While students were away from campus, many faculty & staff received accolades, earned achievements, and accomplished professional and personal milestones.
By Sierra Smith, Communications Specialist
Eighth Grade Math Teacher Joel Bezaire was a featured mathematics instructor at Texas Christian University’s Institute for Teaching Excellence. Bezaire was part of a presenting team focused on leading other educators through a three-day in-person workshop exploring pedagogical strategies for nurturing math skills and inspiring students to move beyond answer-getting to mathematical thinking.
Assistant Director of Admissions Scott Collins earned a Doctorate of Education from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College in May with a concentration in K-12 educational leadership and policy. Collins’ capstone defense explored the sustainability of small independent schools, and his findings were
shared by the National Association of Independent Schools on August 17. Collins also joined the alumni association board of directors for his alma mater, Wofford College.
Assistant Head of High School for Academic Affairs Jeff Edmonds was appointed to the Malone Schools Online Network Steering Committee making him the committee's only member who is not an acting head of school. The committee upholds MSON's mission, ensuring the programs health and welfare currently and in the future as well as supporting the Executive Director.
Coach & PE Teacher Mike Gimblette graduated from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College with a Master of Education degree in Independent School Leadership. The program of study equipped Gimblette with newly-strengthened skills and tools to create an even greater impact within the halls of 2000 Edgehill.
Annual Fund Director Claudia Huskey joined the advisory board of The Women’s Fund for The Community Foundation. The Women’s Fund is dedicated to funding long-term solutions to transform the lives of women and girls in Middle Tennessee through grants supporting economic self-sufficiency, prevention of violence against women and girls, promotion of health, well-being, and talent among women and girls, and more.
High School Dean of Student Life Justin Karpinos won SwimRun Knox, an open water swim and trail running race, in June. The race covered nearly 8.5 miles on foot and 1.5 miles of swimming.
Middle School & High School Art Teacher Andy King was the Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville Artist of the Week featured on the Nashville Sign at the intersection of Broadway, West End, and 16th Avenue the week of July 11.
Modfellows Art Gallery is featuring King in a solo show of his recent work now through August 27 also.
Middle School & High School Technical Theater Teacher Jim Manning took center stage, rather than his usual place behind the booth, in Darkhorse Theatre’s production of “That Woman - The Dance Show.” A two-show production featuring a monologue show and dance show presented in tandem, the production explored the stories of women who were involved or rumored to be involved with U.S. President John F. Kennedy. Manning danced the roles of Joseph Kennedy and J. Edgar Hoover.
Middle School & High School Librarian Kate Pritchard was elected the at-large representative for school libraries for the Tennessee Library Association Executive Board. Additionally, Pritchard launched a podcast about young adult books along with two other local librarians. You can listen to Pritchard’s podcast “Always YA” on
Spotify or
Apple now.
Chief Financial Officer Teresa Standard, who serves on the board for Small World Yoga, received her certification to teach yoga after undergoing 200 hours of training. Now she aims to offer faculty & staff opportunities to take yoga class on campus at no cost.
Communications Director Juanita Traughber was a finalist in the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce’s and YP Nashville’s Nashville Emerging Leader Awards public relations category. NELA recognizes Middle Tennessee’s young professionals under the age of 40 for significant accomplishments in their chosen career field, as well as their commitment and contribution to the community.
Head of High School Quinton Walker joined the founding board of inclusion tennessee as the organization’s secretary. The organization was formed following the release of the 2019 Nashville Pride LGBTQ+ Community Visioning Project and aims to connect people, opportunities, and resources to enrich and enhance the lives of the multi-faceted LGBTQ+ community in Nashville.