A College Preparatory Private Day School
DSS Certified/
Alumna
Sara Pope
Reason for teaching: "I love to teach them new things and see their growth throughout the school year. I love the bonds that are created. I love to make a difference."
DSS Certified
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Elizabeth Brown
Reason for teaching: "I chose teaching because I love helping little ones learn and grow. There’s something so special about watching toddlers discover the world, build confidence, and hit new milestones. I enjoy creating a fun, loving environment where they feel safe, curious, and excited to learn every day."
DSS Certified
Winnie Fulton
Reason for teaching:
Associate's degree/ DSS Certified
Sherry Collins
Reason for teaching: "I believe that every child should have the same opportunity to be taught in a loving and safe environment. I believe that if children feel loved, it will be easy for them to learn. Learning at an early age is beneficial to long term results, especially in reading and understanding what you read. Children are smarter than people think. My favorite quote is "It is a beautiful day to learn something new". Enjoy every minute of this wonderful journey."
DSS Certified/ Alumna
Chloe Berry
Reason for teaching: "I have had a heart for little children ever since I was a child and would play babies and school with my baby dolls at home. They all hold a very special place in my heart and always will. I love getting to teach my little people every day about Jesus and watch them grow into the sweet little children they are. It is nothing sweeter than hearing my name being called whether it be from a student in the classroom needing me to help them or just passing a student in the hallway. I am very blessed to call Dorchester Academy 'home' and 'ONCE A RAIDER, ALWAYS A RAIDER'. "
Columbia College/ DSS Certified
Kathy Shuler
Reason for teaching: "I began my career as a K4 teacher and retired after more than 40 years in education. The majority of that time was spent at Dorchester Academy, where both my children and I graduated. Teaching has always been my passion, and I love working with children. There’s nothing quite like seeing their eyes light up when they finally grasp a concept or complete a task they’ve been working on. Now, I’m excited to be back at Dorchester Academy as a part-time preschool teacher aide, continuing to support and nurture young learners in their early education journey."
DSS Certified/ A.A. from Trident Technical College/ Alumna
Deb Bair
Reason for teaching: "I graduated from Dorchester Academy, as did my 3 children plus their 3 spouses. Now I have 5 grands attending so my heart is definitely in this school! I have subbed at DA for the past six years because I enjoy being around everyone’s children and helping them learn and grow."
DSS Certified
Pre School Department Head (K2-K4)
Lana Padgett
Reason for teaching: "I love getting to help them learn, play, and grow not only as individuals, but also as a “family” of amazing human beings!
DSS Certified/ Alumna
Nichole Goodman
Reason for teaching: "Being a preschool teacher is so much more than just a job, it’s a privilege to be a part of a child’s early life."
BS from Charleston Southern University
Primary School Department Head (K5-2 Grades)
Jessica Booker
Reason for teaching: "My love of children and to watch their faces light up when they realize they can read and write!
BA from the College of Charleston
Melissa Byrd
Reason for teaching: "I love teaching my little people in the foundation years and watching them learn with excitement! Teaching at DA makes this 10x better because they’re surrounded by Christian values and great people that truly become extended family!"
BA from the University of South Carolina
Jennifer Weathers
Reason for teaching: "My heart’s desire has always been to be a teacher and because of Dorchester Academy’s boys and girls I have been able to do what I love for the past 28 years. The overall environment has given me a sense of home. There’s nothing that could take the place of being a RAIDER!"
BA from the University of South Carolina/ Alumna
Sherry Brownlee
Reason for teaching: "I believe that all students have the ability to learn and succeed. I pride myself in providing opportunities to meet individual student needs in a safe and fair environment. Dorchester Academy provides me the freedom to teach about God as well as fundamentals to promote successful future leaders for our community and country."
BA from Columbia College/ DSS Certified
Educational Technology Coordinator
Summer Camp Director
Sandi Wimberly
Reason for teaching: "I teach because I love watching the excitement on my students’ faces as they learn new things and master new skills. The light bulb moment is as exciting for me as it is for them. I truly couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else, anywhere else other than teaching at Dorchester Academy. It’s like being home for me."
