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Christine Baroch
GFHS, English Teacher
Christine Baroch has been teaching English at Great Falls High School for 17 years. Currently, she teaches Advanced Placement Literature and Composition and is the English Department Chairperson. In addition to serving on the District Writing Committee since its beginning, having scored essays for the MUS/ACT, and attending writing workshops in the summers, Mrs. Baroch's experience includes not only teaching honors English courses at the junior and senior levels but also remediated English. Incorporating technology in her classroom, she increases her students' confidence and familiarity with technological instruction and electronic media.
Marilyn Burns
Mathematics Educator, Creator and Founder of Math Solutions Professional
Development
http://teacher.scholastic.com/products/paperbacks/marilynburns/bio.htm
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Jackie Carlson
GFPS, Intervention Specialist
Jackie Carlson is an an intervention specialist for the GFPS elementary. She has a BA in Elementary Education and K-12 Special Education and a Masters in Counseling. She has eight years experience in education.
Denise Conrad, Ph.D.
GFPS, Former Director of Special Education
Denise Conrad is the retired Director of Special Education and Student Services for Great Falls Public Schools in Great Falls, Montana. She has past experience as a teacher and administrator in both regular and special education. Dr. Conrad has been providing consultation, workshop and university level training to educators and other professionals throughout the United States and Canada since 1973. A primary focus of her work has been to train educators to provide effective education and services to children and adolescents with various types of disabilities. In addition, she has provided training and consultation to private sector rehabilitation in the areas of task analysis and behavioral programming. Both privately and through her involvement with federally recognized and validated educational projects, Dr. Conrad has developed numerous classroom curriculum and teacher training materials.
Patrick Crispen
Instructional Technology Coordinator, Internet Training Materials Specialist
http://www.netsquirrel.com/crispen/about_crispen.html
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Joan Dailey
GFPS, English Teacher
Joan Dailey has been teaching English at Great Falls High for fourteen years. Her experience includes all four grade levels, as well as both remedial and honors sections. In addition, Ms. Dailey has earned her Masters in English Teaching from the University of Montana, has served on the district writing committee for numerous years, and has attended the ACT training for scoring essays.
Luke Diekhans
GFPS, Environmental Education Teacher
Luke Diekhans has been teaching in the district for nine years. His experience includes teaching in classrooms ranging from first to six grade, and is currently teaching in the environmental science program. Imbedding inquiry with n his teaching has been a passion and he has researched and taken classes in this area to implement best practices.
Joelene Goodover
GFPS, Psychologist
Joelene Goodover has been a School Psychologist with GFPS for 30 years; she is currently the Great Falls High School Psychology Program Assistant. She has also been teaching classes for MSU-Northern since the mid 1980s.
Charles Fulcher
Oil Painter/Graphic Designer/Gallery Owner
Charles Fulcher enjoys the challenges of painting landscapes, flowers and
still-lifes.
His paintings have been described as edgy, fresh and full of energy. He likes to
paint in the classic Plein Air style, which allows him to capture the
ever-changing light and shadows. Yet, he also enjoys the solitude and
concentrated efforts of studio painting for his larger pieces. Charles starts
all his paintings with a black canvas. He paints the negative area of the
composition first. This allows him to paint the light in the painting. Then, the
absence of color creates line and form. The imagery emerges from the canvas, and
the composition begins to take shape. It is during this process that his style
is defined. Charles believes that colors should be bright and dramatic. He wants
the painting to come alive with bold hues and dramatic contrast.
Charles was inspired by many different artists throughout time, from the early
impressionists like Van Gogh for his use of bold colors, and the Group of Seven
(Canada) for their unique landscape compositions. He is also inspired by his
contemporaries, such as Neil Patterson for his appreciation of the beauty of
100% color. Mostly, Charles was inspired to paint in this style because it was
the way he felt most comfortable. Although his style was new and somewhat
puzzling to many in his field, Charles was determined to follow his own compass
as a painter: to blaze his own path and create his own style, unencumbered by
any boundaries.
