Faculty and Staff- 2010-2011 School Year
Ms. Kristine Bennett, Assistant Principal - Ms. Bennett, a Florida native, earned her Educational Leadership Degree from the University of South Florida. In addition to her current position as administrator for Terrace Community, Ms. Bennett served seven years as a middle school classroom teacher, grade level house leader, and lead teacher at TCMS. Ms. Bennett earned a BA in Secondary English Education from the University of South Florida (Go Bulls!) and has earned ESOL, Gifted, and Middle Grades Math certification. As a Sixth grade Math League coach, Ms. Bennett led the TCMS team to first place in Hillsborough County. With over eleven years of experience in the field of education, Ms. Bennett continues to pursue excellence in education by attending conferences, trainings, and by participating in professional organizations such as Phi Delta Kappa International. Ms. Bennett has been with TCMS since 2002.
Mr. Brian Bethune, Grade Level Administrator, 6th Grade - Mr. Bethune has been a part of the TCMS family since August of 2002. Since graduating from the University of South Florida, he has taught in Hillsborough County public traditional schools and TCMS, a public charter school, as well as in a private school. Mr. Bethune has earned a B.S. in Physical Education and is certified by the state of Florida to teach kindergarten through twelfth grade. Mr. Bethune has many accomplishments including winning Hillsborough County’s Teacher of the Year award.
Ms. Yvonne Brown, Teacher Assistant (Music/Chorus) -
Mr. Rixie Burroughs, 7th Grade Social Studies - Mr. Burroughs was born in Tampa and graduated from King High School ('77). He earned a B.S. in Christian Education from Toccoa Falls College, and an MS in Elementary Education from Nova Southeastern University. He has three children (his youngest a TCMS graduate), and he taught for sixteen years at the Alliance Academy International in Quito, Ecuador. He loves to write poetry and magazine/newspaper articles and often he can be found in his kitchen baking goodies and treats! This will be his sixth year of teaching at TCMS. He looks forward each year to getting to know each of his individual students and likes to assist with student activities and fun events. He thoroughly enjoys the awesome parent support, his great students, and the overall atmosphere of the TCMS family and community.
Ms. Amy Burton, 6th Grade Social Studies - Ms. Burton teaches 6th grade Ancient History and is in her forth year at TCMS. She holds a BA in Anthropology and Sociology from Florida International University, and a Masters in Social Science Education from the University of South Florida. She is a Tampa native who loves world travel, culture, and outdoor activities.
Mrs. Vivian Canaday, Physical Education -Mrs. Canaday moved from South Florida in 1987 and has been a Tampa resident ever since. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a B.A. degree in Physical Education and is certified to teach K -12 PE and Health Education K-12. She is on her 12th year of teaching at Hillsborough County schools. She has coached both Cross Country and Track in several area middle and high schools. She loves to teach the various ways that fitness can be achieved and is looking forward to starting some family fitness programs this school year. She hopes to instill the same passion on to her students so they can be healthy and happy! She is currently in her 5th year at TCMS.
Mr. Jason Canonaco, 8th Grade Language Arts -After receiving his Master’s degree and teaching in New York for five years, he can honestly say he is glad he decided to make the move from New York to Florida. This will be his third year teaching here at TCMS and in addition to the great weather, Mr. Canonaco feels he has truly become a part of the TCMS community. Mr. Canonaco looks forward to his third year working with the great students and staff that make up this unique learning institution.
Mrs. Rocio Castillo, ESOL Paraprofessional – Mrs.Castillo is originally from Mexico City and moved with her family to Tampa in 1999. She has been married for 22 years and I has a daughter who is a TCMS graduate. She graduated from Universidad Motolinia in Mexico City and is Gifted and ESOL certified. Mrs. Castillo is fluent in Spanish and can speak Italian and some French.
Mrs. Castillo feels that working with ESOL students is a rewarding experience; she sees every day improvement in their skills as well as their grades. She also loves to work with her hands especially if there is creativity involved. Her special interest is art and she enjoys working with recyclable materials. Mrs. Castillo encourages her students to think out of the box and to look at things in through different perspectives. Prior to coming to TCMS, Mrs. Castillo was a volunteer at Clark Elementary for 5 years , working in the media center and coordinating reading/math tutors. She was named Clark’s Volunteer of the Year and was nominated as the SERVE Volunteer of the Year. She was named the Employee of the Year award at TCMS in 2008. The 2010-2011 school year will mark her 7th year at TCMS.
