Dr. Doug Barnard is a long-time educator (47 years) with Mesa Public Schools. He taught at the elementary, secondary and college level before serving as the Director of Reading and Language for 10 years. Prior to retiring in 1996, he served as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for 16 years. At that time, he was appointed Executive Director of the Community Education Department and the Distance Learning programs on a half-time basis. In this role and with the support of the District, he started services for home-schooled families with the Eagleridge Enrichment Center for grades K-9 and the Mesa Distance Learning Program for grades 7-12 with the latter program being available to students throughout the world. He is currently devoting all his time to the K-12 Mesa Distance Learning Program.

Dr. Barnard graduated from the State University of New York at Potsdam, and received his doctorate degree from Boston University in 1970. He has consulted for over 30 different school districts, and for schools in Spain, Portugal and Columbia, South America. He has written over 20 professional articles and authored over 7 educational products for publishing companies as well as three professional books concerning reading instruction, curriculum and instruction, and textbook selection processes. Dr. Barnard has also been a featured speaker at over 30 different conferences and conventions. He is dedicated to serving students and their families and feels that there is much more that needs to be accomplished in this area.

Mrs. Rosa Pedregon is a registrar for the Mesa Distance Learning Program. She joined the MDLP staff in November 2006. Mrs. Pedregon registers students and answers questions about graduation requirements and district enrollment policies.

Mrs. Melissa Preuhs has been with the Mesa School District since 1995. Her first years were spent teaching elementary students at different grade levels. She has been a counselor since 2006. She is currently working as the counselor for MDLP full-time students.

Mrs. Preuhs' education consists of a B.A. in Education with an ESL Endorsement from Arizona State University, Reading Specialist Endorsement from Mesa Community College, an Early Education Endorsement, and M.Ed. in School Guidance Counseling from Ottawa University.

Ms. Susan Schuller is a registrar for the Mesa Distance Learning Program. She came to MDLP in June 2010 from the Mesa School District EVA program where she worked as a registrar. She has been with Mesa Public Schools since 1999. Ms. Schuller registers students and answers questions about graduation requirements and district enrollment policies.

Mrs. Marsha Yerardi-Hanson has been with the Mesa School District since the 1990's and the Mesa Distance Learning Program since May 2000. In her job as MDLP Secretary, she is the community liaison for Distance Learning, answering student and parent questions. She also directs students and parents to resources within the MDLP organization.

Mrs. Julie Davis, our MDLP English specialist, has been an English instructor for Mesa Public Schools since 1998. She has taught numerous English and reading courses at both the junior high and high school levels, served as an English Department Chair, and participated in a variety of committees, such as SIAC, Public Relations, Curriculum Review and Revision, Textbook Adoption, and CRT Revision. Mrs. Davis has been with our program since 2004 as an instructor, teaching EN09 Ninth Grade English and EN56 Multicultural Literature.

Ms. Jennifer Echols has been a jr. high Social Studies instructor for Mesa Public Schools since 1992. During her tenure with Mesa Schools she has served as the North Central Accreditation Steering Committee Chair, Technology Liaison, and on the School Improvement Management Team for various schools. Ms. Echols has been the Social Studies Specialist and instructor for the Mesa Distance Learning Program since the summer of 2003, teaching SS21 World History I and SS22 World History II.

Ms. Echols' educational experience includes a B.A. in Secondary Education and History from Arizona State University and a M.Ed. From Northern Arizona University in Educational Technology.

Mrs. Denise Hutchins has been the Video/Graphics Specialist for the Mesa Distance Learning Program since April 2001.

Mrs. Hutchins' educational experience includes a M.Ed. in Educational Media and Computers from Arizona State University. She trained with David Luna and Rock Leonard in Mesa Public School's award winning Educational Television Department.

