Reagan Elementary 5th Grade - About Your Teachers

Millie Copeland

Hello 5th grade Rays. I am so excited to teach 5th grade math and science. This is my eighth year at Reagan. I graduated from Ouachita Baptist University with a degree in Business Administration. I spent 15 years in marketing and business development before I realized teaching is my true passion.

I have been married to my husband, Kevin, for 29 years and we have 2 children. Paul (23), and Anslee (20) is a junior at UT. We also have 1 fur baby, Scout (8) a deaf Boston Terrier, and grand-dog Archie (2).

During my free time I love to read, cook and travel. I look forward to a wonderful new school year.

Katie Haecker

Hello Rays families!

This is my sixth year teaching here at Reagan getting to serve this fantastic community. I was born and raised in Austin, Texas and am grateful to have come back to the Austin area to teach. I graduated from the University of North Texas where I received a M.Ed. in Teaching.

When I'm not in the classroom, I enjoy hiking (in the cool months), listening to live music, and gardening. I also have a cat named Whiskers who doubles as my alarm clock in the mornings. I am looking forward to an awesome school year!

Terry Rudd

I am so excited to join the 5th grade team here at Reagan. I am starting my 20th year with Leander ISD. I have previously taught at Deer Creek and Cox Elementary. My wife also works for the district and we have 3 children. My oldest (Jennifer) is a teacher in Dallas, my middle child (Emily) teaches in Frisco and my youngest (Spencer) works at N.O.V. When I am not teaching you can find me on the golf course or officiating basketball games. I attended TCU and received BBA in Marketing and worked at the YMCA for 15 years before moving into education. I have my Masters in Education from Texas State. I am honored to be your child's teacher and I look forward to learning with them this year.

Vanessa Lau

I have been a Reagan Ray teacher since 2013! I have taught 2nd, 4th, and 5th grades during my career. I have a lifelong passion for reading and writing, and I love teaching American history, so I am excited to share that passion with my students.

I have lived in Austin since 2000, and have a degree in English and mass communication from Texas State University. Outside of school, I spend time with my family, friends, and most importantly, my dog Albus. In my free time, I love to read, listen to music, and try new recipes or cuisines.

I love teaching and I'm excited to share this part of your learning journey with you!

Kristi Le

Hello 5th Grade!

I’m excited to start my third year teaching Math and Science at Reagan Elementary. I graduated from McMurry University with a bachelor's in Psychology and spent several years working in the Special Victims Unit at the police department and in social services before discovering my true passion for teaching.

I have three wonderful children, two of whom are Reagan alumni, and one currently attending. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy fly fishing, coaching volleyball, and spending time outdoors. I look forward to a fantastic school year with all of you!

Jason Paul

Howdy Reagan Rays!

This is going to be my 4th year at Reagan teaching 5th grade Math and Science. The 2025-2026 school year will be my 17th year as a teacher. I graduated with a degree in Education and a minor in Spanish from the University of Texas at San Antonio (Go Road Runners!). Over my career I have had experience teaching Math, Science, Social Studies, ELA, and Physical Education as well as coaching a wide variety of sports.

I was born in Baytown, Texas but have lived and worked internationally for several years. In my free time I enjoy playing sports (Tennis, Rock Climbing, and Ultimate Frisbee are my favs) and my bass guitar. I have also recently taken up the hobby of trying to repair and refurbish old video game consoles.

I'm looking forward to teaching your child and another great year at Reagan Elementary.

It's always a great day to be a Ray!