Data Chats

Ms Lisa Sandifer has taught Kindergarten for 31 years, with ALL of those being in Quitman! She attended college at Tyler Junior College and UT Tyler.

Tell us about your family

"I love spending time with my family Mother Judy, Brothers Michael and Daniel, sister in law Becka, nephews James and Luke and niece Emily. I go on many great adventures with my cousin Cyndia. I have 3 furbabies: dog- Bella and cats -Penelope and Storm."

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

"Getting to spend time with lots of awesome kids and seeing them get excited about learning. I really love it when they start reading and do not even realize it at first. Then there is that one day and moment that they suddenly figure out that they have been reading. They get so excited and proud of themselves. It makes all the work getting them there worth it."

Could you provide some examples of how you/your team utilizes data to inform and enhance instructional practices?

"We use data from assessments to check our students' understanding. We plan and work with them all to help them reach goals and show growth."

Mrs. Brenda Morris has taught at QISD for 6 years. She has also taught at Kaufman Christian (for 3 years), Grand Saline ISD (for 2 years), and Bastrop ISD (for 16 years). She has previously taught Pre-K, Head Start, 1st grade, 3rd grade, and Junior High History. Brenda attended college at Trinity Valley Community College, and the University of Texas at Tyler.

Tell us about your family

"Married Tony, (the boy I grew up next door to) 4 years ago. Two daughters who are both married. The oldest daughter, Melissa, works for Elgin ISD and the youngest, Felisha, works for Edgewood ISD. 7 grandkids ranging from a Junior to Pre-K."

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

"The joy and excitement of children. Watching a child learn, grow, and reach their potential. Building relationships that go beyond the classroom. A child at the beginning of the year continuously saying they can't read to being a reader at the end of the year."

Could you provide some examples of how you/your team utilizes data to inform and enhance instructional practices?

"Form small groups and areas of reteaching, to check for understanding and growth."

"I graduated from Edgewood, moved back to Edgewood in 2019 and live on 100 acres that was owned by my grandparents and have a small herd of Longhorns...husband and I love history, especially Texas history...love sports and University of Texas...retiring in May-bittersweet-being at Quitman Elementary with such an amazing staff has been a true blessing!"

Mrs. Tiffany Gibson has worked for QISD for 9 years. She has previously worked at Mt. Vernon Elementary and has also taught Pre-K and 2nd Grade. Tiffany attended college at NTCC and UT Tyler.

Tell us about your family

"I have two children, Beckham-12 and Emersyn-7, with my husband, Cody. We love to hang out outside watching our goats, chickens, dogs and cats. We watch and play sports nonstop. If we aren't chasing our kids from one activity to the next, we are watching them. We live a busy life, but we love it!"

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

"I love to see the students figure out that they are reading for the first time. It's so rewarding watching the Ah-ha moment. The amount of growth a kindergarten student goes through from the beginning of the year, learning their letters, to the end of the year, reading a short story is amazing!"

Could you provide some examples of how you/your team utilizes data to inform and enhance instructional practices?

"I make my groups based on the mClass data and our unit assessments. It allows me to group the students together that have similar struggles and help them grow from where they are."

Jessica has worked for Quitman ISD for 3 years. She began as a paraprofessional and completed her teaching certification while working for QISD. This is her first year teaching Kindergarten, but has previously worked in Pre-K and 3rd Grade as a paraprofessional. Jessica attended college at Tyler Junior College and Stephen F. Austin State University.

Tell us about your family

"I have been married to my husband, Jacob, for 8 years, and we have three wonderful children- Easton (13), Emma (10), and Eli (8). Jacob is a Quitman Alum, and all of our children have attended Quitman ISD since Pre-K or Kinder. We are proud Bulldogs! As a family, we enjoy spending time together, whether it's watching movies, playing games, or taking trips to our favorite place- the beach!"

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

"As a kindergarten teacher, I find so much joy in the excitement and curiosity my students bring each day. This age is truly special- every day is a fresh start, filled with laughter, exploration, and growth. One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching is watching my students' incredible progress over the course of the year. We began the year learning our letters and sounds, and by the end of the year, they are reading! Seeing that transformation is an amazing and fulfilling experience."

Could you provide some examples of how you/your team utilizes data to inform and enhance instructional practices?

"We utilize software such as ESGI and mCLASS to assess students, track their progress, and identify areas where they need extra practice. Additionally, unit assessments help us gauge their understanding of current material and determine if adjustments are needed in our instruction. Based on this data, we tailor our small group instruction to target specific skills, ensuring that every student gets the reinforcement or enrichment they need to succeed."

Mrs Emily Berndt has been teaching at Quitman Elementary for three years. She has previously taught at Eustace ISD & Edgewood ISD. Emily has spent 10 years teaching Special Education, include resource/inclusion, life skills, and medically fragile students. She was also an ARD Facilitator for the Special Education Department for four years, and has taught Head Start for one year.

Tell us about your family

"I am married to my husband Chris. We have 5 grown children, 4 granddaughters and 1 grandson. We love spending time with the grandkids."

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

"Watching them learn something new is so rewarding. The look on their little faces when it "clicks" is absolutely priceless. I enjoy getting to know my students and watching them grow. The relationships that I build with the kiddos is the most fulfilling part of teaching."

Could you provide some examples of how you/your team utilizes data to inform and enhance instructional practices?

"I use data from assessments to guide small group instruction. This allows me to target skills that need additional work or to challenge those who are ready to move on."