Mr. Steve Conover, 8th Grade Math/Math Subject Area Leader - The 2010-2011 school year will be Mr. Conover’s 9th year at TCMS, and his 18th year teaching overall. He has a Bachelor’s of Arts in Secondary Math Education from the University of South Florida, and holds a Master’s of Science in Math Education from Nova Southeastern University. Mr. Conover holds his students to the highest level of achievement in his math classes, and coaches for multiple math competitions. A cup of coffee in one hand and a Socratic teaching style will make Mr. C’s math class different than any other! One thing Mr. C wants his students to know: He has been known to have the students practice new Body Pump choreography, so watch out!!!
Mr. Chad Cornwell, Music/Chorus/Drama - This is Mr. Cornwell’s second year teaching band, chorus and drama at TCMS. He recently completed his Master of Music in voice performance and pedagogy from the University of Nevada. Mr. Cornwell has been a professional actor, singer, dancer, musician, and director in professional theatre all across the United States for over fifteen years. Outside of music and theater Mr. Cornwell loves extreme sports like mountain biking, snowboarding, hockey (ice and roller), skateboarding and inline skating. He is a big Rays and Lightening fan and is happy to be in a town with two awesome pro teams.
Ms. Christina Dausch, ESE Teacher - This will be Ms. Dausch’s second year at TCMS, but has been with Hillsborough County Schools since 2003. She attended Northern Kentucky University on a tennis scholarship where she graduated with a degree in Elementary Education K-6. Ms. Dausch holds a Florida teaching certificate in Elementary Education K-6 and Exceptional Student Education K-12. She is also ESOL endorsed. In her free time she enjoys playing tennis, running, golf, reading, and traveling.
Mrs. Cecilia Diaz, Spanish/SGA Sponsor - Mrs. Diaz was born in Venezuela, South America, and is fluent in Spanish. She is a graduate of the University of South Florida and received a B.S. in Business Administration. She is a Florida certified Spanish teacher and has obtained her professional teaching certificate through the Department of Education. She also obtained her gifted certification as well as ESOL certification. Mrs. Diaz was selected as TCMS Teacher of the Year for the 08-09 school year. This will be her 7th year as TCMS Spanish Teacher, her 3rd year as Star House Subject Area Leader, 3rd year as Morning Show advisor and her 6th year as Student Government Association (SGA) advisor. She has been a resident of Temple Terrace for the past twenty years, is married, has two boys and is actively involved in the Temple Terrace community.
Mr. Eric Fernandez, 7th Grade Science, Science Subject Area Leader - Mr. Fernandez is native to Tampa and has been a Hillsborough County Science teacher for six years. He is one of Hillsborough County’s 2008 Prism Science Teacher of Excellence Award winners. He is a research zoologist and conservation biologist active in the field for the last 21 years. He is presently in the dissertation phase of his Ph. D through the United Nations Environmental Program’s “Interuniversity Doctorate Programme in Management, Access, and Conservation of Biodiversity”.
Mr. Fernandez has a Bachelors degree in Zoology with a minor in Anthropology, from the University of Florida and a Masters Degree in Conservation, Management and Access to Faunal and Floral Resources from the Unversidad Internacional de Andalucia. He is a long standing member of the Species Survival Commission, Crocodile Specialist Group and has recently been nominated to the Board of Directors of Sustainable Harvest International. He is a PADI Rescue Diver with many years of scuba experience. He loves outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, boating, diving, snorkeling, spelunking, archaeology, paleontology, herpetology, field research, and most anything that will get him filthy and deep into the wilds. Mr. Fernandez has dedicated his life to family, science, research and teaching.
Mrs. Octavia Fletcher 7th Grade Pre-Algebra – Mrs. Fletcher is certified to teach Middle grades Mathematics 5-9 and has received Gifted and ESOL endorsements. She is originally from Saginaw, Michigan and has lived in Florida for 7 years where she taught in the Orange County School District of Orlando and 2 years at TCMS. She is a graduate of Michigan State University with a B.A. in Public Administration and a M.A. in Administrative Sciences from Saginaw Valley State University. She truly enjoys the essence of teaching and has demonstrated her dedication while working for summer and after school programs like the YMCA, Upward Bound Trio, and Bright Steps Tutoring Services. Her hobbies include roller skating and bowling.