Mr. Terry Hutchins has been a science instructor with Mesa Public Schools since 1983. During his tenure as a science instructor, he served on several science curriculum and textbook adoption committees and created interactive units for the jr. high science program. He has conducted workshops for the Mesa School District and the Arizona and National Science Teacher Association regional conventions. Mr. Hutchins has been the multimedia specialist and jr. high science specialist for the Mesa Distance Learning Program since June of 2001, teaching SC09 Essential Elements of Science and SC33 Earth Science.

Mr. Hutchins' educational experience includes a Bachelor's degree in Earth Science from Northern Arizona University and a M.Ed. in Secondary Education in 1989 from Arizona State University. In 2000, Mr. Hutchins graduated from Arizona State University with a M.Ed. in Educational Media and Computers.

Mr. Christopher Lee has been a teacher in Mesa since 1997. He has designed and taught curriculum for various computer applications and web design courses, and also taught high school math courses for several years. He has served on school goal setting committees and SIAC, served as a technology liaison, and was an Intel Teach to the Future Instructor. He has several years of web design experience and has designed web sites for various schools and departments in the Mesa District. Mr. Lee was selected as a Class Nobel Educator of Distinction by the National Society of High School Scholars. He joined the MDLP staff as Math Specialist in 2010. He also teachers MA27 Algebra I for MDLP.

Mr. Lee’s educational background includes a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maine, and a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University. Mr. Lee is recognized as a Highly Qualified Mathematics Teacher and has always emphasized technology in education.

Mr. Ray Turley has been a science instructor for in the Mesa School District since 1983. While with Mesa, he has served on several curriculum and assessment committees. His achievements also include Mesa School’s Educator of the Year award. He has been the high school science specialist and instructor with the Mesa Distance Learning Program since 2004. Mr. Turley teaches SC49 Biology for MDLP.

Mr. Turley’s educational experience includes a B.S. in Biology and a M.A. in Secondary Education from Arizona State University.

Mrs. Gina Adams has taught seventh, eighth and ninth grade science in Mesa. Mrs. Adams has been with the Mesa Distance Learning Program since 2001 as the instructor for SC07 Integrated Science and SC08 Integrated Science.

Mrs. Adams graduated with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a Middle School Science endorsement and a M.Ed. from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor's degree in Bilingual/Multicultural Education.

Mrs. Karen Appel was a high school math instructor with Mesa Public Schools for 9 years, and is currently teaching calculus at Maricopa Community College. Mrs. Appel served on several committees in the Mesa District. These include: The Steering and North Central Accreditation Committee, the Scholarship and Awards Committee and various curriculum committees. Her awards include Who's Who Among America's Teachers, Disney's American Teacher Award Nominee, MPS Joining Hands Award, Outstanding Teacher Award and Master Teacher Award. She has received the following grants: Tutorial (Mesa), Educational Excellence (Mesa) and Teacher Venture Arizona. In addition to her teaching duties, Ms. Appel has worked for Community Education as a Distance Learning Television Instructor and a Mathematics Curriculum writer for correspondence courses. Mrs. Appel has been with the Mesa Distance Learning Program since 1999. She is the instructor for MA30 Geometry, MA40 Algebra II, MA42 Trigonometry, and MA90 AIMS Review.

Mrs. Appel's educational experience includes a B.A. in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Mathematics from Arizona State University (1987), a Masters degree in Computer Applications from Nova Southeastern University (1995), and an Administrative Certification from Northern Arizona University (2002). She is certified in Mathematics (Adult as well as Secondary Education), Behavior Management, Mastery Learning, Essential Elements of Instruction and as a Principal and Qualified Evaluator.

Mr. Martin Appel has been teaching for Mesa Public Schools since 1994. He currently serves as a transitional facilitator helping young adults establish career pathways. He is an adviser for the Youth Transition Club at one of the local high schools as well as the coach for the Red Mountain High School Girl's basketball team. In the fall of 2009 he joined the MDLP staff and is currently teaching Bowling.

Mr. Appel earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education at Arizona State University and has a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership, certified to be an administrator at the college level.