Charles Fulcher began drawing in the 7th grade and immediately demonstrated the
natural ability to draw details and perspective. After college, where he
obtained a Bachelor of Art degree from Montana State University, he worked for
years in Graphic Design. Being an artist in the true sense of the word, Charles
also embraced his musical side, becoming a professional musician. Through the
years, Charles has always enjoyed the opportunity to express himself openly and
creatively through music and art.
Supporting the arts and the art community is always one Charles’ top priorities.
He has been a member of the Great Falls Advertising Federation (Ad Club) for
over 15 years. Ad Club organizes the annual C.M. Russell Art Auction. Charles’
affiliation with the club has given him opportunities to meet and learn from
many artists throughout the years.
Charles Fulcher’s paintings are held in important private and public collections
nationwide.
Anitra Hall
GFHS, Excel Administrator
Anitra Hall has served as the Smaller Learning Community Grant Site Coordinator at Great Falls High School for the past three years. From 1997 - 1999, Ms. Hall taught at Children’s Comprehensive Services, a day - treatment facility, working with students grades 6-12. Ms. Hall joined the Great Falls Public School District in 1999 as the Ninth Grade Transition teacher where she taught until 2004. In the summer of 2004, she assumed an administrative internship at GFHS. She is a member of the faculty advisory planning committee at Great Falls High School. Anitra has participated in national training opportunities for building advisories at the high school level, and has planned and presented PIR courses in the district centered on advisory in the high school.
Grayce Holzheimer
Artist and art faculty at MSUGF-COT
Artist and art faculty at MSUGF-COT, Grayce Holzheimer is a versatile artist who enjoys sharing her expertise in working with a variety of art-making materials and processes. She received her BFA in Sculpture and Drawing from Southern Illinois University- Carbondale and a MFA in Sculpture from Montana State University-Bozeman. Her recent artwork media varies from Hydrocal and cement sculptures, traditional and digital photography and drawing and painting the flora and fauna in the area. You can find her in the summer hiking and camping in Glacier, the Rocky Mountain Front and the Little Belt Mountains.
Kari Hosmer
CMR, Intervention Specialist
Kari Hosmer is an Intervention Specialist at C.M. Russell High School. She received her BA in Elementary Education (PreK through 8) and Education Specialist graduate degree in School Psychology. She has taught general education and/or has been a school psychologist in Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Texas, and Montana. Kari has focused on Early Childhood Education and Emotional/Behavioral disorders. She strives to provide successful educational opportunities for all teachers and students.
Heather Hoyer
EMS, Administrative Intern
Heather Hoyer is currently the Administrative Intern at East Middle School. She has taught secondary science since 1994 and has been with the Great Falls Public School district since 1996 teaching middle school and high school science courses. She is a member of the faculty committee who is working with advisory at Great Falls High School. Heather has participated in national training opportunities for building advisories at the high school level and has presented PIR courses in the district centered around advisory in the high school.
Kim Kellogg
GFPS, K-6 Teacher on Special Assignment
Kim Kellogg is an Elementary Teacher on Special Assignment (2 years). She has 18 years teaching experience, 10 in Great Falls. Kim is originally from Kansas and has trained in 6-Traits writing at the Northwest Regional Lab as well as has taught 6-Traits for 15 years.
Katie Kotynski
GFPS, Instructional Technology
In her current position as the instructional technology coordinator for Great Falls Public Schools, Katie Kotynski helps teachers incorporate technology into their classrooms and researches the most current tech tools for instruction. Kotynski also teaches adjunct technology and English courses at MSU-Great Falls College of Technology. In the past she has taught English, journalism and at-risk students as well as serving as the district's assessment specialist.