Ms. Kim Foster, 8th Grade Language Arts/Language Arts Subject Area Leader – Ms. Foster has been teaching Language Arts at TCMS for 2 years. Originally she is from Long Island, New York and decided a few years back to migrate to a warmer climate. She is a 2004 graduate from Stony Brook University with a Master’s degree in English Education. Through her education, she discovered that her passion for teaching, literature and learning is limitless; therefore, it is with sincere hope that she can help create life learners out of the young minds that cross her path. Ms. Foster recently received her ESOL endorsement. She taught at King High School from 2005-2008 and currently teaches Literature and Writing as part of the adjunct faculty at Hillsborough Community College (HCC). Currently, she lives in Riverview, Florida with family in New York and in California. She has two dogs, two cats. Her hobbies include working out, reading Shakespeare, and completing The New York Times cross-word puzzle.
Mrs. Becky Groothoff, Social Studies/Tutoring - Mrs. Groothoff has been part of the TCMS family since 2003, both as a parent and substitute teacher, so many students know her as “Mrs. G”. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a double major (International Marketing and Japanese), she worked in Tokyo and then moved on to Australia. In Australia, she obtained her Graduate Diploma in Education from New South Wales University. Her areas of expertise are Social Studies, Japanese Language and ESL (English as a Second Language). Mrs. Groothoff and her husband, who is from Germany, enjoy traveling when they get the chance, playing on-line computer games and going to the movies.
Ms. Juliana Hite, 6th Grade Language Arts - This will be Ms. Hite's first year teaching 6th grade Language Arts at TCMS. For the last three years, she has taught 7th grade Language Arts here at TCMS. Prior to teaching here, she taught 8th grade Language Arts at Burns Middle School in Brandon for two years and 7th grade Language Arts for two years at Gray Middle School in Union, KY. She attended Murray State University on a tennis scholarship for three years before returning home to graduate from Northern Kentucky University with a degree in Middle Grades Education- Math/Language Arts. She is currently earning her ESOL certification. In addition to teaching, she was the director of tennis at Triple Crown Country Club in Union, KY prior to moving to Florida and the coach of the Ryle High School Girls' Tennis Team. In her free time she still enjoys playing tennis, running, reading and of course, going to the beach (why else move to Florida?).
Mrs. Cayce Hlavay, Bookkeeper/Administrative Assistant - Mrs. Hlavay was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. She have a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University in radio/tv/film and worked in television audience research for 13 years. Mrs. Hlavay took a career break when she had her two sons (Joey 8th and Chris 7th), both currently at TCMS. Mrs. Hlavay spends most weekend on soccer fields watching them play. Her favorite vacation is going to the beach or hiking in a national park with her husband and kids.
Mr. Gary Hocevar, Chief Education Officer/Principal - Please click here to read Mr. Hocevar's profile.
Mr. Adam Hough, 6th Grade Science - Mr. Hough enters his 12th year of teaching at TCMS. A Florida Certified Teacher, he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Geological Sciences and his M.Ed in Education from Wright State University in Ohio. He is endorsed in Middle Grades Integrated Curriculum, Drama, ESOL and Gifted Education. Mr. Hough has been a member of the TCMS faculty since the fall of 1999, and has previously taught 6th, 7th and 8th grade science as well as Language Arts, Drama and Creative Writing. Among Mr. Hough’s interests are cinema, international travel, and composing music. He has directed TCMS students in the stage productions of "Treasure Island" and "Alice in Wonderland" as well as directed the movie version of Alice in Wonderland. Mr. Hough recently earned his diploma as a GIA Colored Stones Graduate.
Ms. Kathleen Jarosh, 7th Grade Science – Ms. Jarosh teaches 7th grade Biology and is in her third year at TCMS. She is originally from outside of Detroit, Michigan where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Middle Grades Science and Social Studies from Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. After graduation she ventured to Florida to pursue her teaching career as an upper elementary and middle school science teacher in Manatee and Sarasota counties. Along with teaching at TCMS, she tutors elementary and middle school age students within the areas of Reading, Mathematics, and Writing. Kathleen is also continuing her education by taking courses in gifted and technology education. When she is not teaching or tutoring, she enjoys kayaking, fishing, biking, scuba diving, traveling, and spending time with her three dogs.