Mrs. Ginny Bartes currently teaches Computer Foundations (Keyboarding) and Computer Applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) at a junior high in the Mesa School District. She has been a certified teacher since 1980, joining Mesa Schools in 2003. Mrs. Bartes currently serves on her school’s School Improvement Management Team and is the Technology Liaison. She joined the Mesa Distance Learning Program in the summer of 2005. She currently teaches Computer Applications I, Business and Personal Financial Success, and Introduction to Digital Photography for MDLP.

Mrs. Bartes holds three Arizona teaching certificates: Elementary (K-8), Secondary-Business (7-12) and a Vocational (CTE) certificate. Mrs. Bartes will be completing her Masters Degree at NAU in Career and Technical Education (CTE) in the summer of 2006.

Ms. Debbi Bertolet has been teaching in Mesa Public Schools since 1986. She has taught high school English, AP Psychology, and Service Learning (SS94). Ms. Bertolet is currently the Director of Service Learning for the Mesa district where she helps teachers and students from kindergarten through high school design successful service projects. At the same time, she enjoys teaching one class each day of the Service Learning elective and she sponsors the service club called S.H.Out! (Students Helping Out!) SHOut students and Ms. Bertolet go out once a week after school to do service as a group. They do projects such as cleaning yards for senior citizens, serving dinner at St. Vincent de Paul, sorting medical supplies at Project Cure, marching in the Civil Rights Day Parade, or walking in the Cancer Relay for Life and much more.

Mrs. Beth Bonewell has been an American History teacher for the past eight years with Mesa Public Schools. She is also the sponsor for Youth Alive at the high school where she teaches. In addition, she teaches for ITT Tech. She began teaching American History I and II for MDLP in 2010.

Ms. Gay Bowen has been a counselor for Mesa Public Schools since 1992. As a MPS counselor, Ms. Bowen works in the Educational Domain, helping students plan for the future and explore post secondary options. She has also taught high school English during her tenure with Mesa Schools. Ms. Bowen joined the Mesa Distance Learning Program in September 2006 as the instructor for the junior high and high school art courses as well as the Drugs in Society course.

Ms. Bowen's educational experience includes degrees from BYU, Gonzaga University, and the University of Phoenix.

Mr. Trevor Brimhall has been enjoying his profession as an educator in Mesa for five years and within that time, has taught Sophomore English, World Literature, Yearbook Publications, American Government, AP European History, and AP Comparative Government. He advises the Model United Nations Club and holds membership in the Professional Development and Technology Committees at a Mesa High School. Currently, he teaches American Government with MDLP.

Mr. Brimhall earned a Bachelor's of Science in Political Science from Arizona State University, with minors in Psychology and Women's Studies, and an MA in Secondary Education from the University of Phoenix. He is certified to teach American Government, English, and History.

Mrs. Michelle Broberg has been a teacher with Mesa Public Schools since January 1994. During her tenure with Mesa Public Schools, she has held a variety of positions. She has taught in a variety of settings; a self-contained setting, an alternative setting, and a resource setting.

Mrs. Broberg’s current teaching position for Mesa Public Schools has allowed her to teach College Prep. Writing, ELL classes, Sophomore English, and Essentials of English. She currently teaches Sophomore English and Reading for students who have not passed the AIMS test. She joined the Mesa Distance Learning Program as an English instructor in March 2010.

Mrs. Broberg received her B.A. from Arizona State University, M. Ed. from Northern Arizona University and certification of Principalship from Northern Arizona University. Additionally, she holds endorsements in reading, sheltered English immersion, elementary education, special education in the areas of mental retardation, learning disabilities, and emotional disabilities.

Mr. Brian Buck has been a teacher in Mesa Public Schools since 1990. He has taught American History, AP U.S. History and is currently teaching MYP Honors American History, IB History of the Americas and IB 20th Century World History. Activities include Social Studies Department Chair and Model United Nation Club sponsor. Mr. Buck was an AP reader for the College Board for four years and has been trained for the International Baccalaureate Programme. He won the Silver Apple Award in 2004.

