Brittany Nowakowski
G|T/ Enrichment Lead | 4th & 5th Grade G|T teacher
brmckinney@dallasisd.org | (972) 749-7355
I am entering my16th year working in education and 13th year at Lakewood. In my time here at Lakewood, I taught 1st grade, 2nd grade and was a 3rd grade Math and Science teachers and this will be my 4th year as a Gifted and Talented teacher, and I am so excited to have a team of dedicated, knowledgeable and fun GT teachers to work alongside.
I completed my undergraduate degree in elementary education at the University of Texas- Arlington and I am currently in my first year of SMU's Urban School Leadership master's program. My husband and I have one beautiful little boy, Jonah who is a second grader here at Lakewood. In my spare time I am passionate about supporting the foster care community and advocating for victims of child abuse. I love to read and spend a lot of my spare time focusing my energy on my small custom sugar cookie business.
Jennell Benson
3rd Grade G|T & 3rd Grade Enrichment teacher
jebenson@dallasisd.org | (972) 502-2002
Ms. Benson is on her 6th year teaching in Dallas ISD. Graduating from The University of Texas at Austin and a lifelong resident of North Texas, you can often find her rocking burnt orange and yelling "Hook 'Em!" Ms. Benson grew up in the small town of Hillsboro and having a mother who also teaches and a father who raises cattle, Ms. Benson had a childhood centered around education and exploring the nature around her house.
Today, Ms. Benson centers her life around her fiancé, her pup, wellness and helping children along the path to being the best versions of themselves! She is so excited to explore with her GT and Enrichment students!
Jennifer Ross
2nd Grade G|T & 5th Grade Enrichment teacher
Hello, students and parents from a Georgia Peach that loves to teach! I am super excited to start year 15 with the Lakewood Stallions as one of the newest GT and enrichment teachers. Although I'm brand new to the Lone Star State, I come bearing 14 years of GT and GE experience, where Southern charm and high expectations for student achievement were staples in my classroom. I love learning, which is evident in my 3 post-graduate degrees, but in my spare time you'll find me "... visualizing my highest self and showing up as the woman I desire to be..."
At Lakewood, I visualize a year of academic and creative success, so get ready to show up and show out as we continue to build our "best selves!"
Amanda Hope
1st Grade G|T & Kindergarten/1st Grade Enrichment teacher
amhope@dallasisd.org | (972) 749-6778
I've served as a teacher for over a decade. I first began my teaching career as a special education teacher in Chicago Public Schools where I taught for three years. After having served one year as an inclusion special education teacher in Dallas ISD, I transitioned to teaching gifted students for the past six school years.
In addition to teaching, I am currently completing my second year of the Master of Education (Ed.M.) program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE). I expect to graduate May 2024.
It has been such a joy to teach and learn from diverse learners these last ten years and I am so excited to teach and learn from the all the amazing Lakewood learners this school year!