UT MARTIN WESTTEACH PROGRAM ANNOUNCES CLASS OF 2021
MARTIN, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee at Martin WestTeach Program has
announced its class of 2021 that includes educational leaders who represent 16 West Tennessee
school districts. WestTeach is an extension of the WestStar Leadership Program, whose mission
is to identify, encourage and equip community-minded people who want to become involved in
West Tennessee’s economic success and are willing to accept leadership roles.
Class members attend sessions throughout the fall semester to learn more about West
Tennessee’s economic needs and opportunities and meet with regional industry and community
leaders. Educators will also meet with community child resource agents to greater understand
what their students might experience outside of the classroom. Members also become part of a
growing network of educators and community leaders dedicated to serving the region.
For more information about the WestTeach Program, contact Virginia Grimes, assistant
director, at 731-881-7298. The following 2021 participants are noted with their educational
affiliation and home school district:
Jennifer Botticello, 8 th grade algebra teacher at Munford Middle School, Tipton County;
Patrick Corbin, 6 th -8 th grade STEM teacher at W.O. Inman Middle School, Paris Special
School District;
Ben Di’Chiara, 9 th -12 th grade STEM teacher at Peabody High School, Trenton Special
School District;
Brittany Ferrell, kindergarten teacher at Anderson Early Childhood Center; Haywood
County;
Beth Glover, reading intervention teacher and dyslexic screener at Milan Elementary
School, Milan Special School District;
Amanda Gober, 8 th grade math teacher at Hardin County Middle School, Hardin County;
Jill Huddleston, science teacher at Lexington Middle School, Lexington City;
Kandace Jackson, transition case manager for Weakley County, Weakley County;
Austin Kissell, history teacher at Ripley High School, Lauderdale County;
Jenna Leonard, 5 th grade math and science teacher at Briarwood Elementary School,
Benton County;
Tom Mathis, senior seminar teacher at Dyersburg High School, Dyersburg City;
Gerica Parker, 1 st grade teacher at South Side Elementary School, Henderson County;
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Colby Prosser, 6 th grade English language arts teacher at Dorothy and Noble Harrelson
School, Henry County;
JB Suiter, 10 th grade geometry and personal finance teacher at Union City High School,
Union City;
Lalania Vaughn, fine arts director of choral and theatre at Tipton-Rosemark Academy,
Shelby County;
David Westberry, algebra teacher at Jackson Central-Merry Early College High School,
Jackson-Madison County.
