As we continue to settle into the 2023-24 school year, let's get to know 12 educators that assumed the role of teachers at Arp ISD over the past few months.
These hires and/or promotions are in addition to two high school coaches that are also teaching, and an athletic trainer. All three are now part of our athletics staff.
All of these individuals bring a unique set of talents, experiences, and philosophies that will aid us in enhancing the learning process for our students.
John Burkhalter - High School Chemistry Teacher:
A 27-year education veteran, Mr. B has done it all as a teacher, administrator, principal, and even bus driver at Rusk ISD.
Interestingly enough his call to become an educator happened when he fell in love with substitute teaching after he moved back from Eastern Ukraine where he would take bibles to places, and children in need.
"I would not have imagined that God would leave me there (Rusk) for 27 years in service to that community," Burkhalter explained.
Following the Lord's hand is how he has chosen his various paths for much of his life including his decision to come to Arp ISD.
"I’m excited for the clarity that Arp is the next phase of God’s will for my life," stated Burkhalter. "I am looking forward to the memories God has in store here in Arp."
He earned a bachelor’s degree in aquatic biology and chemistry from Stephen F. Austin State University.
Burkhalter and his wife have been married for 26 years and have raised three children, ages 19, 18, and 17.
He explains that they love adventure, travel, and creating lasting memories. "Ask me about Kilimanjaro anytime," he said.
Angela Deards - High School Spanish Teacher:
A California native, Deards has been teaching since 1992 and wouldn't have it any other way.
"I've always wanted to be a teacher. It's my calling," said Deards. "I stay in it because of the amazing relationships I've made with students over the years and continue to have with them."
Deards comes to Arp ISD after teaching Spanish at Tyler Legacy last year following her move from the Golden State.
In Southern California, and in her native Vacaville, CA, Deards taught all levels of high school Spanish courses as well as Spanish for native speakers, advanced placement (AP) Spanish, AP psychology, and service learning. Her experience includes working at public, private, and charter schools throughout her career.
Having worked with students in many different walks of life, (she) "believes all students can learn and is excited to help them do just that."
Deards adds, "I'm most looking forward to joining a small school community again at Arp ISD and getting involved in the local area community."
She explains the value for young people to learn a second language like Spanish. "It's important for kids to learn (it) as it helps open their minds up to a whole new world, and travel, in addition to job opportunities.
Deards has a bachelor degree in Spanish with a minor in psychology from San Diego State University, and a master in Spanish language and literature from UC-Santa Barbara.
Sheri Higgs - High School Anatomy & Physiology/Physics Teacher:
A 1995 Oklahoma City bombing survivor, Higgs has been teaching for the last 26 years following what she strongly believes is calling from above to work with, and help children.
"God guided me through that experience and set me back on the path to working with young people. Teaching is how he gets me in front of them," Higgs explained.
She comes to Arp ISD from Tyler ISD's Moore Magnet Middle School where she was a special education math teacher and case manager the last four years. However, she has been a high school science teacher the majority of her career.
"I am very excited to 'return to my roots' as an upper-level science teacher. I also absolutely love the atmosphere of a rural school," Higgs admitted.
She has taught at Morton ISD, Amber, Okla., Milford ISD, Covington ISD, Cotton Center ISD, and the Chapel Hill campus of Trinity Charter Schools before heading to Moore.
In addition to science, Higgs logs plenty of math teaching experience, and has been a department head in both subjects.
During her time at Covington, she was recognized as a Region 12 distinguished math teacher. She was also selected to Who’s Who in American Teachers from 2002-2006.
Higgs maintains, "All children are full of treasure chests, full of curiosity, ambition, hope, determination, and the ability to be successful. It’s the teachers privilege and joy to help them discover and use the right keys to open each treasure chest."
She earned a bachelor of natural science from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in 1997. Higgs went on to get a Master of education in educational technology from UT Brownsville in 2011. By 2022, she had completed the coursework for a doctorate in special education at Texas Tech University.
Caitlin Pitts - High School & Jr. High Agricultural Science Teacher:
She enters the teaching field with a purpose.
"I want to be able to inspire, create curiosity, and grow the next generation of agriculturists," Pitts explained.
Following her 2020 graduation from Oklahoma State University with a bachelor in animal science, she worked in the field for two years. But decided "that teaching is truly where she wanted to be."
A Houston area native, Pitts has already began to immerse herself into the Arp community.