Mr. Buck graduated from Arizona State University with a BA in Secondary Education/History in 1988 and a MA in 1995.

Mrs. Adrienne Cantrell began teaching Social Studies in the Fall of 2006 and has taught in the Mesa School district since the Spring of 2007. She currently teaches American History and Economics. Mrs. Cantrell is also the sponsor of National Honor Society as well as assistant coach for the Varsity Spiritline. She began teaching Economics for MDLP in 2010.

Mrs. Cantrell graduated from Arizona State University with a B.A. in Education with an emphasis in Social Studies.

Mrs. Chen has been a teacher in both Phoenix and Mesa for 11 years. She served on the textbook adoption committee for the MPS World Language Department and became a curriculum developer for MDLP in 2007. She has been with MDLP since 2007 as a Chinese instructor.

Mrs. Chen’s educational experience includes a B.A. in Chinese Literature from Tamkang University in Taiwan and Master’s degrees in Educational Psychology and Special Education from Arizona State University. She also holds an ESL endorsement.

Ms. Lisa Creaser has over 20 years of experience as a teacher of French, Spanish, and English; she joined Mesa Public Schools in 1995. Once in Mesa she served for several years as an English department chairperson, and she has been active on several committees, including Textbook Adoption, Professional Development, Site Improvement, Curriculum Review, CRT, and SIAC. She has also taught Classroom Management as a MPS professional development course. In a traditional classroom she has taught French I and II, Spanish I and II, EN09, Principles of English I, Junior English, CP English, and Critical Thinking and Writing. Currently she teaches Advanced Placement Language and Composition and Literary Explorations at a high school in Mesa.

Ms. Creaser holds a B.S. in Secondary Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her M.Ed. in Secondary Education is from Northern Arizona University. She is also fully SEI endorsed.

Mr. Jacob Davis has been a mathematics teacher since the late 90’s. Courses taught range from 7th grade mathematics to Algebra and Geometry. He has coached the National Academic League for over 5 years, including two National runner-up teams. He has also served as an International Baccalaureate program coordinator and administrative team leader. He has been with MDLP since 2005 and has taught both 7th and 8th grade mathematics. He is now a Geometry instructor with the program.

Mr. Davis earned his Bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University in Secondary Mathematics. He has also earned his Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, with an emphasis in mathematics, as well as completed a doctoral program in curriculum and instruction. He has completed the English as a Second Language (ESL) endorsement and received teacher evaluation certification.

Mr. Paul Davis has been a certified high school Spanish teacher in the Mesa School District for 10 years. Before teaching high school Spanish, Mr. Davis taught at the middle school level for 3 years. His teaching experience includes online foreign language instruction for 7 years at a Maricopa County Community College. He began teaching Spanish with MDLP in 2006.

Mr Davis' educational experience includes a B.A. in Education from ASU, specializing in Spanish and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadersip from Northern Arizona University.

Mr. Jeff Davis has been with the Mesa School District since 2004, teaching social studies classes including American Government, Economics, and American History. In addition to his regular teaching assignment and distance learning classes, he also teaches in Mesa's summer school, coaches Speech and Debate, and sponsors a number of clubs.

Mr. Davis graduated from Arizona State University with a B.A. in Secondary Education, emphasizing social studies. He is currently working on a Master's degree in Secondary Education from Northern Arizona University.

Mrs. Linda de Masi has been both a junior and senior high school English teacher for Mesa Public Schools since 1981. During this time, she has served as the Site Team Leader, North Central Accreditation Steering Committee Chair, Visiting Team Member for NCA, School Improvement Team Chair, Career Ladder Coach, SIAC, and Academic League Team Coach, twice leading the team to the state championship and second-place national recognition. Mrs. de Masi has also taught parenting classes for Parent University and Banner Health Systems, and co-authored the cultural diversity curriculum for MPS.

