Interviews With Staff

Jo Anna Armstrong 

How long have you been teaching?

27 Years

How long have you been here at LE?

23 Years

Tell us about yourself if you want to: family, interests, hobbies, etc.

I have been married to my husband, David, for 37 years. We have two grown children and five grandchildren. Our children graduated from LE in 2006 and 2010. My daughter is the AP at the Pre-K Center. I enjoy visiting National Parks and spending time with my family. I love taking pictures of wildlife. 

What subjects do you teach?

Government & Learning Frameworks. 

What makes you a unique teacher?

I believe I am a unique teacher because I have a passion for what I do. After 27 years I still love my job. I have had many people ask me, "When are you going to retire?", and I still tell them that I still love what I'm doing and retirement is not in my near future. 

What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe that every student that I teach will graduate and be successful. I believe that encouraging students and getting to know them will help to motivate them to be successful.

What motivates you?

My motivators are my family and students, my church family, my friends, and my pets. My faith in God is also a strong motivator. 

Out of curiosity, what type of student were you in high school?

I was a student that wanted to please my teachers. I made A's and B's. I was in National Honor Society and I was in Theater Arts. I was in One Act Play my junior year in high school.

Tell me something about yourself that most people don't know.

Most people do not know that I grew up barrel racing. I competed in several rodeos and I have many trophies for barrel racing. 

In your opinion, what is the most rewarding part of being a teacher?

The most rewarding part of being a teacher is seeing my students graduate from high school.

Tell us about one of your teachers who made an impression on you.

I had the same teacher in my 6th, 7th, & 8th grade year. He taught all subjects because I attended a very small school. He cared about all of his students and he was a strong motivator. He left a very strong impression on me. 

How do you want your students to remember you?

I want my students to remember that I believed in them and that I told them they would be successful in life. 

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The most challenging part of my job is worrying about my students. If they are having a bad day it makes me sad and it makes me worry about them. 

Any final thoughts?

Education is the most rewarding career anyone could choose. I hope that several of my students will choose to enter the education profession. 

Juanita Ross

How long have you been teaching?

49 years

How long have you been here at LE?

17 

Tell us about yourself if you want to: family, interests, hobbies, etc.

Love Dance, watersports, and twirling

What subjects do you teach?

English

What makes you a unique teacher?

Relatable to all

What is your teaching philosophy?

All students can achieve success, some just need more help.

What motivates you?

Out of curiosity, what type of student were you in high school?

A/B Honor Student

Tell me something about yourself that most people don't know.

I used to drag race.

In your opinion, what is the most rewarding part of being a teacher?

Seeing students mature into responsible young people.

Tell us about one of your teachers who made an impression on you.

Mrs. Ray. My English teacher THS.

How do you want your students to remember you?

Loving but tough on, following rules and assignment work.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Students who seem to not care about anything, apathy

Any final thoughts?

Love our LE students and community, Eylau Nation!!

Vicki Cox

How long have you been teaching?

11 years

How long have you been here at LE?

11 years 

Tell us about yourself if you want to: family, interests, hobbies, etc.

I have 3 adult/married children; Mystee, Krystofer, and Maddilyn. I have 13 grandchildren; Madison, Aidyn, Presley, Stormee, Krockett, Kohen, Aiyla, Hazy, Aurora, Delilah, Chandler, Braelynn, and Elynor.

What subjects do you teach?

English I & II

What makes you a unique teacher?

I want to help students find their voice and how to express themselves in a meaningful manner. I want them to grow and evolve into successful leaders.

What is your teaching philosophy?

Understand each student's story. Learn how needs to be taught, and make it happen. 

What motivates you?

I am motivated by students' successes. When they find success- I am successful.

Out of curiosity, what type of student were you in high school?

I was involved in everything I could. I was a cheerleader, on the gymnastics team, student council, rosebuds, and theatre. My cheer coach required us to maintain a 90 or better or we couldn't cheer that week. Grades were checked each Friday. I never missed a game.  

Tell me something about yourself that most people don't know.

I won Miss Texas High in my senior year. 

In your opinion, what is the most rewarding part of being a teacher?

Meeting the new students each year, and getting to know them.

Tell us about one of your teachers who made an impression on you.

My favorite teacher was Mr.Bill Kimbro. He was my 7th grade math teacher at Pine Street Jr. High. Until then I did not like math, or understand it very well. 

How do you want your students to remember you?

I want them to remember me as caring and helpful, and know that I tried. 

What is the most challenging part of your job?

I belive that students do want to learn and grow, but they are too dependent of their cellular or other devices. Technology is great but not all the time.

Any final thoughts?

I started my career in 1990 as a classroom aide, and worked my way through rarious levels of office assignment. I took night classes whileworking  full time, and raising my family. It was difficult at times, but I had a goal that I finally achieved.  I tell my story to say that it is often a struggle but keep going towards the light at the end of the tunnel. 

Audrey Morris-Cellers

How long have you been teaching?

Since 2019

How long have you been here at LE?

2 years 

Tell us about yourself if you want to: family, interests, hobbies, etc.

Married with 3 kids and a dog; I love to travel and shop; I love flowers, crafting, and decoration. 

What subjects do you teach?

U.S History

What makes you a unique teacher?

I believe my ability to make history relevant and break it down so that the students can understand and retain it. 

What is your teaching philosophy?

My philosophy is that all students are unique and must have a stimulating educational environment where they can grow mentally, emotionally, and socially 

What motivates you?

My family and children for the most part. Regarding education, my students motivate me. 

Out of curiosity, what type of student were you in high school?

I was very outgoing. I was in an honors class student council, National Honors Society, band, flag line 4-H, Senior Class President, and many other clubs.

Tell me something about yourself that most people don't know.

I have a fear of bridges. I am also afraid of costume characters at theme parks. 

In your opinion, what is the most rewarding part of being a teacher?

Student success, seeing my students pass the EOC

Tell us about one of your teachers who made an impression on you.

I had a lot of wonderful teachers who made an impression on me. One of my favorite teachers was Mr. Howard my history/social studies teacher in Jr. High School. Perhaps he is the reason why I chose to teach history.

How do you want your students to remember you?

I want my students to remember me as being a caring teacher. 

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Getting through the U.S. History Teks before the EOC

Any final thoughts?