Christine Lencioni
GFPS, High School Instructional Reading Coach
Christine M. Lencioni has been an educator for 16 years. Her undergraduate degree is in Elementary Education with a Reading Specialist Minor. She spent 6 years teaching 6th Grade with the Centerville School District, one year in 4th grade and 10 years in High School Reading with the Great Falls Public Schools. For the past 5 years she has been the GFPS High School Instructional Reading Coach. In this capacity, she works collaboratively with teachers and administrators focusing on Reading in the Content Areas. Christine has a Master's Degree in Learning Development, and has completed a plethora of courses and book discussions in Adolescent Literacy, the Struggling Reader, and effective ways to help students learn. She strives to make Reading in the Content Areas and Active Reading something ALL teachers can do to help their students be prepared for reading/learning demands of the future.
John Maag, Ph.D.
Special Education and Communication Disorders
http://www.unl.edu/barkley/faculty/jmaag.shtml
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Jan Mader
GFHS, Physics/Holography Teacher
Jan Mader is currently a Physics, Holography and Chemistry instructor at GFHS. She is a National Trainer and Author of published curricula for physics and physical science instructors. She was Co-Principal Investigator on a 5 million dollar NSF grant through the American Association of Physics Teachers to provide pedagogically sound curriculum in technology, inquiry, physics, physical science, and chemistry for rural teachers west of the Mississippi and north of the Mason Dixon line. Her Inservice Activities and Workshops include from August 1988 to the present, providing inservice for physics and physical science in thirty nine states and four countries for K-12 teachers utilizing inquiry and learning cycles. Her National Conference Presentations include from June 1989 to present, presenting workshops and inviting and contributing papers at forty-three AAPT, NSTA and SOAR conferences.
Mikie Messman
GFPS, Coordinator of Student & Employee Assistance
Mikie Messman has been the coordinator of the GFPS CARE Program since the fall of 2005. In her pervious life she was a counselor at CMR for 27 years. Mikie currently serves on both the District's Student Wellness and Employee Wellness Committees and is the Employee Assistance Counselor for the GFPS. mikie_messman@gfps.k12.mt.us
Marni Napierala
GFPS, Instructional Coach
Marni Napierala has four years experience as a K-8 Instructional Coach for GFPS. She has eight years experience as a GFPS District Trainer for the Differentiated Team and 13 years teaching experience in elementary education. Marni earned her Master's Degree in Learning Development.
Jenn Pospisil
GFPS, Art Coordinator
Jennifer Pospisil is the current Great Falls Public Schools Art Department Coordinator. She has a BA from Montana State University of Bozeman in Graphics and Advertising. She holds a K-12 art teaching certificate and has a Masters in Educations from the University of Great Falls. She has over 10 years experience working with students and has worked for Great Falls for five. She has been the coordinator since the fall of 2005. She continues to service elementary schools with art and teaches for CMR High School in Great Falls. In addition Jenn sits on several committees and chairs throughout the district as well as being a board member for Paris Gibson Museum of Art. She teaches art classes at the square as well. She was named this fall as Vice President for the Montana Arts Education Association.
Susan Quinn
CMR, Excel Administrator
Susan Quinn has taught in the GFPS since 1991 in elementary, middle school, and high school where she regularly used technology to enhance her instruction. After earning her master's in education with an emphasis in technology, she began teaching various PIRs and graduate classes on using technology in the classroom. Currently she is the Smaller Learning Communities Coordinator at C.M. Russell High School.
Susan Rader
GFPS, Intervention Specialist
Susan Rader M.S. is currently an Intervention Specialist for the Great Falls Public Schools. She has previous experience as a School Psychologist (k-12) as well as a general and Special Education teacher. She has provided training for educators at the district, state and University level in a variety of areas, including behavior and classroom management, effective teaching, special education strategies and curriculum modification.
Mary Rearden
GFPS, Extended Curriculum Coordinator
Mary Rearden is the current Extended Curriculum Coordinator for GFPS. She earned her Master's Degree in Education with a Graduate Emphasis in Gifted Education. Mary has thirty years of elementary teaching experience and eight years teaching experience in gifted education.
