The STEM Program is operating on a A/B Block Schedule this school year. Plus, check out our RISE STEM Program's UGA Article!
EJHS STEM Coordinator / 10th Engineering Concepts
Mr. Shawler brings 24 years of experience in education, most recently as STEM Program Coordinator. With a strong background in robotics, computer science, and project-based learning, Mr. Shawler has led award-winning teams and guided students to regional and state championships. As a FIRST Robotics Coach and Regional Director, Mr. Shawler has developed leadership and technical skills in students while also achieving top AP exam scores in the classroom.
Passionate about hands-on, inquiry-driven learning, Mr. Shawler has implemented project-based curricula that inspire critical thinking and problem-solving. Recognized as Teacher of the Year (2013) and STAR Teacher (2024), Mr. Shawler is committed to preparing students for successful STEM careers and looks forward to bringing that dedication to the East Jackson High School STEM program.
Contact: mshawler@jcss.us
10th Grade STEM Team Lead
STEM 10th Grade Literature / AP Seminar
Mr. Malone is an English/Language Arts teacher in his second year of teaching, both at East Jackson and as a whole. He graduated in May of 2023 with a Bachelor's in English Education and a Minor in Linguistics. In addition to his classroom role, he coaches the school's academic team.
In his free time, he enjoys playing retro Nintendo games and practicing martial arts, through which he has earned two second-degree black belts and is currently working towards another degree at Karate RX in Braselton. His favorite book series of all time is the Harry Potter series, which he has read over twenty times, and he is a weekly listener of the "Through the Griffin Door" podcast.
"Stories are what make us human. The more stories we experience, the more human we become."
Contact: caleb.malone@jcss.us
STEM 10th Chemistry
This will be my 26th year of teaching, second year at East Jackson, and first year with the STEM program. I am an Athens native and graduated from the University of North Carolina with a degree in Biology. I played baseball while at UNC and enjoy watching/playing just about any sport! I also enjoy spending time outdoors, either on my farm or hiking, camping, or boating throughout the South.
My wife, Lisa, is a clinical mental health counselor at Project Family in Athens and is a wonderful cook. My daughter, Ella, graduated from Agnes Scott College with a degree in Biology and is currently researching tick-borne diseases at Emory University. My son, Billy, is an Applied Math major at Furman University and is a member of their football team.
Contact: geoff.lewis@jcss.us
STEM 10th Geometry, STEM 10th Advanced Algebra
I am a proud University of Georgia alumnus, where I earned both my Bachelor’s Degree (2023) and Master’s Degree (2025). I’m excited to begin my teaching journey here at East Jackson High School as part of the 10th-grade STEM team. This is my first year in the classroom, and I feel incredibly fortunate to start my career surrounded by such a supportive and passionate community. Outside the classroom, I’m also serving as the JV men’s basketball coach, and I’m excited for the opportunity to make a meaningful impact both on and off the court. In my free time, I enjoy spending quality time with my wife, Grace, and our one-year-old daughter, Lydia. We love getting outside and being together as a family.
I’m thrilled to be part of the Eagle community and look forward to inspiring students to think critically, embrace challenges, and grow through engaging, STEM-driven learning experiences.
Contact: nathan.orr@jcss.us
9th Grade STEM Team Lead
STEM Algebra, STEM Geometry
I am a Kennesaw State University Alumni, I gained both my Bachelor's Degree (2015) and Master's Degree (2018) from KSU. I am Gifted and ESOL endorsed, and completed my student teaching abroad in Costa Rica. This is my 9th year teaching mathematics, but my first year at East Jackson. I am so lucky to be an Eagle and have enjoyed joining the wonderful team of teachers at this school.
I enjoy spending my free time with my family and getting outside whenever I can. I love to hike, kayak, and build things. My husband, Brian, and I, have an amazing 2-year-old named Owen and a cat named Duckie, and two dogs: Lexi and Zeke.
I love making learning fun and exciting. I am so blessed to be a part of the STEM team at EJHS and look forward to helping students think critically and engage in the content in new and different ways.
Contact: brittany.graham@jcss.us
STEM 9th Biology
My name is Lauren Horton, and I am excited to teach STEM Biology. I have an undergraduate degree in Biology as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching from UGA. I have an Educational Specialist degree in Secondary Education with a focus in Biology from the University of West Georgia. I love teaching science with a focus on hands-on, active learning. My favorite thing in class is to help students develop critical thinking skills that will help them succeed in any area of life.
Contact: lhorton@jcss.us
STEM 9th Grade Literature
This is my fourth year at EJHS (five if you count my student teaching). I've been teaching 9th and 10th ELA the whole time I've been here, and I'm looking forward to STEM-ify the course. What poetry conventions are useful in research papers? How can reading Shakespeare make you a better public speaker? Why is shooting a video essay on the health impacts of red dye basically the same as writing a literary analysis of The Odyssey? By the end of this course, I hope you'll have learned how the art part of Language Arts fits into an increasingly STEM-focused world.
I also coach Academic Team with Mr. Malone! It's like Jeopardy! for high schoolers. Anyone's welcome to join up. We practice and compete on Monday afternoons.
🎓 BA in English (UGA, 2018); MAT in Secondary English Education (UGA, 2022); Gifted Certified; EJHS PAGE Representative
Contact: elaughman@jcss.us
STEM 9th Foundations of Engineering and Technology
My name is David Cordell, and I am an engineering and technology teacher with a strong foundation in both education and industry. I have three years of teaching experience and seven years of hands-on experience in the manufacturing field, which allows me to bring real-world relevance and practical skills into the classroom. I specialize in 3D modeling and design, 3D printing, and project-based learning, and I’ve been honored as a two-time grant recipient for developing innovative, student-centered projects. My mission is to inspire and equip students with the technical knowledge, problem-solving mindset, and creative confidence they need to thrive in both academic and professional environments.
Outside the classroom, I enjoy playing video and board games, as well as spending time on the golf course. These hobbies help me stay creative, strategic, and balanced—qualities I bring into my teaching every day.
Contact: david.cordell@jcss.us