BA from the University of South Carolina/ MS from NOVA Southeastern University/ Alumna
Jennifer Berry
Reason for teaching: "I truly believe that teaching is what I was born to do! This is my 6th year of teaching at Dorchester Academy and my 21st year of teaching altogether...and it feels so good to be doing what I love to do "at home". Once A RAIDER, Always A RAIDER!"
BS from the University of South Carolina Aiken
Amber Donohue
Reason for teaching: "Dorchester Academy is such a special place filled with awesome kids and a great staff. I can't imagine teaching anywhere else."
BA from Colorado Mesa University
Bailey Downey
Reason for teaching: "From a young age, I knew I wanted to teach. Inspired by exceptional teachers in my life and the teachers I read about in books, I always envisioned myself in a classroom. With a deep passion for reading and writing, I aim to share that love with my students, guiding them to discover their own potential and the transformative power of storytelling and self-expression. My greatest joy comes from showing students that they are capable, accepted, and deeply loved. I’m so grateful to have found Dorchester Academy, where I can foster this kind of learning environment and continue to support my students in the best way possible."
BA/ Alumna
Robine Jackson
Reason for teaching: 'I love being around the children and their inquisitive minds. I love watching them discover something new on their own."
BA University of South Carolina-Aiken/ The Citadel/
Alumna
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Gracie Lott
Reason for teaching: "I am thankful for the opportunity to return "home" to Dorchester Academy as an educator. Dorchester Academy stands on Christian values, an exceptional sense of school pride, and a faculty that is devoted to ensuring the success of every student. It is a special place that allows me to be present with my children and take an active role in their learning experiences."
BA/ MS from the University of South Carolina/ Alumna
Becky Reeves
Reason for teaching: "My goal is to spark reading excitement by igniting a student's intrinsic motivation to read for enjoyment and satisfaction and to propel students to be effective and efficient finders and users of reliable information. My goal as reading interventionist is to work with students to improve their literacy skills by helping them to read and succeed."
BS/ MS/ DSS Certified
Vonne Knight
Reason for teaching: "Working with the students at Dorchester Academy is an absolute pleasure. I have been teaching for 40+ years. Most of these years have been at Dorchester Academy. Students respect and appreciate their teachers. I enjoy seeing their smiling faces each day. Dorchester Academy is home and there’s no place like home."
BA, SCAD
Jesse Cockcroft
Reason for teaching:
For him, teaching is about relationships first. He has a remarkable ability to connect with children, making each student feel seen, valued, and capable of success. His calm, encouraging nature and genuine love for children create a classroom where students eagerly participate, grow in confidence, and enjoy learning.
As a music educator, he believes music is a powerful way to teach far more than notes and rhythms. Through energetic lessons and unforgettable performances, he inspires students to work together, strive for excellence, and take pride in their accomplishments. His programs are known for their creativity, quality, and the joy they bring to both students and audiences.
His positive spirit extends beyond the classroom. Always wearing a smile, he brings enthusiasm and encouragement to his colleagues and contributes to a collaborative, uplifting school community. Whether mentoring young musicians, preparing students for the stage, or supporting fellow teachers, he approaches every opportunity with kindness, professionalism, and a servant's heart.
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BS from Baptist College of Charleston/ Alumna
Karen Ayer
Reason for teaching: "I graduated from Dorchester Academy and am very dedicated to seeing it succeed as a college preparatory school."
Middle School English
Rachel Chapiesky
Reason for teaching: "I have always believed that my calling in life was to become an educator. However, now that I’m teaching at Dorchester Academy, I know, without a doubt, that this is all a part of God’s plan and that I am exactly where I’m supposed to be. I love getting to know each child, and I truly believe that building positive relationships with all students is crucial to both social and academic success in the classroom. Each student is unique, and I love watching them grow as writers with creative thoughts and ideas! As a Dorchester Academy Alumni, I have spent over half of my life in and around these “hallowed halls”, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to mold and shape the young minds of our future!"
Middle School Social Studies
Treva Thomas
Reason for teaching: "I began substitute teaching six years ago. I realized quickly that I enjoy being in the classroom. I never imagined myself working in middle school, but I adore each of our middle schoolers. They make me smile every single day."
