family.
Kelly holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from LSUS and a Master's Degree in Teaching from Louisiana Tech. After working in the business industry for several years, she sought a more rewarding career in education. She discovered a love for teaching and its rewards when she began subbing at South Highlands while her daughter was attending SHM. She began her teaching career in Caddo Parish in 2014 and moved to South Highlands in 2015. She married Keith Free in 2002 and they have a daughter, Sydney. Kelly enjoys reading, camping, and hiking with her family.
Melissa Shaw - National Board Certified
Melissa Shaw graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from Louisiana State University in Shreveport in 2000 and a Masters Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Centenary College in 2005. She was awarded her National Board Certification in Early Childhood from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) in November of 2006. Mrs. Shaw has earned her Masters +30 Graduate Hours which focused on reading instruction and incorporating technology into the classroom. Mrs. Shaw is an active member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international organization of women educators dedicated to educational excellence. Mrs. Shaw likes to write grants! She has been the recipient of grants totally $3250 from the Alliance of Education. These grants targeted reading, classroom technology, phonics/gender bias, and home/community involvement. Mrs. Shaw and her husband, John, have three children. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, gardening, and traveling.
Melissa Shaw graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from Louisiana State University in Shreveport in 2000 and a Masters Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Centenary College in 2005. She was awarded her National Board Certification in Early Childhood from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) in November of 2006. Mrs. Shaw has earned her Masters +30 Graduate Hours which focused on reading instruction and incorporating technology into the classroom. Mrs. Shaw is an active member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international organization of women educators dedicated to educational excellence. Mrs. Shaw likes to write grants! She has been the recipient of grants totally $3250 from the Alliance of Education. These grants targeted reading, classroom technology, phonics/gender bias, and home/community involvement. Mrs. Shaw and her husband, John, have three children. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, gardening, and traveling.
Vicki Lawrence - Gateway ELA & Reading - National Board Certified
Vicki Lawrence graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from Louisiana State University in 1988. She earned her Masters of Education and Mid-Management/Principal Certificate from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1993. In 2005, Vicki completed certification in gifted education through Northwestern State University and Centenary College. She earned her +30 hours in Administration and Supervision in 2009, and also received her National Board Certification in Literacy: Reading-Language Arts. Teaching since 1988, Vicki has taught Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 4th grades in Texas and Louisiana school districts. In the school year 2006-2007, she was named South Highlands Teacher of the Year. Vicki is a Student Council co-sponsor, and enjoys teaching gifted children in the fourth grade. She has been married to her husband, Douglas, since 1990. Their two children, Noah and Ashton, attend Texas A&M University. In her free time, Vicki enjoys reading, writing stories, and visiting her children in College Station, Texas.
Vicki Lawrence graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from Louisiana State University in 1988. She earned her Masters of Education and Mid-Management/Principal Certificate from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1993. In 2005, Vicki completed certification in gifted education through Northwestern State University and Centenary College. She earned her +30 hours in Administration and Supervision in 2009, and also received her National Board Certification in Literacy: Reading-Language Arts. Teaching since 1988, Vicki has taught Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 4th grades in Texas and Louisiana school districts. In the school year 2006-2007, she was named South Highlands Teacher of the Year. Vicki is a Student Council co-sponsor, and enjoys teaching gifted children in the fourth grade. She has been married to her husband, Douglas, since 1990. Their two children, Noah and Ashton, attend Texas A&M University. In her free time, Vicki enjoys reading, writing stories, and visiting her children in College Station, Texas.