- Home
- Staff
- Instructional Staff Directory (NEW))
- Faculty & Staff
-
-
Teachers' websites can be accessed by current students through their Schoology accounts from Clever. Please have your child demonstrate how they access Schoology to view any teacher's website within Schoology. If you would like more information about school programs, please click on the name of the teacher below or contact the school office.
-
All Locations
- All Locations
- 6th and 7th
- ELA
- Fine Arts
- Intervention and Curriculum and Instruction Support Specialist
- Librarian
- Mathematics
- Physical Education
- Science
- Science and W.E.B.
- Social Studies
- Special Education
- Special Education and Mathematics
- Specials/Electives
| Showing results for "" |
EA
- Elisabeth Applebaugh
- 7th and 8th grade Resource Mathematics
- My core educational beliefs are that everyone can learn. I also believe that we should build on our strengths and find ways to fill the gaps in our weaknesses.I choose Amphi because here you find smart teachers with a passion for teaching. You find students that are growing academically and emotionally and thinking creatively. Here I can grow as a teacher.
- Special Education and Mathematics
BB
- Bettina Bosey
- 7th/8th Grade Humanities
- Over 15 experience in the education field from grades K-12
- Social Studies
KB
- Kristen Buckwalter
- 6th Grade Language Arts
- Defining Moment in My EducationI grew up knowing I wanted to be a teacher. I had several teachers that made a large impact in my life and were excellent role models. I had the opportunity to volunteer as a high school student at my previous elementary school, which further increased my interest until I followed that goal into a reality.Core Educational BeliefsI believe that every student has the right and responsibility to an education to help them become productive citizens in society. I feel in 6th grade that we focus on academics, as well as work habits and social skills.
- ELA
BC
- Beth Carter
- Resource Room Language Arts & Study Skills
- Prior Experience:- 11 years of teaching 1st grade at Harelson Elementary- 1 year Holoway Special Education Preschool- 9 Years Cross Middle School in Special EducationDefining Moment in My Education: Graduation from law schoolCore Education Belief: We are all life-long learners.Why Amphi? The amazing teachers I get to work with is why I will always enjoy working in Amphi.
- Special Education
EC
- Ernie Celaya
- Weight Training, Physical Fitness (7th & 8th Grade)
- Hello, my name is Mr. Celaya. I am currently in my 23rd year of teaching, with the past 22 years spent here at Cross. I currently teach Physical Fitness and Weight Training, but also taught Math early on in my teaching career. I have been the after school tutoring coordinator for the past five years, as well as Athletic Supervisor for after school sports. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Arizona in 1998. I finished up my Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University in December of 2016. I am looking forward to advancing in my professional career by becoming a principal or director of human resources. In my spare time I love to work out, play guitar, watch sports, and spend time with my family. I have wife and two daughters, one attends the Vail School District and the other is a junior at the University of Arizona.
- Physical Education
Ad
- Adrienne deBoucher
- Intermediate Technology, Computer Programming
- I have always wanted to teach, and did so in formal and informal ways my entire life. With a background of many eclectic and rich teaching experiences, including international teaching, I remain committed to helping every student learn. The rapid rise of technology has expanded possibilities and students' futures can only be imagined. Learning how to continually adapt and learn is essential.My daughter attended CDO and I've taught at Nash, Coronado, La Cima, and now Cross. AMPHI all the way!My interests include animals, music, reading, movies, and collecting random information.