Ms. Lori Johnson, Physical Education - Ms. Johnson is originally from Ohio and relocated to Tampa several years ago. Before relocating, she taught high school Physical Education and Health for 12 years, as well as coach basketball, volleyball, and track. Ms. Johnson is a graduate of Cleveland State University where she received a Bachelors degree in Education and obtained a Masters degree through Nova Southeastern University. For the past four years she played for the Pittsburgh Passion Women’s Professional Football Team, but decided to hang the cleats up, continue teaching in the Florida sunshine and enjoy the beaches and her family! This will be her second year at TCMS!
Mrs. Cynthia Johnson, Cafe Manager - Mrs. Johnson is a native of Tampa. Prior to coming to TCMS, she had three years of experience managing lunchrooms for private/charter schools. This will be her 3rd year at TCMS.
Mr. Edgar Jones, Maintenance, Health, Safety and Custodial Services
Mrs. Rebecca Kimmitz, Grade Level Administrator, 7th Grade - Mrs. Kimmitz, a Virginia native, relocated to the University of Missouri- Kansas City to earn her degree. This is her fifth year at TCMS, and she is excited to take on her new role as 7th grade Grade Level Administrator, collaborating with parents, students, and faculty. Throughout her years at TCMS, she has taught 6th grade Language Arts and has earned ESOL, Gifted, and Middle Grades English and Math certification. As Battle of the Books Co-Sponsor, Mrs. Kimmitz led the team to first place in Hillsborough County. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her daughter and two dogs. Mrs. Kimmitz is also a former ballroom dance instructor and enjoys swing and Latin dancing.
Ms. Caryl Kloppenburg, LPN, School Nurse - Mrs. Kloppenburg is originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and holds both a Nursing License and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. She is the proud mother of three teenage boys, all graduates of TCMS. This is her fourth year as the TCMS Clinic nurse and she has also worked part time at Life Path Hospice for the last five years.
Mr. Scott LaBaw, Facilities Manager and Athletic Director - Mr. LaBaw began his career serving as a parent volunteer who handled extramural sports for the school. His volunteerism evolved into a full time position and he has been an employee of TCMS for the past five years. Mr. LaBaw has served as a PE instructor/Athletic Director, and is currently the Athletic Director and facilities manager. Mr. LaBaw attended USF from 1974-1979 and has many years experience as a trainer and medical sales.
Mr. Earl Lane, Aftercare Director -
Mrs. Sharon Lane, Business Technology Teacher - Mrs. Sharon Lane is a native Floridian but has lived in Texas and Louisiana for many of her adult years. She earned her Bachelors degree in Business Education from the University of North Florida, and her Masters degree in Adult Education from Nova Southeastern University. Mrs. Lane has many years of experience working with students on the middle school, high school and the collegiate levels. She is married and has 2 grown sons. Mrs. Lane and her husband enjoy traveling, the Florida beaches, sports (especially football) and watching great movies. She is excited and looking forward to many more years of teaching at TCMS!
Brian Levins, Custodial Services
Ms. Meichelle Long, IT/ Media Resource Director- Ms. Long is the Information Technology Director and will also serves as the school's Media Resource Specialist. She earned a B.A. from Taylor University and has Technology certifications such as MarcoPolo Certified Instructor, MOUS Certification and Miami Museum of Science's in Tech Certified Instructor as well as Gifted certified. This is Ms. Long's twelfth year of teaching in Florida and her eighth year at TCMS. She is certified in Middle Grades and has completed her ESOL endorsement. She is also responsible for the management of classroom websites. She researches and publishes in the area of distance learning, utilizing technology in the teaching and learning process, and using technology to support e-Learning and e-Publishing.
Ms. Millie Medilice, Lunchroom Assistant
Ms. Brenda Melendez, Spanish - Ms. Melendez was born in Puerto Rico. She graduated from Interamerican University with a B. A. in Social Science and an M.B.A. in Marketing from University of Phoenix. After a successful career with Pfizer Pharmaceutical, she moved to Florida and decided to become a teacher and is now FTCE Spanish K-12 certified. Her advocacy for Spanish lead her to teach in Pasco County and became Social Director of Pasco Association of World Language Educators 2008. Her students received second place in 2008 Fame Video competition in Pasco County. “A new language makes you go global” Let’s go for it! Ms. Melendez is also a mother of two children.
