Elementary Faculty

Elementary Faculty

Brandon Bassham e-mail

Coach Bassham received his Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education from Freed-Hardeman University in 2000. This is his 8th year at MTCS teaching elementary Physical Education to our kindergarten through 6th graders. He is also the head coach of our high school baseball team and assistant coach of our football team. He and his wife, Keyta, are the proud parents of two little boys. This delightful young family attends the Bethlehem Church of Christ where Coach Bassham works with the youth program. His favorite things about MTCS are the Christian atmosphere and the bond between the teachers, families, and students.

LaNita Bowman e-mail

Mrs. LaNita holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Freed-Hardeman University . She spent the past 3 years with our 3-year-old students, but moves to the computer lab this year to teach elementary computer and freshman keyboarding. Before teaching at MTCS, she worked with the King's Kids Preschool program at Kingwood Heights Church of Christ. She and her husband, Mike, served as our Patron's Co-Presidents during the 2004-2005 school year. They have 3 children and worship with the Minerva Drive Church of Christ. She says her favorite thing about MTCS is the opportunity to work with great Christian friends.

Lisa Brock e-mail

Mrs. Brock attended David Lipscomb College and the University of South Carolina and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education. She went on to receive her Master's of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Western Kentucky University , and has completed graduate work at Lipscomb University for K-12 Administrator Endorsement (Master's program). She holds a Tennessee Professional Teacher License and a Tennessee Professional Administrator License. She is in her 13th year as our elementary principal (PK through 6th grades) and served as a classroom teacher for 3 years prior to that. Before coming to MTCS, she gained 5 years teaching experience and 2-1/2 years administrator experience, and has taught at several elementary grade levels. She and her husband, Kirk, have 2 children -- both graduates of MTCS. The Brock family attends the Smyrna Church of Christ. Her favorite thing about MTCS is "the training for eternity that happens every day . . . God-centered focus in all we do."

Linda Cooper e-mail

Mrs. Cooper graduated from David Lipscomb College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. In addition, she has taken graduate courses in California and at Middle Tennessee State University. She has taught at MTCS since 1978 and currently teaches 5th grade. Prior to joining the MTCS staff, she taught in Nashville, in Plant City, Florida, and in Fairfield, California. She and her husband, Bill, have 2 grown children who are both MTCS graduates, and are the proud grandparents of a beautiful baby boy. They attend Walter Hill Church of Christ, where Bill is Associate Minister and serves as an elder. When she is not at school or church, she enjoys gardening, reading, and being at home in her log house in Lascassas. Her favorite thing about MTCS is the family atmosphere.

Valerie DeHoff e-mail

Mrs. DeHoff holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music and in English from Lipscomb University and a Master's of Education degree from Middle Tennessee State University. In addition, she has graduate hours in Music from MTSU and additional studies from the Tennessee Arts Academy. She is in her 24th year at MTCS, and at one time or another has taught General Music and directed the Choruses at all grade levels. Her previous teaching experience includes 9th grade English at Thurman Francis Junior High, private piano studio, and Chorus at Rockvale. She and her husband, George DeHoff, Jr., have 3 sons and are active members of the Minerva Drive Church of Christ. Mrs. DeHoff states that her favorite thing about MTCS is that it is a Christian school which means she may express her religion freely, and her co-workers are brothers and sisters in Christ.

Mariana Eddy e-mail

Mrs. Eddy received her Bachelor of Arts degree from David Lipscomb College and her Master's degree from Vanderbilt University. She has been at MTCS for 9 years and teaches elementary Spanish to our 1st through 6th graders and high school Spanish IV. Prior to joining the MTCS staff, she taught 1 year at Park Gardens Academy in Puerto Rico and taught junior high and high school at Ezell Harding Christian School. In addition, she taught 1 semester each as an adjunct professor at Travecca Nazarene College and David Lipscomb University. She and her husband, Nelson, have 3 children and attend the North Boulevard Church of Christ. Her favorite things about MTCS are the relationships among faculty, staff, administration and student families, and the spiritual potential of the student body.

Jane Edmonds e-mail

Mrs. Edmonds received her Bachelor of Science degree from Middle Tennessee State University and holds a Library Certification. She has been at MTCS for 17 years, and has taught Mathematics, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Library. For the past 9 years, she has served as our Librarian and enjoys having weekly library classes with our pre-k and elementary students. She and her husband, Steve, have 4 grown children, and attend the Smyrna Church of Christ. Mrs. Edmonds says that her favorite things about MTCS are the Christian influence, the children, and Mrs. Harris.