- Specials/Electives
TD
- Tara Deeb
- 6th and 7th Grade Math
- Welcome! I'm so glad you're here and I look forward to getting to know you. I've been teaching for 28 years in Tucson. I taught Computer Technology and Technological Careers for 6 years and since then I've been teaching 7th grade math, (and sometimes 6th, 8th, or 9th). I love math and teaching, so I am blessed with the perfect career! I am married to a high school Spanish teacher. We have two daughters and 2 dogs. I'm originally from New York, but have lived in Tucson since 1981. In my spare time, I enjoy any activities outside; swimming, hiking, biking, and walking the pups!I love teaching middle school. You keep me on my toes and make me laugh. You have no idea how cute you are. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to teach you! I�m proud of all your accomplishments and unique attributes!"The essence of mathematics is not to make simple things complicated, but to make complicated things simple." -- S. GudderTeaching ExperienceCross Middle School � Amphitheater School DistrictMathematics TeacherDoolen Middle School � TUSDMathematics Teacher & Student GovernmentPistor Middle School � TUSDMathematics TeacherCareer and Technical Education TeacherProfessional AccomplishmentsAcademy award for "Best Teacher" from student D.R.and many more beautiful pictures, cards, notes, and special gifts from my students.Education & CredentialsBachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an emphasis in SpanishNorthern Arizona UniversityMaster of Arts in Education / Curriculum and InstructionUniversity of PhoenixStandard Elementary Education, K-8Arizona Department of Education Teaching CertificateHighly Qualified in Middle School Mathematics 7-8Structured English Immersion (SEI), K-12 Endorsed
- Mathematics
CD
- Courtenay Deniston
- ELA Grades 6-8
- Hi, and welcome to my site. My name is Courtenay Deniston and I've been a teaching special education language arts at Cross since 2009. My hometown is a suburb of Chicago, and most of my family still lives there. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in journalism and a focus in Spanish. I worked in the advertising field in Chicago, but went back to school to become a teacher because of the fluidity of schedule and location that this career offers. I've taught in rural Oregon and the suburbs of Portland, as well as in rural, suburban, and urban areas around Chicago. I've started two ESL programs, a bilingual program, and a Spanish program in various middle schools as well as having taught general education language arts and Spanish before becoming a special education teacher. My son attended Copper Creek Elementary School, Cross Middle School, and is now at CDO. We are districted for Wilson K-8 School, but after grade seven, he chose to come to Cross with me. Within three days of being on campus, he felt so comfortable here, and said that he wished his entire middle school experience had been at Cross.My varied teaching experiences and locales have allowed me to determine when I've found a strong, supportive faculty. The teachers here are happy. The students here are happy. Teachers' attitudes here are grounded in educational research with an attitude less of rigidly following rules than of pragmatically exploring whatever might work to help students learn content in a calm atmosphere. We don't underestimate the power of nice, and we're often found chatting with our students.BA in Journalism and AdvertisingTeaching certifications in English/Language Arts, Special Education, English-as-a-Second Language, Spanish, and Bilingual Education
- Special Education
TE
- Thomas Edelbrock
- Band
- Hello music parents! My name is Tom Edelbrock, and I have been a music educator in Tucson for the past ten years. I received my Bachelor's degree from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, and I began my music career as a percussionist in 4th grade. I finished my Master's in Music Education from The American Band College at Central Washington University in summer 2018. I have worked as the band director at L.W. Cross Middle School since 2013. I also have taught the choir program at Cross for 5 years, and the guitar program for 5 years.Defining Moment in my Education: My middle school band teacher Mr. Marcum was a percussionist like me, and taught me a lot about drums and loving music in general. He inspired me to go to NAU and become a music teacher!Core Educational Beliefs:I believe that:- Music is for everyone, and anyone can learn music at any age- Every skill learned in music classes is a skill necessary for a successful and fulfilling life as an adult. Examples include: appreciating beauty in aesthetics, listening to and interacting with others in a collaborative environment, careful practice to learn something new, perseverance, and managing goals as an individual and as a team).Prior Experience: 10 years teaching music in Amphi, as well as a private percussion instructor in Flagstaff and in Tucson.Hobbies and Interests: Video games, cycling, golf, watching baseball/soccer/Formula 1, and performing with my band, Rezonators Brass BandWhy I am committed to Amphi: I student taught and begain teaching in Amphi in 2012. The students and community are very supportive and I love working here!
- Fine Arts
CE
- Celina Escalante
- Resource
- Defining Moment in My Education:I knew I wanted to be a Special Education Teacher when I was in high school; I worked at the YMCA Triangle Y Camp as the "Arts and Crafts Teacher". There was a little boy who was Autistic and struggled very much with being part of his cabin and just wanted to do art! Over the course of the week I really got to know him. At the end of the week he made me a robot out of beads, that I still have today hanging up in my classroom. He will forever be in my heart!Core Education Beliefs:I believe that all students have the ability to learn, grow and be their unique self. Students are essential in their learning and growing to be a positive member of our community.Why Amphi?I applied to Amphitheater right out of college, looking for a path to follow the teachers I had growing up. Core beliefs and supports of Amphi helped me to be the successful teacher I am today.A Little Personal Note:I am a Tucson Native, growing up through Amphi schools, from Mesa Verde, Wilson and IRHS (the FIRST graduating class)! Go Nighthawks! I enjoy spending time with my husband, our two kiddos and two pups, going for rides in Oracle on the dirt roads. I enjoy reading and nice hot cup or tea and coffee, when I get some quiet time.
- Special Education
LF
- Leah Falcon
- Sixth-Grade Math, Intervention Math
- Introduction:My name is Leah Falcon and I was born in Tucson, Arizona. I have a husband and two wonderful kids at home. I have been teaching sixth-grade math at Cross for 24 years and I still love it!Defining Moment in Education:When I had children of my own I realized how important a caring and amazing teacher can be. As an educator, I always try to imagine how I would hope my child's teachers would handle a situation. I make educational decisions with the best interests of the child at the center of my choices.Teaching Philosophy:I believe that all children can learn. I believe that math is useful and important. I believe that people learn differently and should be given learning activities that match their current individual needs. I believe that the most important part of the learning process is learning from mistakes. I believe that every child deserves a safe learning environment where they are given respect and encouragement. I believe that children thrive in a setting of natural consequences and kindness.