Mrs. Diane Miller, Art - This will be Mrs. Miller’s third year as the art teacher at TCMS. She previously taught art at the middle school level in Colorado for thirteen years. She also taught ceramics at Otero Junior College in La Junta Colorado part-time for five years. Mrs. Miller received her BA in art education from Adams State College in Alamosa Colorado and an MA in secondary education at the same institution. In her spare time, Mrs. Miller enjoys doing her own art, riding bikes and kayaking with her husband, but what she really loves, is the beautiful Florida weather and even the occasional rain storm. Mrs. Miller loves teaching at TCMS. The faculty is wonderful to work with and the students and parents are AWESOME!
Ms. Beth Murphy, ESE Specialist - This will be Ms. Murphy’s eighth year at TCMS as Exceptional Student Education Specialist, and her 14th year in the field of exceptional education. She received her Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Florida International University in Miami, in addition to receiving her ESOL endorsement. For 6 years she taught elementary learning disabled students in the resource room setting in Hillsborough County. During the 17 years she stayed home to have fun with her now college age children (Go Gators! Go Noles! A happily divided house!), she was actively involved in the classroom as a substitute teacher, continuing to attend district held in-services, and privately tutoring students.
Ms. Pat Murphy, Lunchroom Assistant
Mr. Robert Negron, Physical Education - Mr. Negron was born and raised in Puerto Rico and lived there until graduating from high school. Growing up, he participated in basketball, track and field and baseball. His favorite was baseball, which he played from the age of 4 to the age of 20. His last two years of play were as a Spartan at the University of Tampa where he graduated in 2006. Prior to coming to TCMS, he taught at several schools as a substitute teacher, and was a co-lead instructor with the county school aftercare program. Driven and enthusiastic, he now enters his fourth year at TCMS and is ready to continue to promote good sportsmanship, positive attitudes, and healthy lifestyle choices.
Ms. Karen Ott, 6th Grade Math - Mrs. Ott is a native Floridian who loves the beach (is an avid shell collector), playing and watching all sports, traveling and spending time with family which includes her husband, Steve, four sons and one daughter. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Education at Fairmont State University where she attended on a basketball scholarship. Mrs. Ott is certified to teach Gifted students and has been an educator since 1985. Before coming to TCMS, Mrs. Ott was the Director of Huntington Learning Center in Brandon, Florida and a Teacher of Gifted in Hillsborough County School District since 1994. She has been teaching at TCMS since 2006.
Mrs. Traci Overdorff, 8th Grade Physical Science Honors - Mrs. Overdorff has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida in Natural Resource Conservation. She was a wildlife biologist for 4 years before she returned to USF for her teaching certificate in Middle Grades General Science and Earth Space Science. She hastaught middle school science in Hillsborough County and Ohio for a total of 13 years. She is ESOL and Gifted endorsed. This will be her third year at TCMS. She is married and has two daughters ages 8 and 2. She lives in Temple Terrace and you may see her and her family out at different community events. She enjoys watching football and hockey and playing soccer. She is also currently working towards a Master’s Degree in GeoSciences.
Ms. Helen Ratcliffe, Director of Student and Personnel Services - Mrs. Ratcliffe is very proud to be associated with such a wonderful school and the community it serves. She is a graduate of St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas where she received a B.A. in English. The 2010-2011 school year marks her 13th year at TCMS.
Howard Rich, Custodial Services -
Mr. Marco Salazar, 7th Grade Social Studies - Mr. Salazar is now in his fourth year at TCMS. He currently teaches 7th grade World Geography/History and will also be teaching 8th grade U.S. History. Born in Quito, Ecuador, Mr. Salazar has 10 years of teaching experience (6 from the Chicago Public Schools System). He obtained his B.A. in Journalism in 1994 and a Masters Degree in Education, Curriculum Development and Implementation in 2001. Mr. Salazar loves teaching History and Geography to the point that he has termed it his “passion”. Mr. Salazar additionally has been coaching competitive soccer for the past 8 years and is currently the head coach of the U15 boys competitive soccer team at the Fusion Futbol Club of Tampa. He is also the proud father of two sets of twins. J
Ms. Marlene Schwarzmann, 6th Grade Math -Ms. Schwarzmann teaches 6th grade Advanced Math. This will be her eighth year teaching at TCMS. Before joining TCMS, Ms. Schwarzmann taught in the School District of Hillsborough County for 7 ½ years. Mrs. Schwarzmann graduated from the University of South Florida with a BS in Elementary Education. She is certified in Elementary Education and has her ESOL and Gifted Endorsements. She resides in Temple Terrace with her family and both of her children are graduates of TCMS!