Mrs. de Masi’s educational experience includes a B.A. degree in Secondary Education with emphasis in English Literature from California State University and an M.S. in Educational Administration from Nova Southeastern University. In addition, Mrs. de Masi was an ambassador for Motorola, a fellow for the National Humanities Center in literature, and a mentor teacher for MCC.

Mrs. Keiko Dilbeck has been a teacher with Mesa Public Schools since 2003. She has taught 7th grade and 9th grade English, AA 9th grade English, Literary Explorations, Principles of English 1, and AP Literature and Composition. Currently, she also teaches online composition courses for University of Phoenix, advises Student Council at a MPS high school, and serves within her department as a PLC leader. In the past she has worked on a variety of committees from SIAC to Technology, been an English Department Chair, and assisted on interview committees for administrative candidates. She began teaching English for MDLP in 2010.

Mr. Scott Eshman serves as the math department chairperson and teaches Honors Geometry and Algebra at Mesa district junior high. He has been teaching mathematics since 1992. He has coached the MathCounts team, sponsored the National Junior Honor Society, and Judged the National Academic League. Mr. Eshman has worked over the past 10 years to enhance the teaching of mathematics by integrating science and math concepts. He has participated in textbook adoption, curriculum mapping, and assessment design. He has a passion for mathematics, education, and teaching young people. He was awarded both the CAMLA teacher of the year award and the Wal-Mart teacher of the year award. In 2009, he joined the Mesa Distance Learning Program as a Geometry teacher.

Mr. Eshman earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Math Education, a Master's of Education in Leadership, and a principal’s certificate in school administration.

Miss Ann Marie Geair has been a Social Studies instructor with an alternative school in Mesa Public Schools since 2000. While teaching in the Mesa District, she served on the 7th grade Social Studies book adoption committee in 2006-2007. She joined the Mesa Distance Learning Program in 2008.

Miss Geair's educational experience includes a B.A. in Liberal Arts from Arizona State University in 1998, and a M.Ed. from Northern Arizona University in 2003.

Mrs. Cheryl Gibson has been a mathematics instructor with Mesa Public Schools since 1985. She has taught a variety of math courses ranging from Algebra 1 to Calculus. Currently she teaches regular and honors mathematics classes at a Mesa High School and serves as the department chair.

Mrs. Gibson graduated with a B.A. Degree in Secondary Education at Montana State University. She received her M.Ed. in Secondary Education with a mathematics emphasis from Northern Arizona University.

Dr. Diane Gillen has taught Physical Education since 1981. Her teaching experience includes teaching at schools in New York, Phoenix, and currently at Mesa Public Schools. She is a high school varsity coach and Physical Education Department Chair. Dr. Gillen began teaching Physical Education courses for MDLP in spring 2010.

Dr. Gillen received a BS Ed degree in Physical Education from State University College at Cortland, New York, an MEd from Arizona State University in Educational leadership, and a Doctorate from Lacrosse University.

Mrs. Sherri Gold-Foreman has been a history teacher for 20 years and has been a junior high guidance counselor for the past 12 years. She has worked in Mesa Public Schools since 1980. While in the classroom she taught Arizona History, World History, 8th grade Social Studies, American History and Pre-Algebra. She has served as Social Studies department chairperson and has been a member of a variety of MPS committees, including World History curriculum planning/text book adoption, the Guidance Advisory Council and Taking Charge. Mrs. Gold-Foreman has also been the AVID counselor, a National Junior Honor Society advisor, an Assistant Track coach, the Freshman Photo Album coordinator, a SIAC member and a Student Mentor. She has been nominated for Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers three times. Mrs. Gold-Foreman joined MDLP in January 2008 teaching 8th Grade Social Studies and World History/Geography.