Corri Smith
GFPS, Indian Education Instructional Coach K-8
Corri Smith is an Indian Education for All Coach with the Great Falls Public Schools, and works with staff and students in grades K-6. She has been teaching for 16 years and received her Bachelors of Science Degree in Elementary Education at the University of Great Falls and her Masters Degree in Educational Administration from MSU-Bozeman. She holds Special Education and Reading endorsements. A doctoral in educational leadership is Corri’s current goal. She was recently accepted into the doctoral program at the University of Montana. In addition, Corri is a Minority Leadership Trainer for NEA, as well as a current member of the Montana Advisory Council for Indian Education. Like her father, she is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Chippewa Band in Belcourt, ND. Her mother is an enrolled member of the Sioux Nation, in Fort Totten, ND.
Teresa Sprague
Sacajawea Elementary, Second Grade
Teresa Sprague is currently a second grade teacher with the Great Falls Public Schools at Sacajawea Elementary. She has been teaching for sixteen years in grades kindergarten through sixth. She is a Classroom Management Trainer, serves on the Curriculum Implementation Team as well as the Sacajawea School Improvement Team, and currently teaches Assessment in Education for MSU Northern. Teresa completed her Bachelor’s Degree at Montana State University. She has a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in the Arts from Lesley University, and an Administrative Certification from MSU.
Beth Thomas
GFPS, Environmental Education Teacher
Beth Thomas is currently teaching Environmental Education in the Great Falls Public Schools. The twelve years prior to that, she taught middle school science. She also teaches science camps for children in the summer at Canyon Ferry and in Great Falls. Imbedding inquiry within her teaching has been a passion and she has researched and taken classes in this area to implement best practices.
Ed Varner
GFPS, Music Director
Edward Varner is currently the Supervisor of Music Education for the Great Falls Public Schools in Great Falls, MT. He completed the master’s degree in educational administration from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada and is currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Administration and Leadership from North Central University in Arizona. Prior becoming an educational administrator in 2005, Ed taught music (K-12) for 15 years in the public schools of California, Nevada, and Washington. Additionally, Ed has presented workshops for the International Reading Association, the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), the International Conference on Education (HI), the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and a variety of school districts and universities. Learn more at www.spaghettieddiemusic.com
Christi Virts
CMR, Health Enhancement/Trainer
Christi Virts has been a health enhancement teacher and certified athletic trainer at C.M. Russell High School for the last eight years. She is also a nationally registered paramedic with 13 years of pre-hospital experience.
Dulce Whitford
GFPS, Indian Education Instructional Coach 9-12
Dulce Whitford is an Instructional Coach for Indian Education for All with the Great Falls Public Schools and works with staff and students in grades 7-12. She has been teaching for 14 years and received her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Great Falls and her Masters Degree in Native American Students with an emphasis in Multicultural Education from MSU-Bozeman. She also has a K-12 Reading Endorsement. In addition she is on the Montana Indian Education Association Board and is currently the Secretary. She is Blackfeet/Lakota Sioux and is an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Nation in Browning, MT.
Melanie Williams
Office of Public Instruction
Melanie Williams is a general education teacher with 16 years of classroom experience. She spent the first 10 years of her teaching career at the middle school level and is currently teaching third grade. After receiving her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, she became involved in the WE TEACH ALL project and began studying and practicing Differentiated Instruction as it applied to both the gifted learner and the struggling student. She is now a WE TEACH ALL Consultant for OPI in Montana and teaches and presents the components of Differentiated Instruction to teachers of all grade levels and specialty areas. She has also received training on RtI and Teacher Assistance Teams and is a team leader in her own school. She serves on both the state’s CSPD council and the Montana Council for Exceptional Children (MCEC). She was nominated to Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers for two years.
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