Ms. Holli Shambaugh, School Secretary/Registrar/Data Processor - Ms. Shambaugh is aTampa Native who enjoys the beach, reading, camping, and watching baseball. She is the mother of a 22 year old son and 18 year old daughter. Before coming to TCMS during the 2009-2010 school year, she worked in the Hillsborough County Public Schools as a Data Processor for ten years.
Ms. Sheri Smith, Academic Tutor - Originally from Tampa, Ms. Smith graduated from University of Central Florida last December with a degree in English Language Arts Education, Ms. Smith is also certified K-6 and is ESOL endorsed. Beginning her first year here at TCMS, her prior experience includes substitute teaching for 2 years in Lake County, internship with a AP Literature classroom, and 4 years volleyball coaching for Lake County Juniors and Mount Dora High School. Recently, Ms. Smith finished out the year in Pinellas County, at an “at-risk” public school where she worked as a 8th grade reading teacher.
Mrs. April Shipman , 6th Grade Social Studies - Mrs. Shipman is in her 4th year of teaching at TCMS. Ms. Shipman was born and raised in El Paso, TX. She attended the University of Central Arkansas on a soccer scholarship, graduating in 2003 and receiving a BA in Psychology with a minor in Business Management. She is endorsed in Middle Grades Integrated Curriculum and ESOL Education. Before joining the TCMS family, Ms. Shipman worked as a family services counselor for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pinellas County. Some of Mrs. Shipman’s loves, in addition to teaching children, are spending time with her family and enjoying the outdoors. She is honored to be a part of a school dedicated to high achievement.
Ms. Linda Shivers, Business Manager - Mrs. Shivers is entering her 10th year as the Business Manager for TCMS. She also served as the yearbook advisor or co-advisor for many years. She has organized 8th Grade Washington, D.C. field trips and is in the process of organizing this year's trip. She also assists with the 8th Grade Graduation this year. Mrs. Shivers is a certified paralegal and practiced for 18 years prior to becoming a bookkeeper which she has been for the last 10 years. Both of her children graduated from TCMS.
Mr. Ted Steinmetz, 8th Grade Physical Science Honors - Mr. Steinmetz received his teaching certification through USF. He taught at McLane Middle School in Hillsborough District Schools for five years before coming to TCMS in 2001 . Prior to teaching, he spent 16 years in the banking industry and worked with youth for 37 years. Mr. Steinmetz integrates "real world" experiences into his curriculum.
Mrs. Tahvia Shaw , Grade Level Administrator, 8th Grade - Mrs. Shaw is celebrating her 11th year at TCMS. At TCMS she has taught 8th Grade Algebra I Honors, 7th Grade Pre-Algebra and 5th and 6th grade math and science. Mrs. Shaw received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology Education from Kentucky State University in 1998. She is Florida certified in middle grades integrated curriculum she has her Gifted Education and ESOL endorsements.
Mr. Daniel Tooley, 7th Grade Language Arts - Mr. Tooley holds a Bachelors degree in English Education from Syracuse University and a Masters in Popular Literature from Trinity College. He is certified in English 6-12 and taught 11th grade English for 3 years in Miami, Florida before starting at TCMS
Judith Turner, 7th Grade Pre-Algebra - Ms. Turner has been an employee of Terrace Community Middle School for eleven years. Previously she held positions as a paralegal, a technical and grant writer, and as a teacher at Stewart Middle Magnet School, Tampa. Her legal experience hails from Wisconsin; she wrote for the Institute for Biomolecular Science at the University of South Florida. Her first teaching position in Florida was in a 7th grade Math class. During her tenure at TCMS, Ms. Turner has taught Language Arts, History, Geography, Computer Keyboarding, Newspaper Writing and Editing, Study Skills, and Career Planning. This year, coming full circle, Ms. Turner will return to teaching the subject in which she first started her teaching career - 7th grade Pre-Algebra!!! Go Tornadoes!!!
