Penny Bethany is honored to currently serve the VWSD as a member of the Curriculum and Instruction team as District K-2 Literacy Coach and Dyslexia Coordinator. For the past 17 years, Mrs. Bethany has served as an elementary educator in General Education and Special Education. In addition, she has served the VWSD as the District Dyslexia Coordinator and District Special Education Literacy Specialist. Mrs. Bethany received her Bachelor of Business Administration from Belhaven University, her Master of Science in Elementary Education from Alcorn State University, and her Master of Education in Dyslexia Therapy from Mississippi College. Mrs. Bethany firmly believes in the words of Dr. Louisa Moats, “The most fundamental responsibility of schools is teaching students to read. Because reading affects all other academic achievement and is associated with social, emotional, economic, and physical health, it has been the most researched aspect of human cognition.” Literacy for ALL!
Stormy Dupre a Vicksburg native, pursued her education through the Vicksburg Warren School District and later at Alcorn State University, where she earned her B.S. in Child Development. Her passion for the well-being and education of young children led her to become a staunch advocate in this field. Stormy's dedication to nurturing young minds has been unwavering, and she is determined to make a positive impact on their lives.
Kenya L. Horn has over 25 years in education. She currently serves as the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology Integration for the VWSD. She began her career as a science teacher and was a professional school counselor for ten years. Her years of work as a leader have focused on school improvement in turnaround leadership, instructional transformation, and cultural shifts in schools and districts across the state. Ms. Horn brings a wealth of experience, having served as the Director of Federal Programs, Counseling, College, & Career Readiness Coordinator, Student Services Coordinator, District Test Coordinator, and Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction. She earned a B.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of Southern Mississippi, a M.Ed. in Secondary Education and School Counseling from William Carey University, and an Ed.S. in Educational Administration from Jackson State University. “Teaching and learning occurs daily in all facets of life and goes far beyond the written curriculum. As educators, it is our responsibility to not only teach the standards but ensure that we educate students on how to acquire knowledge, connect experiences, and create new opportunities for growth and success.”
Dr. La’Tonya Jackson is a district instructional coach for the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in the Vicksburg Warren School District. Dr. Jackson’s academic portfolio consists of a BBA, MBA, and MAT from Jackson State University, an Ed.S. in Educational Administration and Supervision from Delta State University, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. With over 20 years in education, Dr. Jackson has served in many roles. She has taught fifth and sixth grade. She worked as an Interventionist, Lead Teacher, Academic Coach, and School Test Coordinator in her previous school district, where she taught for fifteen years. Dr. Jackson comes from a long line of educators and believes all students can achieve if given a genuine opportunity.
Veronica Jefferies has worked as a District Instructional Coach since 2017. She has also worked as a math and science teacher in the district and a math and science teacher for Jackson Public and Madison Parish School Districts. With over 20 years of experience as an educator, Veronica brings a wealth of knowledge in math and science instruction, lesson planning, student engagement, data analysis, and best practices to ensure teacher success and student growth. As an instructional coach, Veronica is tasked with providing instructional support to the administrators and teachers of the Vicksburg Warren School District. Her academic portfolio includes a B.S. in Biology/Health Science and a M.Ed in Elementary Education from Alcorn State University. She also has an Ed.S in educational leadership, which she obtained from William Carey University in May 2020. Veronica truly believes that all children can learn if they are given an equal opportunity to do so.
LaToya Lott currently serves as a District Instructional Coach. Ms. Lott has over 20 years of experience in education and service in the Vicksburg Warren School District. She has held positions throughout her career, such as being a resource, math, science, and social studies teacher. Her professional degrees include a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, a Master of Art in Teaching, and an Education Specialist in Educational Leadership. “I believe that education is all about being excited about something,” by Steve Irwin.
Dr. Regina Bell O’Leary has over 20 years of experience in education. Her career includes teaching Math, Science, and Social Studies to fifth-grade students for eight years and to sixth-grade students for two years. Not only has she taught Biology I, AP Biology, Chemistry, AP Chemistry, and Principles of Biology and General Biology (dual credit courses) to students in grades 9-12, but she also served as Lead Teacher for Vicksburg High School. Currently, she serves as the Curriculum Coach for New Teachers and oversees Professional Development for the District. Moreover, her academic portfolio includes a B.S. in Biology and a M.S. in Biology from Alcorn State University, and an Ed.D. from Walden University. Summarily, her sustaining belief is that all people can learn when provided with the necessary tools.
Shajuan Wilson has served the Vicksburg Warren School District for over 20 years as an educator. She currently works as a District Instructional Coach specializing in English Language Arts. She has taught grades 4th, 5th, and 6th ELA and Math throughout her educational career. Mrs. Wilson holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Elementary Education, both from Alcorn State University. She also has an Ed.S degree in Educational Leadership from William Carey University. Mrs. Wilson believes, "If a child cannot learn the way we teach, then maybe we should teach the way they learn.”
