Data Chats

Mrs. Kristyn Graves teaches First Grade at QES, and this is her 3rd year to work for QISD. Kristyn completed most of her basics at Tarrant County College in Fort Worth, then transferred to Grand Canyon University to complete her Bachelor's Degree.

Where else have you worked?

"I taught Pre-Kindergarten at Pampa ISD for 2 and a half years before moving to Quitman. It was a cool experience because the Pre-K program was brand new to the school district. So I had the privilege of being 1 of 5 teachers to help get the program off the ground. There was a lot of trial and error, but it was rewarding to watch it all come together. "

Tell us about your family

"Ben and I recently celebrated our 10th anniversary. We’re blessed with three wonderful children: Colton (9), Ruby (5), and Olive (1). Our family also includes two beloved pets—a dog named Roscoe and a pig named Glitch. Over the years, we’ve moved several times as we followed God’s calling to various ministry opportunities. Yet, settling in Quitman feels so natural. Though my husband, Ben, is a proud Quitmanite, from the moment we arrived, I felt as if I had always belonged here too."

What aspects of the teaching profession do you find most rewarding and fulfilling?

"One of the greatest joys of teaching is having a front row seat to watch my students grow—not only academically, but also socially and emotionally. Every year, I strive to create a classroom where everyone feels safe, included, and supported. It’s so rewarding to watch these students build a sense of community, supporting and encouraging one another like a family. Having the ability to watch their confidence develop, realize their potential, and believe in their ability to achieve their goals is truly inspiring.Year after year, that feeling of fulfillment never gets old. "

Ms. Hicks currently teaches First Grade at QES, and has been working for QISD for 3 years. Cammie went to the University of Texas at Tyler. She is currently working on her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction UT Tyler.

Tell us about your family

"I’m blessed to have a big, supportive family, and I’m truly grateful for my parents, grandma, siblings, and all my nephews and nieces. I recently became an aunt again with the birth of my niece, Wrenlee, in December. Between her and my nephews, they definitely keep me busy. And of course, I can’t forget about my two four-legged kids, Rocket and Jet!"

What aspects of the teaching profession do you find most rewarding and fulfilling?

"What I find most rewarding about being a teacher is the special bonds I build with my students. There's something truly rewarding about getting to know each child on a personal level, understanding their unique personalities, and watching them grow and develop. Even on days when I feel like I don't have much to give, the kiddos bring me such joy at just the right times, and I hope I do the same for them."

Mrs. Prather attended Junior College in Jacksonville, TX and then later attended Liberty University where she received her Bachelor's Degree. She has previously worked at Dew Elementary, Celina Elementary, Longbranch Elementary (Midlothian), and now QES. This is her 2nd year at QES.

Tell us about your family

"I met my husband, Matthew, at Jacksonville College and have been married for 28 years. Our oldest son, Ethan, is a Senior at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Savannah, GA. My youngest son, Jonas, is a Junior here at Quitman High School. I have a goldendoodle, Gracie, that goes with us everywhere we go."

What aspects of the teaching profession do you find most rewarding and fulfilling?

"I love seeing the growth of my students as the year goes along. Helping a student realize their potential is very fulfilling. I love the connections that are built with my classroom family each year."

Mrs. Faulkner attended college at LeTourneau University. She has also taught Kindergarten at QES. She has worked for QISD for 9 years.

Tell us about your family

"A wife to Courtney and mother to Nehemiah and Neilen."

What aspects of the teaching profession do you find most rewarding and fulfilling?

"I enjoy teaching phonics and the excitement that comes when the students are able learn their letters, their sounds to create words or they are able to find complex vowel sounds in words in isolation. Seeing the students take ownership of their learning is also rewarding."

Mrs. Laci Kern attended college at the University of Texas at Tyler. Prior to becoming a classroom teacher, she was a paraprofessional in the high school for 2 years, and coached high school and junior high. She has worked for QISD for 3 years.

Tell us about your family

"I have been married to my husband, Kyle, for two wonderful years who is also a teacher and coach here. In October 2024, we welcomed our baby boy, Deacon, who has brought so much joy and excitement into our lives. We also have two energetic dogs, Archie and Tito, who are part of our little family. We enjoy spending time with our families, watching movies, and cherishing moments with our new baby as we navigate this beautiful season of life together."

What aspects of the teaching profession do you find most rewarding and fulfilling?

"Although I was on maternity leave for 2 months, I have enjoyed seeing academic growth such as students mastering foundational skills in reading, writing, and math. Witnessing their social and emotional growth as they develop social skills, and a sense of community in the classroom is something that brings me joy. My favorite thing might possibly be the pride in students' faces that I see when they are able to understand a new concept or achieve something they have been working on. A smile on their face brings a smile to mine."

We use data to inform and enhance our instructional practices by inputting assessment results into DMac for math, which helps us group students for small group instruction, target areas for reinforcement, and adjust our approach through spiraling and scaffolding. For reading, we rely on MClass fluency benchmarks to guide Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions, ensuring that students receive the appropriate level of support based on their progress. This ongoing use of data allows us to tailor instruction and interventions to meet the evolving needs of our students