- Mathematics
MG
- Monica Garcia
- Reading, Writing, Math, Study Skills
- I began my career in the school system as a Special Education Teaching Assistant. I immediately enjoyed working with the students and helping them in their learning process. After working just one year as an assistant, I decided that I wanted to pursue my teaching degree so that I could lead my own class of students to success. That one year of working as an assistant made such an impact on my life, that teaching is now what I have chosen to do for the rest of my life. I believe that every student has the ability to achieve success in school. Students have different ways of learning and therefore different methods of teaching need to be presented. Learning should be fun and taught in a way that the students will remember the lessons and want to share their learning with others. Amphi is a great school district that my daughter also attends. The teachers and administrations in this district care about the students. Everyone works together to provide the best education and social emotional support to every student. Outside of the classroom I enjoy spending time with my daughter. We love attending concerts and going on road trips! In addition to my teaching degree, I hold a degree in Anthropology and a degree in Forensics. Therefore, I love learning about history, love a good crime mystery, and love using some of our road trips as an excuse to visit famous archaeological sites across the United States.
- Special Education
AG
- Abigail Gritis
- 6th and 7th grade science
- I grew up in Tucson, went to the U of A, and got a degree in Conservation Biology. During this time I studied the ocean and participated in education and outreach clubs. I found that I absolutely loved explaining science to people. So, here I am!A defining moment in my education would be going to the Las Cienega's National Conservation Area and learning about the Chiricahua Leopard Frog and doing surveys to count how many frogs were in the area. It made me love science so much and feel like I was actually doing something to help the animals and I wanted to learn everything I could about them. This then morphed into my love for teaching and sharing science when a few years after that I was in charge of teaching a group of middle school girls how to track sea otters. My core educational beliefs are that everyone should feel safe and supported in the classroom and that science (all education, but science in specific as I am a science teacher) should be accessible to everyone!I choose Amphi because it has a lot of options for students to get involved and become active members of their community and I really like that.
- Science
SH
- Shannon Haskins
- 8th Grade Social Studies
- I am originally from Kansas and still consider myself a farm girl at heart even though I have lived in Tucson since I was five. I obtained my BA in Elementary Education from Prescott College in 1999. Over the years I have taught preschool, 3rd grade, and 5th grade, but I am most excited to be teaching 8th Grade Social Studies at Cross Middle School!My mission as a teacher is to inspire, motivate, and support my students by providing a meaningful classroom environment that educates them socially, emotionally, and cognitively.* I believe that students learn differently, but that all students can learn.* I believe that providing a safe environment, where students are encouraged to take risks, promotes learning and collaboration.* I believe that a strong parent-teacher bond is necessary for student success.* I believe that learning should be purposeful, adventurous, and build connections.I am looking forward to a great year filled with lots of learning and adventure!
- Social Studies
CH
- Charles Hess
- 7th and 8th PE
- Physical Education
AH
- Ashley Higgins
- RAMS 101 and American Sign Language
- I am committed to providing a safe space for students to express their individuality and comfortably be themselves. I create meaningful relationships and have open communication with students, parents and staff.
- Specials/Electives
TI
- Teresa Irwin
- Library
- The most defining moments in my teaching career occur when students are able to use what they have learned to help and teach others.All students have the ability to learn. Some learn quickly, some more slowly, some can hear something and remember it, others need repeated exposure to a concept and various modes of learning about the information. No two students learn the same way.I chose Amphi School District because it is in the area where I live. To me, it was important to give back to my community. I went to Amphitheater Schools as a young student and my mom worked in the kitchen of one of the elementary schools. It is in the family.I am retired from teaching choral music but wasn't ready to be at home all the time. I have now obtained my Library certification and become the Librarian at Cross Middle School.
- Librarian
EK
- Emily Karnes
- 8th Grade Science, Laboratory Science Elective
- Defining Moment in My EducationDuring a microbiology lab experiment I made a new discovery about an organism's genetic code. There was something special about being the only person in the world who knew something no matter how small. Core Educational BeliefsI have a personal interest in advancing STEAM content success through innovative methodology, universal design for learning, and continued professional development. Why Amphi?Amphi offers students and staff a safe and supportive professional environment.
- Science
SL
- Seth Lackow
- 7th Grade Math
- Mathematics
AL
- Auvie Lee
- 6th-7th REACH Humanities, 8th Grade Social Studies
- I am a retired military servicemember. Teaching is my second career, and I'm enjoying it.I endeavor to develop students into educated and engaged members of our society.I enjoy cycling, hiking, and spending time with my wife and daughter.
- Social Studies
