DPS Beginning Teacher
Support & Development

BT of the Month

Congratulations to Ms. Chrysta Gary from Brogden Middle School for  being selected as the December 2025 BT of the Month!  

In nominating her, Principal Desirae Smith stated, "Her ability to foster belonging, encourage risk-taking, and celebrate student growth makes her a standout Beginning Teacher. Ms. Gary’s commitment, creativity, and heart embody what it means to positively impact students every single day." 

Many thanks to Monuts, who awards a $25 gift card to each BT of the Month. Yum!

Duke TeachHouse Community Practitioners Fellows

Congratulations to our our 2025-26 Duke TeachHouse Community Practitioners Fellows!

• Jasmine Brown, Jordan High School

• Sandra Sandres Canales, Southwest Elementary School

• McKenzee Chestnut, Riverside High School

• Sierra Clote, Creekside Elementary School

• Camilo Esmeral de Arco, E.K. Powe Elementary School

• Tabetha Jones-Evans, Rogers-Herr Middle School

• Kelly Finn, School for Creative Studies

• Rowan Gilbert, Lyons Farm Elementary School

• Sarah Gott, Southern School of Energy and Sustainability

• Zikia Leary, Hillandale Elementary School

• Jenny Lee, Southern School of Energy and Sustainability

• Oneisha Leonard, Neal Middle School

• Michael Mann, Hillside High School

• Miguel Martin, Burton Elementary School

• Joselyn Montoya, Southern School of Energy and Sustainability

• Claudia Ballon Morales, Riverside High School

• Alexis Owens, Murray-Massenburg Elementary School

• Kyanna (Kay) Sumpter, Lyons Farm Elementary School

• Amy Swartzer, Creekside Elementary School

• Jackson Webb, Southern School of Energy and Sustainability