She earned her BA in History with a minor in Mathematics from CUNY at Brooklyn College and her MA in Counseling Psychology from ASU. Her educational training extends many hours beyond her masters degree.

Mrs. Heck has been an English teacher in the Mesa District since 1985. She has taught both junior high, and for the past 13 years, high school. Mrs. Heck has taught classes ranging from ninth grade English to Creative Writing. Presently, she teaches Shakespeare, and Sophomore and Junior English.

Mrs. Heck received a BA in English from ASU in 1985 and a M.Ed from ASU in 1991. She became counselor certified through ASU in 1999.

Ms. Elaine Helton has been a science instructor with Mesa Public Schools since 1992. She taught 8th and 9th grade general science and Biology during her 15 year tenure at Hendrix Jr. High. She is currently teaching Biology at Dobson High School. While teaching in Mesa, she has served as a science department chair and a member on science curriculum and textbook adoption committees. Ms. Helton joined MDLP in 2009 teaching Essential Elements of Science and Personal Development.

Ms. Helton's educational experience includes a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Health Science Education and Biology from Northern Arizona University and a M.Ed. in Administration from Northern Arizona University.

Cindy Holmes-Bacon has been a teacher and administrator for 37 years. She has been a teacher in Mesa since 1988. She has taught a variety of English, Reading and Social Studies courses spanning elementary through college level. Her awards include Connecticut’s Outstanding Educator award, Outstanding Faculty Award-Rio Salado Community College and numerous Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers awards. Ms. Holmes-Bacon is a mentor teacher for Mesa Public Schools.

Ms. Holmes-Bacon’s educational degrees include a BS, MS, and PD from Southern Connecticut State University.

Jessica Inglish has taught 8th grade American Studies, 9th grade World History, and AA World History classes in Mesa Public Schools over the past nine years. In addition to teaching in the classroom, Mrs. Inglish has spent time on campus as the site Intramural Sports Director, Freshman softball coach, and Close-Up Washington DC coordinator. She also supervises student teachers for Rio Salado College. Mrs. Inglish began teaching World History/Geography and 7th grade Social Studies for MDLP in spring 2009.

Mrs. Inglish obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education – History from Arizona State University and her Master’s degree in Secondary Education from Northern Arizona University.

Mrs. Amanda Johnson has been an instructor with Mesa Public Schools since 1998. She began teaching Independent Physical Education (Bowling) and Wellness and Nutrition, for the Mesa Distance Learning Program in January of 2001. She also teaches Skills for Teens for grades 7-8. During her tenure as a Physical Education instructor with Mesa Public Schools, she has coached both tennis and track teams for various jr. high Schools.

Mrs. Johnson's educational experience includes a B.S. degree in Physical Education with a minor in Sports Physiology from Biola University in 1994. She received a M.Ed. in Secondary Education from Northern Arizona University in 2002.

Mr. Bruce Joshu has been with Mesa Public Schools since 1981, teaching science classes including 9th Grade Science, Chemistry, Earth Science, and Biology. He joined MDLP in 2007 as a Biology instructor.

Mr. Joshu’s educational background includes a B.A. in secondary education from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado and M.A. in secondary education from Arizona State University.

Mrs. Patti Kupferer has been a science and math instructor with Mesa Public Schools since 1988. Her current job includes working as a Career Ladder specialist. Her achievements include presenting classes and workshops for teachers in the Mesa School District and at the Arizona and National Science Teacher Association regional conventions. Mrs. Kupferer has also served on the Steering Committee for North Central Accreditation and the district curriculum and textbook adoption committees. She has been awarded Mesa Foundation for Excellence grants, Teacher Venture grants, STRUT grants and a Salt River Project Resource grant. Her awards include finalist for Arizona Teacher of the Year, Innovative Teacher of the Year, Intel Innovative Teacher and winner of the Unsung Hero award. She began teaching SC81 Physics for the Mesa Distance Learning Program in 2004.

