David Barnes

Freshman AVID

I am a passionate educator with a drive in advancing our youth through inspiring challenges and fostering life skills. As an Army Veteran, this is my third year teaching at GHS. I also teach AP Government and Politics and US Government. I am in the last year of my doctoral work to earn my Ed.D in Educational Leadership.
I am a standing example of someone who just needed some coaching and mentoring in "school skills" to fulfill my academic goals, and it is this reason why I love what AVID brings to our students. I believe that no student is "at-risk"; in my eyes, they are all considered at-potential. I made it my personal mission for every student to realize that they can achieve their dreams out of life!

Jon Ortiz



Sophomore AVID

Hello everybody! I was born and raised in Chicago, and moved to Texas in 2010. Before moving south, I attended the University of Illinois, where I graduated in 2009. I have a B.A. in Communication, and was a member of Lambda Pi Eta, the National Communication Association’s official honor society . I have been married to my wife, Regina, for 13 years, and together we have two sons, Eli (10) and Desi (6). I am very much into sports, boisterously and unapologetically a die hard fan of the Bulls, Bears, White Sox, Blackhawks, and Fighting Illini. If they are doing good, those around me will know about it.

This is my 13th year in education and my 4th at Glenn. I am certified in Math, Speech, and Special Education, and have taught Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Algebraic Reasoning, Resource Math and Behavior. I'm very excited to add AVID to my repertoire this year. I'm also the Boys Basketball Lead Assistant Coach, and a track coach as well. I look forward to meeting everybody and helping everybody on their journey to college, career, and military readiness.

Divya Shannon

Junior AVID

Hi Everyone! My name is Ms. Shannon and I am science teacher at Glenn HS. This year is my second year teaching science (biology) at Glenn, but my 11th year teaching overall. Before I was at Glenn, I was a math teacher in Newton, MA, but I grew up in Austin, so it's great to be home again!
I love teaching math and science because we can do cool things in our classroom, experiment with different ideas and explore together! That is my hope for my AVID class as well. I'm looking forward to building a strong, supportive community with all of my students, and growing with them this school year!

Alannah Grande

AVID Coordinator/Lead Teacher/Junior and Senior AVID

I've been teaching for ten years in LISD, and I come from a family of educators. I love reading, writing, creating art, and spending time with my family: my husband, Jason, two boys, and German shepherd, Eevee. This is my fourth year teaching AVID elective at GHS, and I'm so happy to be moving up with our current seniors. Watching them grow, mature, and become a school family has been amazing, and I know the coming years will hold even more joys for them! I believe in the AVID program, what it stands for, and the positive growth and change we have seen in our students. Go Grizzly AVID!