Mr. Johann Wahnon, 8th Grade Social Studies, Social Studies Subject Area Leader— Mr. Wahnon was born in San Diego, CA and has traveled extensively across the country. He obtained an AA in Liberal Arts from Kapi’olani College in Hawaii, a BA in history from Washington College in Maryland, and a MA in history from San Diego State University in California. He has taught at both the high school and college levels and this will be his second year at TCMS. Outside of the scholastic realm, Mr. Wahnon was employed as a Research Historian at the Museum of San Diego History and has numerous historical publications. He completed his first book, “But Men May Construe Things After Their Fashion:” African Americans and the Mississippi Delta’s Print Media in 2007. His hobbies include painting, music, and surfing.
Mr. Peter Wengertsman, 7th Grade Language Arts- Mr. Wengertsman, also known as Mr. W. because it is easier to pronounce, is extremely excited to be joining the community at TCMS for the 2010-2011 school year! Mr. W. taught 6th-12th grade English at a private school in New Port Richey, Florida, for the 2009-2010 school year. Prior to moving to Tampa, Florida, he taught Freshman English at Southington High School in Connecticut for three years. Mr. W. received his Bachelor’s Degree in English from Eastern Connecticut State University and his Master’s Degree in Education: Curriculum and Instruction from Castleton State College in Vermont. After living most of his life in different areas of New England, his move to Florida was one of the best decisions of his life! His interests include reading, relaxing on the beach, spending time with his dogs, and working out.
Mrs. Melinda Whittemore, 6th Grade Advanced Language Arts - Mrs. Whittemore has been a part of the TCMS family for years as a parent and a teacher. The 2010-2011 school year will be her fourth third year of teaching at TCMS. She has previously been with both public and private learning institutions and has experience teaching Pre-Kindergarten up through 6th grade during her 20 years in education. Leadership, structure, experience and organization are a few strong characteristics she brings to her classroom. She is a graduate of the University Of Florida College Of Education, she has her Gifted Endorsement and ESOL Certification. She is the faculty sponsor for the TCMS Middle School Battle of the Books team, which placed 1st this year among 49 other county middle schools and cannot wait to rumble next year! Mrs. Whittemore is married, and has two sons; ages 19 and 16 (a recent TCMS graduate). She has been a long-time resident and active community volunteer in nearby Temple Terrace. During the school year, she is an avid Gator Fan, Bucs lover as well as a rabid Rays fan.
Mr. Adam Wilkinson, 8th Grade Algebra I Honors - Mr. Wilkinson was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. This will be his 4rd year teaching math at TCMS. This will be his first year teaching 8th grade at TCMS previously having taught 7th grade Pre-Algebra. He graduated in 2005 from Ohio University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education Integrated Mathematics. He is currently working on his gifted endorsement and has earned his ESOL endorsement. In addition to teaching Mr. Wilkinson loves basketball and currently is the JV basketball coach.
Mrs. Evelyn Williams, Lunchroom Assistant
Mrs. Robin Wiseman, 8th Grade Social Studies - Robin Wiseman has been teaching for 20 years. This year will be her 6th at TCMS. She graduated with a BA in History from Florida State University in 1985 and is a Florida Certified Teacher for Social Studies grades 6 -12.
Ms. Sarah Wood, 6th Grade Science - "I am a teacher, and also an eternal student. I aspire to be a mathematician and research scientist when I grow up, so I will probably be in school forever. (PhD here I come!) In my spare time (when I am not in classes or working on research at USF) I enjoy traveling, camping, yoga, hiking/climbing, dancing, riding my bicycle, baking, reading, going to see live music, and doing anything crafty. My professional background includes a degree in Public Relations and Marketing, teaching experience in Ghana, graduate work in Children’s Mental Health Studies, and certification in ESE and ESOL. Additionally, my Master’s degree in teaching ESE is due for completion in Spring of 2011. A unique tidbit from my past is that I was on my high school’s wrestling team. Something that I would really like to do one day is work internationally to establish emergency schools in refugee camps to assist refugee children during the transition period after they have to flee their homes."
Mrs. Susan Zak , Guidance Counselor - This is Mrs. Zak’s 11th year as Guidance Counselor at TCMS. She holds a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling (K-12) from USF and a Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling and Rehabilitation from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. She previously worked as a mental health counselor, an elementary counselor, and a substitute teacher. Mrs. Zak is married, lives in Temple Terrace, and has two college-aged children, both of whom graduated from TCS and King IB. Mrs. Zak loves to travel (especially to the mountains), ski, read and play tennis. She loves working at TCMS.