Instructional Staff
Language Arts
|
Michelle Carton |
M: Making sure all students have opportunities to believe in themselves C: CORE is what I strive for, in AND out of school, as I feel respect opens a path for If I reach one person, I have done what I set out to do. If I reach two, then I am on a roll to changing the world. I look forward to shipmates on this journey. Shall we? |
|
Jenna Counts |
Jenna Counts received her Bachelor's Degree in English in 1991, taught in rural Alaska 16 years, and joined the HTH team last year. She has participated in the Quality Schools Model workshops, symposiums, and institutes offered by ASDN and RISC. While teaching in Koyuk, she had the opportunity to learn from the 6-trait masters: Vicki Spandel and Ruth Culhum. It was after her introduction to the traits that writing became a passion. Thrilled to have an objective way to score papers and a vocabulary to use in writing conversations, the love affair continued. In 2002 she became the writing facilitator for the Bering Strait School District traveling to villages working with k-12 teachers on how to assess writing, teach students the traits, conference young writers, and use writing as a tool to learn content. She has continued to further her language arts knowledge through ongoing studies with Bread Loaf School of English. |
|
Erik Johnson |
Bio Coming soon. |
Mathematics
|
Diana Burbank |
Bio coming soon. |
|
Todd Burningham |
Hi, my name Is Todd Burningham and I am a new teacher at Highland this year. I am a transplant from Michigan. I have been teaching for 6 years in secondary special education. I completed my Bachelors Degree from Central Michigan University, and am currently working on a Masters Degree in Educational Technology from Michigan State University. |
|
Meghan Mahoney |
Raised in Alaska, it is my honor to dive into my third year teaching math and science in this fascinating state. This is my first year at Highland Tech. My undergraduate degree is in mathematics from the University of Alaska Anchorage and my graduate degree is in teaching mathematics, also from UAA. When I'm not at school, I can be found at the Alaska Rock Gym rock climbing, at home quilting, in the Chugach or Kenai Mountains hiking, rafting on a local creek or river and fishing where the fish might be found. |
Science
|
Lori Gillam |
Hi, I'm Lori Gillam and with the exception of going to college, have lived within a radius of 7 miles of HTH for my whole life! This is the 18th year in secondary education, having taught at Steller, Central Middle School, worked in science curriculum and instruction, and as a teacher mentor with the State-wide Teacher Mentor project. I've earned a BS in biology from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. My masters degree is in geosciences through Mississippi State (Go Bulldogs!). I am a NASA educator astronaut teacher, and enjoy any opportunity to meld NASA and space research into my classroom. This year I am particularly excited to be able to help students deepen their understanding of mathematics as it relates to the world around them - through contextual applications. I'm really excited to work in such a dynamic learning environment. |
|
Ayme Johnson |
Although Ayme claims to be found in room 38, her hope is to provide as much learning outside of the room this year as possible. Ayme strongly believes that providing students with contextual learning experiences more effectively meets the academic needs of all students. Contextual learning also develops character, builds community, supports academics and emphasizes accountability. Through standards-based design and the support of amazing administrators and teachers, she has been given the tools and opportunities for growth that most teachers could only dream of. Her students are inspiring and talented. Ayme feels very, very lucky to be teaching at such a quality school. |
|
Darren Kellerby |
Mr. Kellerby hails from Grand Junction, CO where he attended Mesa State College (now known as Colorado Mesa University). After a stint in Chicago, the only natural course of action was to move to the bush of Alaska. He spent two years coaching and teaching in the village of Napakiak, AK before moving to Anchorage to teach at Highland Tech in 2009. In 2011, he finished his masters degree in Science Education from the amazing MSSE program at Montana State University. Mr. Kellerby is honored to be working with such dedicated staff, parents, and students! "A little nonsense now and then, is cherished by the wisest men." - Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator |
Social Environments
|
Nicole Crosby |
I was born and raised in Northeast Oregon and attended college at the University of Idaho. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education and have been substituting throughout the Anchorage School District. This is my first year at Highland Tech and I am teaching Social Environments level 3, Technology levels 1-3 and Media Literacy, in addition to advisory. I look forward to an exciting and successful year here at Highland! |
|
Adam Robinson |
Mr. Robinson is very excited to be teaching at Highland. Highland is an amazing blend of diversity, rigor and self-directedness that fits his teaching philosophy very well. Mr. Robinson has become very popular among the students of Highland. |
|
Michael Welge |
Bio coming soon. |