Middle School English/ Challenger Yearbook Advisor
Media Coordinator
Julie McAlhany
Reason for teaching: "Dorchester Academy is home to me! As a Raider alumnus, parent, and now grandparent to my little third generation Raiders, I am especially thankful to be here, sharing my love of Reading and all things books with young readers, while also helping to compile a yearly history of our school and its students as I oversee the Challenger Yearbook Staff. Being able to combine all of this with my love of photography makes what I do here at Dorchester Academy more of a passion than a job!"
Elmentary/Middle School/ High School Spanish
Erwin Mendez
Reason for teaching: "I teach to contribute to the personal growth of children and young people. Through learning Spanish, students gain knowledge of different cultures, broadening their understanding and appreciation of the world around them."
Middle School Art/ High School Art
Victoria Strang
Reason for teaching: "I teach because I love it! Specifically, Art because it offers a unique way to inspire creativity, problem solving, confidence, and so much more. It is a blessing to share what I love doing with our young community!"
Middle School Religion/ High School Ethics
Thomas Sandifer
Reason for teaching: "I love sharing the Gospel with the younger generation, helping them reflect on who God is and teaching them how to study the Bible. Talking about Jesus, His Word, and His teachings is my greatest passion. Through teaching, I aim to help others understand what Jesus has done for us, and, by God's grace, their eyes will be opened to His love. It’s my way of contributing to the Great Commission in Matthew 28. I find joy in witnessing the growth of their faith and their curiosity about God. There’s something profoundly fulfilling about witnessing God work in someone's life and seeing them be transformed through Jesus Christ."
Middle School Science
Tabathia Rogers
Reason for teaching: "I enjoy the opportunity to get to know students and watch them grow. I teach because I want to share God's word with young people. Many things are influencing the minds of these young people. I hope to give them the tools to look to God for truth and wisdom to guide them through their decisions in life. Their choices in life will ultimately define their future."
High School Math
Taylor Traxler
Reason for teaching:
Computer
Rebecca "Becky" Smith
Reason for teaching: "The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away." – Pablo Picasso
"From the time I was in sixth grade, I knew I wanted to teach. Growing up in a neighborhood filled with teachers, professors, and principals, I was surrounded by role models who nurtured my love for learning. Whenever they ordered new books, they would bring me a teacher’s edition and several student copies. Summers were my favorite—I’d turn our clubhouse into a classroom and hold school for the neighborhood kids. Even as a child, I was fortunate to have a clear vision of what I wanted to do in life. At age 50, I finally fulfilled that lifelong aspiration. My journey may not have been traditional, but it has been filled with purpose and joy."
PE/ High school Science/ Assistant Athletic Director
Nick Chinners
Reason for teaching: "My mom was a teacher. Watching the impact, she had and still has on her students so many years later inspired me to become a teacher/coach. I hope to impact the mental, physical, and spiritual well-being of our students/athletes."
High school English
Marketing Coordinator
Jack Tunnell
Reason for teaching: "As someone who loves learning, literature, and the English language, I feel called to foster the same appreciation in the students of Dorchester Academy. While the study of English focuses on improving reading and writing skills, it is just as critical to assist students in developing a deeper understanding of the power of words and expanding their ability to analyze complex ideas. By guiding students in this process, I have the incredible opportunity and responsibility to help them become lifelong learners and deep thinkers as they journey through life."
High school Social Sciences/Dual Credit Administration
Heather Judy
Reason for teaching: "Teaching is the world’s most important construction project. Whether it be guiding a student through content or mentoring them about their after-school job, building them up with support from every angle is just as important as what was on my lesson plan that day."
Highschool Math/Science/
Athletic Director
Michael Nelson
Reason for teaching: "I thrive on watching my students and student-athletes grow academically, athletically, and spiritually. Whether in the classroom or on the field and court, I am committed to fostering an environment where all students can excel and develop into well-rounded individuals. Go Raiders!"
High School Science/Electives
Guidance Counselor
Cayce Collins
Reason for teaching: "Helping students figure out what comes next in their lives has always been a passion of mine. It’s incredibly rewarding to guide them as they make decisions about their future, whether they’re preparing to enter the workforce, attend a two-year college, or pursue a four-year degree. There’s something special about seeing the excitement and determination in their eyes as they take those first steps toward the next chapter in their lives."