Team 7 Black Teachers
*if you wish to go to the teacher's individual webpage, just click on the teacher's name*
Mrs. Dawn Hubbard
The 2023-2024 school marks the beginning of my twenty-six year in the education field. I have spent almost all of my years at Highland Middle School. I have taught many different Social Studies subjects, but most of my years have been at HMS in the seventh grade, as a geography teacher.
I am currently a Student Council Co-Sponsor, the Box Tops Coordinator, the Veterans Day Co-Coordinator, and Supply The Troops Drive Organizer at HMS.
In addition to teaching, I spend a great deal of time around our student-athletes. I am currently the HMS Eighth Grade and Intramural Volleyball coach. In the past, I coached HHS JV Volleyball and HMS Track & Field.
My undergraduate college years were spent at Illinois State University, where I earned my Bachelors of Science Degree in Social Studies with an emphasis in education. Later in my career, I earned my master's degree in Teacher Leadership and Administrative Certificate at McKendree University.
On a personal note, I grew up in the Highland area, and love teaching and raising my family in this community. As a child growing up, I remember all the great times I spent with family and friends, which is one of the major reasons why my husband and I chose to raise our children in Highland. In my free time, I love spending time with my husband and my two children -- in addition to the many relatives I have living in the area. We love spending time together -- whether it is playing cards, being outside, or traveling.
The 2023-2024 school marks the beginning of my twenty-six year in the education field. I have spent almost all of my years at Highland Middle School. I have taught many different Social Studies subjects, but most of my years have been at HMS in the seventh grade, as a geography teacher.
I am currently a Student Council Co-Sponsor, the Box Tops Coordinator, the Veterans Day Co-Coordinator, and Supply The Troops Drive Organizer at HMS.
In addition to teaching, I spend a great deal of time around our student-athletes. I am currently the HMS Eighth Grade and Intramural Volleyball coach. In the past, I coached HHS JV Volleyball and HMS Track & Field.
My undergraduate college years were spent at Illinois State University, where I earned my Bachelors of Science Degree in Social Studies with an emphasis in education. Later in my career, I earned my master's degree in Teacher Leadership and Administrative Certificate at McKendree University.
On a personal note, I grew up in the Highland area, and love teaching and raising my family in this community. As a child growing up, I remember all the great times I spent with family and friends, which is one of the major reasons why my husband and I chose to raise our children in Highland. In my free time, I love spending time with my husband and my two children -- in addition to the many relatives I have living in the area. We love spending time together -- whether it is playing cards, being outside, or traveling.
Mrs. Kristin Reynolds
I began teaching math with team 7 Black at HMS in the Fall of 2019. Each year I look forward to our many team activities, VIP field trips, and getting to know each of our students. In the Spring of 2012, I graduated from Blackburn College with a degree in Elementary Education with a Middle School Math Endorsement. Before joining the team at HMS, I had taught math for grades 5-8 for five years. I also have a Middle School Endorsement in Social Studies. Outside of my life at school, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Derek, our sons, Cooper & Grayson, along with our family and friends. In my free time, I enjoy playing board/card games, putting puzzles together, reading and cooking.
I began teaching math with team 7 Black at HMS in the Fall of 2019. Each year I look forward to our many team activities, VIP field trips, and getting to know each of our students. In the Spring of 2012, I graduated from Blackburn College with a degree in Elementary Education with a Middle School Math Endorsement. Before joining the team at HMS, I had taught math for grades 5-8 for five years. I also have a Middle School Endorsement in Social Studies. Outside of my life at school, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Derek, our sons, Cooper & Grayson, along with our family and friends. In my free time, I enjoy playing board/card games, putting puzzles together, reading and cooking.
Mrs. Mecala Scholl
I have been teaching 7th grade Science at Highland Middle School since 1997. I graduated from McKendree College in May 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology. I am Endorsed to teach Biological Sciences, General Science, Social Science, Botany, Zoology for students 6th -12th grade.
In addition to teaching science, I serve as a sponsor for Student Council, and I volunteer for a variety of school events.
In my spare time, I enjoy running, walking, cycling, organizing, and spending time with my husband Justin and our 4 children, Meckenna, Gavin, Parker, and Anda.
I have been teaching 7th grade Science at Highland Middle School since 1997. I graduated from McKendree College in May 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology. I am Endorsed to teach Biological Sciences, General Science, Social Science, Botany, Zoology for students 6th -12th grade.
In addition to teaching science, I serve as a sponsor for Student Council, and I volunteer for a variety of school events.
In my spare time, I enjoy running, walking, cycling, organizing, and spending time with my husband Justin and our 4 children, Meckenna, Gavin, Parker, and Anda.