Mrs. Kupferer’s educational experience includes a B.S. from Purdue University (Indiana) and a M.S. in Genetic Engineering from Washington University (Missouri). She was also an Assistant Professor at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri.

Mrs. Amy Landrum has been a math teacher with Mesa Public Schools since 1995. She currently teaches Algebra 2, Geometry, and Honors Geometry at a high school in Mesa. She began teaching Algebra I for MDLP in 2010.

Mrs. Landrum earned a BA in Education with Secondary Mathematics emphasis at Arizona State University. She received her MEd in Education from Northern Arizona University.

Mrs. Sherry McCourt has been an Arizona resident since 1990, teaching English for 35 years in all grade levels. She has also been teaching at the community college level since 1988. Mrs. McCourt joined MDLP in May 2009, teaching Principles of English III and the college level dual enrollment course, English 101.

Mr. Jim McDonald currently teaches World History, Current Events in World History and Video Journalism at a jr. high school in the Mesa School District. He has been a certified K-12 instructor since 1985, joining Mesa Schools in 1988. While in Mesa, he served on the World History Curriculum/Textbook Adoption committee in 2003-2004. Other accomplishments include Who's Who in American Teachers in 2002 and 2004 and the State History Task Force. Mr. McDonald began teaching SS57 Economics for the Mesa Distance Learning Program in 2002.

Mr. McDonald's educational experience includes a B.S. in Agribusiness. He majored in General Sciences, Business, Agriculture and History with a minor in Mathematics. He also has a M.S. in Agribusiness from Arizona State University.

Mr. Russell McElhaney has been with the Mesa School District since 1999. In the classroom, Mr. McElhaney has taught social studies at each junior high grade level, with 7 years teaching World History/Geography. He has worked on several district committees, including the World History curriculum writing, assessment writing, and text book adoption committees. Out of the classroom, Mr. McElhaney coaches cross country and track at his junior high. He joined the Mesa Distance Learning Program in 2007, teaching both semesters of World History/Geography.

Mr. McElhaney graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Arizona State University, where he also earned a Post-baccalaureate certification and Master of Education degree.

Mrs. Cory Miller has been teaching in Mesa Public Schools since 1995. As a teacher in Mesa she has served on several committees, including Textbook Adoption, Professional Development, Site Improvement, Curriculum Review and Revision, CRT Revision, and Writing Across the Curriculum. She has also coordinated and taught the A.V.I.D. program and Video Journalism. Currently she teaches English at the seventh and ninth grade levels at a junior high school in Mesa. She joined the MDLP faculty in May of 2009 teaching Literary Explorations and American Literature.

Mrs. Miller holds a B.S. in Journalism with an emphasis in English from Northern Arizona University, and is currently working on her M. Ed. in Secondary Education with a reading endorsement.

Mr. Joe Myers has been a classroom teacher for Mesa Public Schools since 1999. He currently teaches 8th and 9th grade English. He has served on the North Central Accreditation Committee, SIAC, and as the Site Specialist for Mesa Public Schools' junior high summer school program. Mr. Myers joined the Mesa Distance Learning Program in 2005 as an instructor for EN34, Principles of English II.

Mr. Myers' educational experience includes a B.A. in Biblical Theology and the Master of Divinity degree. In 1998, he completed Ottawa University's Post-baccalaureate program and received the M.Ed. degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University in 2002. Arizona endorsements include secondary English, social studies, and school administration. He is a member of the National Council of Teachers of English.

Ms. Jessie Myers-Stein has had the privilege of instructing AZ students since 2001. She's had the opportunity to teach a large variety of English courses from Writing to ELD, to American & Multicultural Literature. She has also taught, and coached, a diverse group of students from Freshmen to Seniors. Since she began her busy teaching schedule with MPS, Sophomore English has been a constant. She is so pleased to add MDLP to her experience with these courses.

