As we prepare for the fall, we'll also be welcoming new colleagues into the Bright School community. Retirements, marriages, babies, and spouse transfers--all of those life events that involve big changes--have meant that our community will be changing as well. We welcome eight new classroom teachers and three assistants.
JPK: Jenna Leckenby has spent the last six years as a co-teacher in the 4 and 5 year old classroom at Highland Plaza United Methodist Preschool. She earned her bachelor’s degree and her educational specialist degree (EdS) from UTC. She is replacing Cathy Hicks, who is retiring.
Kindergarten: Sonal Patel has been an elementary school teacher for 14 years, last teaching reading and literacy for grades K-5 at DuPont Elementary School in Chattanooga. She has taught kindergarten for nine years and has experience as a literacy specialist and coach. She earned her bachelor’s degree at UTC and her master’s at Tennessee Tech. She is replacing Delaney Driver, who filled in for Mary Bosshardt during maternity leave.
First Grade: Susanna Fricks recently moved to Chattanooga from South Carolina, where she taught first grade for four years, most recently at Philip Simmons Elementary STEAM School in Moncks Corner, S.C. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Tennessee Tech and her master’s degree from Clemson University. She is replacing LeAnne Sharpe, who is leaving to devote more time to her family.
Second Grade: Margaret White, also moving from South Carolina, has taught in elementary schools for six years, most recently at Porter-Gaud School in Charleston, S.C. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and her master’s degree from The Citadel. She is replacing Emily Satterfield, who is getting married and moving out of town.
Third Grade: Scarlet Hardy has been teaching second grade at Apison Elementary School since 2012. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She is replacing Kendra Reasor, who is the new Assistant Head for Curriculum and Instruction.
Third Grade: Maggie McGuire has been teaching kindergarten at St. Jude School since 2016 and taught in the Extended School Program and summer camp at St. Nicholas School prior to that. She earned her bachelor’s degree at UTC and her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, reading specialist for PK-12 at Carson Newman University. She is replacing Allie Hyer, who is moving to fifth grade.
Fourth Grade Writing: Amanda Dickson, a teacher for 13 years, recently moved to Chattanooga from Florida. She taught fourth grade at Calvin Donaldson Elementary last year, and prior to that was a media specialist for grades K-5 and taught a fourth grade enrichment class at Cheney Elementary School in Orlando. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida. Mrs. Dickson is replacing Allison Sakich, who is leaving to be a stay-at-home mom to her two children.
Fourth Grade Reading: Kristen Von Glahn has 10 years of experience and most recently was the Lead ESOL teacher at East Lake Academy. She earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Miami and her master’s degree at UTC. Mrs. Von Glahn is replacing Farrah Barto, who is leaving to be a stay-at-home mom to her two children.
Assistants
Hannah Bradford (with Jenna Leckenby in JPK) worked as a Bright Afternoons counselor last year and is a current UTC student.
Abigail Ballard (with Jill Johnson in PK) was an assistant teacher at Signal Centers last year and earned her bachelor’s degree from UTC.
Emily Taylor (with Jasmine Mathews in PK), earned her bachelor's degree from the University of West Georgia and worked with Bright Care this summer.
Moves
Jasmine Mathews from Kindergarten to PK
Katie Shirley from PK to Kindergarte
Allie Hyer from Third Grade to Fifth Grade Reading
Mady Ashe from JPK Assistant to Kindergarten Assistant
Pictured above are:
top row, left to right, Scarlet Hardy, Kristen Von Glahn, Sonal Patel and Amanda Dickson.
seated, left to right: Maggie McGuire, Susanna Fricks, Margaret White and Jenna Leckenby.