Mrs. Erin Smith
The 2023-24 school year will be my tenth year at HMS. I have a BA in English from Purdue University and a MAT in Curriculum and Instruction from SIUE. In addition to teaching Language Arts, I coach track and softball. I also enjoy volunteering at HMS in various capacities.
I live in Highland with my husband, Donald, and our two children, Emma and Bryant. I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family. My favorite activities outside of the classroom are reading, swimming, and running.
The 2023-24 school year will be my tenth year at HMS. I have a BA in English from Purdue University and a MAT in Curriculum and Instruction from SIUE. In addition to teaching Language Arts, I coach track and softball. I also enjoy volunteering at HMS in various capacities.
I live in Highland with my husband, Donald, and our two children, Emma and Bryant. I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family. My favorite activities outside of the classroom are reading, swimming, and running.
Mr. Jacob Stieb
I have lived in Highland my whole life and went through the Highland school system. I received my Masters in Special Education from McKendree University in the spring of 2018. Before that, I received my Bachelors in Business Administration from Webster University in the fall of 2015. In my free time, I enjoy playing sports, being outside, and watching the St. Louis Blues.
I have lived in Highland my whole life and went through the Highland school system. I received my Masters in Special Education from McKendree University in the spring of 2018. Before that, I received my Bachelors in Business Administration from Webster University in the fall of 2015. In my free time, I enjoy playing sports, being outside, and watching the St. Louis Blues.
Mrs. JoAnna Espique
I was raised way up north in Ladysmith, WI. I enlisted in the Air Force right out of High School and was stationed on the west coast, the southwest, and the east coast. When we left military service my husband and I decided to move our family a little closer to home. We settled in Lebanon, IL where I studied at McKendree, earning a BA in Psychology and a MAED in Special Education. Prior to coming to Highland Middle School, I worked at Lebanon Grade School for eight years.
I have three daughters who keep my husband and I busy. We can be found at many sporting events in the area, watching live theater at the Muny, or hanging out in our neighborhood with our family and friends.
I enjoy reading, watching way too much reality TV, introducing my daughters to 80’s movies, and spending time with my two puppies!
I look forward to the year ahead!
I was raised way up north in Ladysmith, WI. I enlisted in the Air Force right out of High School and was stationed on the west coast, the southwest, and the east coast. When we left military service my husband and I decided to move our family a little closer to home. We settled in Lebanon, IL where I studied at McKendree, earning a BA in Psychology and a MAED in Special Education. Prior to coming to Highland Middle School, I worked at Lebanon Grade School for eight years.
I have three daughters who keep my husband and I busy. We can be found at many sporting events in the area, watching live theater at the Muny, or hanging out in our neighborhood with our family and friends.
I enjoy reading, watching way too much reality TV, introducing my daughters to 80’s movies, and spending time with my two puppies!
I look forward to the year ahead!
Mr. Matt Herndon
I graduated from SIUE with a Bachelors of Science in Physical Education in 1996 and received my Master's in Kinesiology with an emphasis on Sport Management in 2007. I previously worked at Wood River Jr. High where I taught physical education and was athletic director for 22 years. I coached boys and girls basketball at the jr. high while coaching boys and girls soccer at East Alton-Wood River HS for 24 years. I also served several years as the junior varsity boys basketball coach.
I came to HMS in 2020 and am in my 26th year of teaching. I currently teach 6th-8th physical education and am the athletic director.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Allison, four kids (Katie, Kiley, Harper & Holden) and grand-daughter Rory. I also enjoy watching my favorite team, the University of Illinois "Fighting Illini", watching college sports, and collecting sports memorabilia.
I graduated from SIUE with a Bachelors of Science in Physical Education in 1996 and received my Master's in Kinesiology with an emphasis on Sport Management in 2007. I previously worked at Wood River Jr. High where I taught physical education and was athletic director for 22 years. I coached boys and girls basketball at the jr. high while coaching boys and girls soccer at East Alton-Wood River HS for 24 years. I also served several years as the junior varsity boys basketball coach.
I came to HMS in 2020 and am in my 26th year of teaching. I currently teach 6th-8th physical education and am the athletic director.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Allison, four kids (Katie, Kiley, Harper & Holden) and grand-daughter Rory. I also enjoy watching my favorite team, the University of Illinois "Fighting Illini", watching college sports, and collecting sports memorabilia.
Paraprofessionals
Karen Bryarly
Kristin Espique
Riley Litzenburg
CJ Metheny
Sue Zuccarelli
This is my 15th year working as a program assistant. I am married with three grown boys and I have two grandchildren. I enjoy my job because everyday is something different. They keep me on my toes!
This is my 15th year working as a program assistant. I am married with three grown boys and I have two grandchildren. I enjoy my job because everyday is something different. They keep me on my toes!