About
Teachers are welcomed and encouraged to participate in our PledgeCents campaign to give back to the district classrooms. We would like to hear from our teachers and the needs of their classroom. Complete the PledgeCents application and let us know what you may need to enhance the learning experience for our Jefferson City Public School District students.
Amy Ambrose
Kindergarten Teacher
I am a kindergarten teacher to 20 of the best kids around! Some of my students have never attended a school environment before, so this is their 1st time! I have taught kindergarten for 11 years in a public school setting. I have also taught for Head Start program for 2 years. I love helping the younger children develop a passion for learning!
Holly Nunn
Test
Test
Jordan Hart
High School Speech & Debate
I currently serve as the Speech and Debate teacher at Jefferson City High School. This is my third year with the District, but my sixth total year teaching. I am honored to get the opportunity to work with such smart students in our school. It is always great to see students grow in their self-confidence and in their abilities to confidently communicate an idea that matters to them.
Laura Howard
5th Grade Teacher
I am a fifth grade teacher at Moreau Heights Elementary in Jefferson City, MO. I am dedicated to providing students with engaging, challenging material to further their knowledge and education on the world around them.
Mitchell Werdehausen
High School Industrial Tech
Teacher for 6 years Graduated from Jefferson City in 2002
Karen Nickelson
8th Grade Science
I am a second year Science teacher at Thomas Jefferson Middle School. I spent 8 years in the biomedical field at MU and I am now bringing those experiences to the classroom.
Michelle Gregg
9th Grade Special Education Teacher
I am a 2004 Graduate of Jefferson City Public Schools, I went on to the University of Central Missouri getting my Bachelor's in Biology for Education, I then went on to get my Master's in Education Administration from William Woods University and then on to get my Special Education Administration. I am a certified teacher in 5-9 mathematics, 9-12 biology, and k-12 special education, I am a certified Administrator and Special education Administrator. I have been with the district for 8 years now. Currently I am a special education teacher at Simonsen 9th Grade Center in Jefferson City Missouri. I teach a special subject contained biology class and currently have self provided lab equipment and tools only that I have available to use in my classroom.
Karri Gourley
5th grade teacher
I have been teaching fifth grade at North Elementary for twenty-three years. I have four children of my own at home that also keep us very busy with their active lifestyles. I find it very important to expose my students to a variety of different experiences, learning styles, and activities. I love to incorporate technology and hands on lessons each day.
Paula Hotz
Pre-K
I am a title 1 teacher at SWECC. I have 15 three and four year olds who are considered at risk because they are at the poverty level.
Gina Hankins
5th Grade Teacher
I am happily married for over 20 years and a mother of 3 sons; my oldest is attending college in Arkansas, my middle is a 10th grader at JCHS, and my youngest is a Patriot at TJMS. This is my 3rd year teaching 5th grade at Clarence Lawson Elementary, which I absolutely love, love, love. Teaching is a second career for me. After working in the field of computer technology for the State of Missouri for nearly 15 years, I graduated with an additional Bachelor's degree in Education from UMC in May, 2014. I believe education provides such a unique opportunity for young people to experience and connect with the world around them. Everyday, I hope to inspire and challenge learners to reach their highest potential at school, at home, and in our community. This is my true passion and reasoning for pursuing a "second life" in the noble service of teaching.
Haylee Rethman
7th grade Language Arts Teacher
I am a 7th grade Language Arts teacher at Lewis and Clark Middle School. I love reading, writing, learning, growing, and teaching.
Lisa Dierking
Social Worker
I am the social worker at the amazing Southwest Early Childhood Center where we have 6 programs including Title I preschool (all families receive free lunch and have an educational need), Early Childhood Special Education, Parents as Teachers, Early Head Start for teen parents, EER, and SPED kindergarten.
Jessica Deschu
Preschool
I teach at a Title I Preschool. All students who attend our Preschool qualify for free lunch. Many of our students come from single parent homes, who have a parent who has not graduated high school or may be incarcerated. We work very hard at our school to create a safe and nurturing school family.
Malissa Pistel
5th grade teacher
I teach fifth grade at Callaway Hills Elementary School! I love teaching, and strive to build a community of life-long learners. I'm passionate about reading and love to integrate technology in to everything we do! Technology-rich lessons, with a real-world connection, is crucial for engagement and success! Each student's academic, social, and emotional growth is at the heart of everything I do! Teaching and learning are my passions and my students are the best part!
debbie cornell
11-12 grade teacher
I am a teacher at the Jefferson City Academic Center and have been employed with JCPS for 16 years. I enjoy what I do and my hope is that I able to give students new experiences.
Ashley McCollum
K-5 Physical Education Teacher
I am a second year physical education and health teacher at Pioneer Trail Elementary School. I teach kindergarten through 5th grades. Last year, I implemented an adapted physical education program for students who need additional help with motor movements. I have seen benefits and improvements from the students involved in this program. Though I am certified to teach kindergarten through twelfth grades, I have found that I really enjoy teaching at the elementary level. Teaching and working with children has always been my passion. I love watching my students learn and grow. Seeing a struggling student, who finally understands, is the most rewarding experience. While my mission and goal is to teach them, my students always seem to teach me.
Emily Rogers
8th grade Language Arts
As an 8th grade language arts teacher at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, it is my duty and privilege to provide relevant opportunities for my students to improve their literacy skills.
Danielle Madsen
9th Grade Math Teacher
Simonsen Math Teacher
LaDonne Hull
Speech Language Therapist
I am a speech/language therapist working in the public schools. I serve a wide variety of students with differing needs and challenges. Getting new resources for therapy is exciting to my students and myself.
Jackie Johnson
Science teacher
I teach Biology and Medical Interventions. I graduated from JCHS, and know that an older school has limitations. I can't change my facility, but small enhancements can make a big difference.
Samantha Cassmeyer
Middle School Counselor
School counselor working with middle school students on academic, social-emotional, and career development
Nicole Jenkins
Kindergarten Teacher
Kindergarten Teacher at North Elementary in Holts Summit, MO