Katie Frazier e-mail

Mrs. Frazier received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from Harding University. She is certified for K-12 music education, with specialization in instrumental instruction. Before joining the staff at MTCS she taught one year in Bradford, AR. This is her first year at MTCS. She currently teaches PK3, TK, and K general music, in addition to the 5^th-12^th grade Bands. Mrs. Frazier and her husband, Shawn, attend the North Boulevard Church of Christ.

Shawn Frazier e-mail

Mr. Frazier received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from Harding University . He is certified for K-12 music education, specializing in vocal instruction. This is his first year at MTCS. Mr. Frazier currently teaches 3^rd grade music, 4^th grade music and recorders, JH General Music, JH Chorus, HS Chorus, and assists the 5^th and 6^th grade bands and chorus. Mr. Frazier and his wife, Mrs. Frazier, attend North Boulevard Church of Christ.

Betty Graham e-mail

Mrs. Betty graduated from the University of North Alabama in 1982. She has taken a graduate class in corrective reading at Middle TN State University as well as an "Introduction to Computers" class. She has been at MTCS for 16 years, teaching 2nd grade for 5 years and kindergarten for 8 years at our Smyrna campus. She is now in her third year teaching kindergarten at the Murfreesboro campus. Prior to joining our staff, she taught for 5 years at Mars Hill Bible School and helped start the first preschool program there. She and her husband, Robert, have been married for 36 years and have 3 children and 2 grandchildren. They worship with the Smyrna Church of Christ. "My favorite thing about MTCS is the friendship of the elementary teachers. I enjoy visiting with all the teachers. We share ideas and sing and pray together."

Donna Haley e-mail

Mrs. Haley received her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from David Lipscomb University in 1986, and her Master's Degree in Curriculum from Middle Tennessee State University in 1992. She is in her 9th year at MTCS and will teach elementary art after spending the last several years as one of our 3rd grade teachers. Her previous teaching experience includes 2 years at Radnor Baptist Academy and 7 years at Christiana Elementary School. She and her husband, Scott, have been married 19 years and are the proud parents of 2 children. They attend Kingwood Heights Church of Christ. When asked about about MTCS, Mrs. Haley responded, "I like the Christian environment for me and my children. I'm encouraged to be a better person because of the people around me."

Thelma Harris

Mrs. Harris is one of the most beloved teachers at MTCS. She graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She has been here at MTCS since the doors opened in 1964 and says she hopes to be here for many more years. She has taught 3rd grade, 5th grade, and has been our Librarian, a role which she continues today. Many of our teachers and parents (and even our school president) have had the privilege of learning in Mrs. Harris' classroom. She is well known for the beautiful quilts that she makes each year to be auctioned at the Fall Festival, which have brought in thousands of dollars for the school. Mrs. Harris has 3 children and attends Kingwood Church of Christ. Her favorite things about MTCS are the students, faculty, staff, parents, friends, and the Christian atmosphere.

Jennifer Hopkins e-mail

Mrs. Hopkins received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from MTSU in 1995. She earned her Master’s of Education in Curriculum and Instruction in 2000. This is her third year at MTCS after teaching 1st grade for 5 years at Barfield and Christiana. We are very fortunate to have her as one of our kindergarten teachers. Mrs. Hopkins, her husband Thomas, and their young daughter attend Kingwood Heights church of Christ. "My favorite thing about MTCS is the Christian environment and being able to pray at school! It starts the day off great!"

Cheryl Jennings e-mail

Mrs. Jennings received her Bachelor of Science degree from Freed-Hardeman University in 1982. She has graduate credit hours at the University of Central Arkansas and Middle Tennessee State University. She has been at MTCS for 9 years and currently teaches 1st grade. Her previous teaching experience includes Memphis City Schools, West Helena Public Schools, Little Rock Schools, and Berean Christian Academy. She has taught preschool, Kindergarten, and 1st through 4th grades. She and her husband, Stan, have 2 children and attend Smyrna Church of Christ. Mrs. Jennings' favorite thing about MTCS is the Christian family atmosphere.

Mary Jernigan e-mail

Mrs. Jernigan graduated form Lipscomb University in 2003 with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. She then went on to pursue her Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Phoenix . She student taught last fall at MTCS in 3^rd grade with Mrs. Lisa Richardson and also took over Keyta Bassham’s 4^th grade while she was on maternity leave. She received her Master’s degree and teacher’s license in December 2006. She and her husband, Phillip, have been married for six years and have a beautiful daughter who will be attending the Lil’ Cougar Den this year. They are currently members of Woodmont Hills Church of Christ. "My favorite thing about MTCS is the positive atmosphere and working with the best faculty and staff on the planet!"

Vicki Kennedy e-mail

Mrs. Kennedy graduated from Pembroke University in North Carolina with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. She went on to receive her Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from City University in Washington. She is in her 13th year at MTCS and currently teaches 2nd grade. She also taught 1st grade here for many years. Before joining the MTCS staff, she taught 1st and 2nd grade in North Carolina and Washington State. She and her husband, Tony, have been married for 26 years and have a grandson and 2 beautiful daughters, who are both MTCS graduates. They attend the Kingwood Heights Church of Christ. "My favorite thing about working at MTCS is, of course, being able to share my faith with students. I also enjoy the lasting friendships I am able to develop with my students and their parents."

Donna Lykins e-mail

Mrs. Lykins received her Bachelor of Science degree from David Lipscomb University. She is in her 17th year at MTCS and loves teaching our transitional kindergarten students (Bible is her favorite subject!). She and her husband, Steve, have 2 sons, both of whom are MTCS graduates.

Melaine Melton e-mail

Mrs. Melton received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Judson College in Elgin, Illinois. She is currently working on her Master's degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Liberty University. This is her 6th year at MTCS. She and her husband, Brian, have 3 children and attend Minerva Drive Church of Christ. "My favorite thing about MTCS is that everyone treats my children as if they were their very own."

Beth Nicholson e-mail

Mrs. Nicholson graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. She is certified to teach pre-k through 8th grade. She has taught transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, and 1st grade, and has been a part of the MTCS faculty since the fall of 2000. She and her husband, Brian, live in Shelbyville and are the parents of 4 children. They attend the Southside Church of Christ. She enjoys family activities such as camping, boating, and motorcycling. She says the best thing about MTCS is that it is a good Christian learning environment that provides a great academic foundation with faith-based moral growth.

Michael Pruitt e-mail

Mr. Pruitt is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. He teaches 4th grade Bible, Science, and Math and is in his fourth year at MTCS. He previously taught for 16 years in the Lebanon School District. Mr. Pruitt has been married to his wife, Erin, for 10 years, and they have 2 beautiful daughters. The Pruitt family worships with the Kingwood Heights Church of Christ. The opportunity to pray at anytime with his students is one of Mr. Pruitt's favorite things about MTCS.

Lisa Richardson e-mail

Mrs. Richardson graduated from MTSU with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a Special Education minor, and a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She taught at the Murfreesboro Montessori School and substituted in the Rutherford County System for 4 years prior to coming to MTCS in 1994. She taught 4th grade for two years and 3rd grade for two years before having her daughter, Shelby and becoming a stay-at-home mom. Upon returning to MTCS in 2005, she taught 6th grade Math, Science, and English for one year and now teaches 3rd grade. She and her husband, Paul, also have a son, Jacob. She is the coordinator of the following programs: Campbell’s Labels for Education, Staples Cartridge Recycling, and Fast Fixin’s Home Team. She is always looking for volunteers to help with these programs. She and her family attend Walter Hill Church of Christ where she teaches the second grade class on Sunday mornings. "I love MTCS because of the atmosphere of family among the staff and students. Having been in the public school system, I can see that we are truly blessed in all ways."

Teresa Richardson e-mail

Mrs. Richardson holds a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from David Lipscomb University with certification in 1st-8th grades. She has earned 23 additional graduate hours from Middle Tennessee State University along with K-3rd certification and holds a Texas teaching certificate. She has been at MTCS for 16 years and currently teaches 1st grade, but has also taught Kindergarten and 3rd grade. Before coming to MTCS, she taught at Calvary Baptist School in Savannah, Georgia, and in the Metro Nashville school district. Mrs. Richardson and her husband, Bobby, lived in Oklahoma, Texas, and Georgia before coming home to Tennessee. Bobby was a minister their entire married life, but passed away in 2003. They are the parents of 4 grown children and 7 beautiful grandchildren. Mrs. Richardson attends North Boulevard Church of Christ. She states that her favorite things about MTCS are the Christian family, their love and support, and the opportunity she has to share her faith with the children.

Joyce Rucker e-mail

Dr. Rucker received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from Lipscomb University. She received her Master's of Education degree in Elementary Education from Tennessee State University and her Doctorate in Early Childhood Education from Vanderbilt University. In addition, she has completed a post graduate course in Reading in the Content Areas. This is her fourth year at MTCS, and we feel very fortunate to have her as one of our 6th grade teachers. Prior to joining the MTCS faculty, she taught at Otter Creek Preschool and Kindergarten, Williamson County Schools, and Lipscomb University. She has taught all subjects at the elementary level as well as Education and Bible courses (undergraduate and graduate) at the university level. She and her husband, Ed, have 2 grown children and 6 beautiful grandchildren. They are members of the Otter Creek Church of Christ. She says that her favorite thing about MTCS is definitely her students.

Matt Townes e-mail

Coach Townes graduated from Lipscomb University with a Bachelor's degree in Health and Physical Education. He is our elementary P.E. coach and is head coach of the junior high football team. He also assists with the varsity boys basketball team and girls softball team. He has 3 active sons. The Townes family attends Smyrna Church of Christ. He says the best thing about MTCS is the faculty and the wonderful students.

