About Ms. Downard

Welcome to the 8th grade!  This is going to be a fast-paced year that will better prepare you for that huge transition from being a middle schooler, to moving on to the giant hallways of the high school.  Are you ready for the challenge?  I'm here to help you along the way!

Originally from Ohio and one of four siblings, I am now entering my my 21st year teaching 8th grade Language Arts in Columbia County.  I also spent a year teaching 5th grade in Ohio and  a year in 6th grade in South Carolina prior to finding my home in Columbia County Schools.  I received my Bachelor of Arts (English) degree from The Ohio State University in 1993, my Master's in Education (Middle School Ed.) from Ohio University in 2003, and my Education Specialist's degree in Teaching and Learning at Augusta State University in 2009.

As a teacher of English, I obviously love books. However, the outdoors is my preferred place to be. I love to spend time with my very good boy--my dog, Eddie-- and riding and racing mountain bikes.  In my 'former' life, I was a competitive equestrian, competing in the sport of three-day eventing and long course triathlon.