Mrs. Stella Ollarsaba has been a Math instructor with Mesa Public Schools since 1976. She is a teacher at a Mesa high school where she has taught all secondary math courses including AP Calculus AB and BC. She has been a facilitator and instructor for ASU’s CRESMET research center which provides educators the rigorous education needed to be better math and science teachers.

Mr. Gregory Pott has been a Traffic Safety and Sports Medicine instructor for Mesa Public Schools since 1983. During his tenure with Mesa Schools he has worked as the Athletic Trainers for all sports at the high school level. He joined the Mesa Distance Learning Program in the summer of 2008, teaching Driver Education.

Mr. Pott's educational experience includes a B.A. in Secondary education and Health/PE from Arizona State University and M.Ed from Northern Arizona University in Secondary Education. He also earned a Master's degree from the University of Phoenix in Administration. Mr. Pott earned a Certified Athletic Trainer certificate from Arizona State University.

Mrs. Sally Powers, a Career and Technical Education Program Specialist, has been with Mesa Public Schools since 1986. She is currently serving as Treasurer of the Arizona Association for Career and Technical Education. From 1993-2004 she was the business/computer teacher at Brimhall Junior High and the Team Up For Success Site Coordinator (2003 and 2004) and teacher (2003). During that time she served on several committees including Community Curriculum Advisory Committee, Business/Computer Strategic Curriculum Review, and the SIACs at Brimhall, Shepherd Junior High, and Red Mountain High. Her awards include Arizona Business Education Association Middle/Junior High School Teacher of the Year and three Who's Who Among America's Teachers.

Mrs. Powers' educational experience includes a B.S. from the University of New Orleans and a M.Ed. from Northern Arizona University.

Mr. Jeff Taylor has been an educator in the Mesa School District since the late 1980’s, teaching a range of grade levels, from fourth through ninth grades. He joined MDLP in 2008 as an instructor for MA07 7th Grade Math and MA08 Pre-Algebra.

Mr. Taylor's educational background includes a B.A. in Elementary Education from Arizona State University and a M.Ed. in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University.

Mr. Scott Thomas currently teaches Social Studies for Mesa Public Schools. Mr. Thomas also serves as a cross-country and track coach and is an avid Arizona sports fan. He joined the Mesa Distance Learning Program in 2007 and is currently teaching American History I and II for MDLP.

Mr. Thomas attended Biola University and has a B.A. from Arizona State University.

Ms. Keri Turley has been teaching science for the Mesa Public School district since 1994. The first 8 years were spent teaching 7th, 8th, and 9th grade science at Brimhall Jr. High and Mesa Jr. She is currently teaching College Prep Chemistry and International Baccalaureate Chemistry for Mesa Public Schools. During her teaching career she has been Committee Chair for a North Central Accreditation Committee, involved in the Project Pathways program through CRESMET at ASU, Department Chair, on the Chemistry Test Writing committee for the district, and on book adoption committees and various other positions.

Ms. Turley’s educational experience includes a B.A. in Secondary Education from Brigham Young University and a Masters in the Art of Teaching Physical Science from Northern Arizona University as well as various other courses taken at a variety of institutions.

Mrs. Judith Wallace recently retired from teaching full-time in the Mesa School District after twenty years of service, but now teaches with MDLP. She received an Outstanding Arizona Educator award from the Phoenix Suns and America West Airlines in 1997. Mrs. Wallace joined the Mesa Distance Learning Program in September of 2004, teaching EN33 Principles of English I, EN46 Principles of English III, and EN57 American Literature.

Mrs. Wallace's educational experience includes a B.S. in both English and Theatre Arts from Eastern Michigan University.

Mr. Matthew Wright is the orchestra director and guitar teacher at a high school in the Mesa district. In addition to teaching string ensembles and guitar, Mr. Wright has played with Mariachi Diablos del Sol at ASU and plays in a string quartet made up of Mesa teachers. He is an experienced musician with violin, guitar, piano, and many other band and orchestra instruments.