Jennifer Vice e-mail

Mrs. Vice received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication/Public Relations from Harding University in 1990. She added a Master's of Education degree in 1994 from Harding as well. She is in her 11th year as our Learning Enrichment Coordinator, working specifically with our gifted and talented kids and our students with special needs. Prior to joining the staff at MTCS, she taught 2 years in Searcy , AR , and 1 year in Columbia , TN. Mrs. Vice attends Auburntown Church of Christ with her husband, Mike, and her step-children, Lauren and David. She says her favorite thing about teaching at MTCS is the freedom to integrate her faith into her teaching.

Kelley Vick e-mail

Miss Vick is an alumnus of MTCS and received her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Harding University. She is certified for 1st-6th grades and middle school Social Studies. She began teaching at MTCS straight out of college, and has been teaching 5th grade at MTCS for 7 years. She is the sponsor of our Diamonds in the Rough and 330 service clubs and currently teaches the subjects of Reading, English, Spelling, and Social Studies. Miss Vick attends Auburntown Church of Christ.

Suzanne Watson e-mail

Mrs. Watson holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Freed-Hardeman University and is certified K-8th grade. This is her 5th year at MTCS. She has taught in our preschool program and is currently in her 4th year as a 2nd grade teacher. She previously taught at King's Kids preschool and was the Director of Graymere Tuesday/Thursday school in Columbia, TN. Mrs. Watson and her husband, Donny, are the proud parents of 2 daughters. They attend Kingwood Heights Church of Christ. She says that the family atmosphere and Christian values are her favorite things about MTCS.

John Webb e-mail

Mr. Webb received his Bachelor’s degree from Lipscomb University . This is his second year at MTCS, and he teaches 6^th grade math, science, and English. He is also head coach of the middle school football team. He lives in Murfreesboro , Tennessee with his wife Mary, and their two children. The Webb family attends Minerva Drive Church of Christ. We feel very fortunate that Mr. Webb has joined our MTCS family.

Mary Webb e-mail

Mrs. Webb attended David Lipscomb University , and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. She is new to Middle Tennessee Christian, but not to education in general. This is her eleventh year to teach. Mrs. Webb and her family attend Minerva Drive Church of Christ . She has been blessed with 2 wonderful children. Her husband, John Webb, also teaches at MTCS. He is a 6^th grade teacher and the middle school football coach. She feels so blessed to be at MTCS this year!

Melanie Whited e-mail

Mrs. Melanie received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in May 2007 from Freed-Hardeman University. This is her first year to teach, and she will be teaching Transitional Kindergarten. She and her family worship at Walter Hill Church of Christ. "My favorite thing about MTCS is the positive teaching environment, welcoming teachers, and the Christian atmosphere. I’m excited about beginning my teaching career here at MTCS."

Barbara Willhite e-mail

Mrs. Barbara holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education K–8 from Lipscomb University . This is her 8th year to teach at MTCS, having taught 3rd grade, 5th grade, and 4-year-olds before moving to work with our Transitional Kindergarten students. Prior to joining the MTCS faculty, she worked for 2 years at Nashville Christian School, where she taught Junior High English, Math, and girl’s Bible and coached middle school basketball and cheerleading. In addition, she taught 6th grade at Friendship Christian School for 3 years. She and her husband, Edwin, have been married for 18 years and have 3 children who all attend MTCS. They are very active members at the North Blvd. Church of Christ where Edwin is a deacon. She enjoys spending free time at the lake with her family. Her favorite thing about MTCS is being a part of a Christian faculty. "MTCS is a place I can take my 3 children to school with me every day, and they can see Jesus living in the lives of their teachers."

Carolyn Wooldridge e-mail

Mrs. Wooldridge received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a minor in History from David Lipscomb College. She is in her 27th year at MTCS, and is well loved by the phenomenal number of 3rd graders who have had the privilege of being her students. Mrs. Wooldridge has taught third grade for most of her teaching career, but has also taught 1st, 4th, and served as a migrant-tutorial teacher/supervisor. Prior to coming to MTCS, she taught 10 years in Nashville and Polk County, FL. She met her husband, Bill, at David Lipscomb, and they have been married since 1965. They have 3 children who all graduated from MTCS and are especially blessed with 6 grandchildren. Mr. and Mrs. Wooldridge attend the Rockvale Church of Christ where Bill served as elder for many years. She says that her favorite things about MTCS are the wonderful children and parents that she has had the privilege to work with, and the great administrators and co-workers she has had throughout the years.

Photographs courtesy of Tri-Star Photography, Murfreesboro, TN.