"I am so excited to be part of a school that is so friendly and involved. I am looking forward to a great school year," she said.
Pitts is teaching advanced animal science, livestock production, small animal management in the fall, and equine science in the spring. She also teaches job skills to seventh graders.
Stressing the importance of Ag education, Pitts disclosed, "Agriculture is important to every person, every day. Without it, the world would not be what it is today. In the U.S, less than two percent of the population works in the agricultural industry. I hope to inspire the next generation to get involved."
Cody Sturdivant - Associate Band Director:
The newest addition to the Tiger Pride Band program loves to watch students become the best version of themselves.
"Watching students learn and grow into young adults has always been a joy to witness," revealed Sturdivant.
Highly successful and decorated throughout his twelve years in music education, Sturdivant comes to Arp ISD from Henderson where he was the head middle school band director the last four years. Prior to that, he was at Longview ISD for three years following his first four-year stint at Henderson.
Aside from assisting with the high school band, Sturdivant teaches all the junior high beginning brass and percussion classes and helps with seventh grade band.
"Music is truly a culmination of all subjects. Band incorporates art, history, fine/gross motor skills, foreign languages, physics, and math into one subject," Sturdivant clarified.
He adds that teachers impacted his life when he was in school, and always looked forward to going to their class. "I would leave in anticipation for the next day," said Sturdivant. "I would like to honor their teaching by sharing their positive attitude with every student that walks through my door."
A Groesbeck native, Sturdivant earned his Bachelor of Music Education from Southern Arkansas University, and later his Master in Trumpet Performance from Stephen F. Austin State University.
Valerie Jimmerson - 8th Grade Math Teacher:
After spending three years teaching seventh and eighth grade math at Tyler ISD, Jimmerson, "looks forward to the small town and close knit family atmosphere," that Arp, America offers.
While she enters her 15th year teaching, Jimmerson had a career in property management before becoming a teacher in part because she, "Had always enjoyed helping others, and seeing them reach goals."
"Watching students achieve their goals and persevere during challenges is a highlight that I look forward to each and every year," said Jimmerson.
Originally from the Metroplex, she was named "Best Organized Teacher" in 2010 while teaching at Coppell's University Academy. In 2017, she received a PTA lifetime member award during her time at Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD.
Jimmerson explains how vital Math is as part of education as it builds problem solving skills. "Students see that the process is just as important if not more than the answer."
She adds, "I believe that every person can learn mathematics, and it is my job to meet them where they are, and take them where they need to be."
Jimmerson graduated from the University of North Texas with a bachelor of general studies. She proceeded to earn two Master's degrees, one in education in curriculum and instruction from Texas A&M, and another in educational leadership at Concordia University.
Gloria Knight - 4th Grade Math & Science Teacher:
"As teachers, we have to learn each student's learning styles," said Knight as she explained that a George Evans quote sums up her teaching philosophy; "Every student can learn, just not on the same day or the same way."
Knight comes to Arp Elementary after taking a year off from teaching. But she brings in versatile experience in a variety of subjects and disciplines.
In places like Tyler ISD, Gladewater ISD, Winona ISD, Harleton ISD as well as a private school, Knight has taught special education, third grade English language arts and reading, and social studies, fifth grade social studies, second grade content mastery, third grade inclusion, and even homebound special needs students.
She was also a substitute teacher for nine years before starting to teach full-time in 2006. It was during her time as a sub when she said that she found her calling.
"Helping students achieve their goals and celebrating with them when they work hard to achieve those goals," Knight said is what she loves most.
Excited about teaching math in a classroom setting, she wants students to realize that math is used every day. "Setting the time on the microwave to cook something, measuring to cook, telling time, driving (for the high school students), and counting money," described Knight. "I love watching student's eyes light up when you tell them little shortcuts to solving math problems."
She adds that science is used daily as well. "Science is a discovery subject where students and myself can learn through experimenting. It is important for students to know it is okay for things to be different."
Knight is a graduate of Chapel Hill High School. She has a legal assistant associate degree from Kilgore College, a general studies associate from Tyler Junior College, and bachelor of science in interdisciplinary studies from UT Tyler.
Otisha Turner - 3rd Grade Math Teacher:
Ashley Littlepage - 3rd Grade ELAR & Social Studies Teacher:
Jennifer Deck - 2nd Grade Teacher:
MacKenzie Young - Elementary Music & Art Teacher: