Danny Allen earned his teaching degree from Angelo State University in 1989. He spent the first half of his career teaching secondary mathematics. He earned his master's degree in Education during 2003 with a major in guidance and counseling. He is currently teaching junior high and high school career and technology classes at May ISD. Danny works as a facilitator because he believes it is a good and worthwhile endeavor for all who are involved.

Corey Anderson graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from the University of North Texas in Denton. He is an avid reader, writer and traveler. Corey has worked for Education in Action for five years as a Director for Discover Texas Field Trips and he is currently working for the Lewisville ISD. Currently Corey teaches 3rd grade Reading and Social Studies in Waco ISD.

Jennifer attended Dallas Baptist University and graduated in 2006 with a degree in History. She taught 7th grade in Dallas and for the past three years, she taught 6th grade in Arlington ISD. Jennifer works as a Facilitator and Assistant Director with Education in Action because she feels the Lone Star Leadership Academy camps help to develop students’ leadership skills in a fun way.

Michael Benson earned his degree in Mass Communications from Texas State University in 2005. He became a certified teacher in 2007 in San Antonio where he continued to teach for 10 years. Michael taught fifth grade Science and Writing at Christene C. Moss Elementary School in Fort Worth ISD for the last year. Michael works as a facilitator for Education in Action because he enjoys continuing to work with students during the summer break and loves seeing students experience new opportunities. He feels that when students are given the chance to venture out into unknown territory and delve into things that will enhance their minds and personalities.

In 1995 Felisha graduated from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa with a degree in Political Science. Then, she earned her Master of Public Administration from Auburn University in Montgomery in 1998. For the past 14 years, Felisha has been a classroom teacher in Government, Economics, and History. Currently she is an Academic Specialist at Sam Houston Middle School in Irving ISD. Felisha has been with Education in Action for four years and enjoys working the Lone Star Leadership Academy camps because of the diverse and fun kiddos and adults with whom she is able to work.

Natasha Braxton is a native of Arlington, Texas. She attended college at Texas A&M University-Commerce where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree. She later earned a Master of Education from the University of North Texas. She has taught various subjects and grade levels in Arlington ISD including U.S. History and Texas History for the last 20 years. Natasha works as a facilitator for Education in Action because she enjoys having the opportunity to engage students who are eager to learn new things and enhance their leadership skills. Not to mention, what's better than touring historical sites and meeting new people.

Steve Cain earned his teaching degree from the University of Houston in 2006 with a degree in Political Science. He taught eighth grade American History for 10 years. Five of those years in Royal ISD outside of Houston, Texas and the last five years at Kennemer Middle School in Duncanville ISD in South Dallas. Steve works as a facilitator for Education in Action because he believes that to truly learn about something someone must experience it first, and Education in Action gives students those experiences.

Nicholas Cardenas earned his History degree and teaching certification from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. He taught seventh and eighth grade Social Studies at McNair Middle School in Southwest ISD for the past four years. Nicholas works as a facilitator for Education in Action because he enjoys continuing to work with students and spread his love of history and Texas.

Mark Chavez earned his degree in Communication Studies and Secondary Education at the University of North Texas. He works for Education in Action because he wants to encourage and motivate students to be leaders and to do their best.

Audra Cozart earned a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Tarleton State University in 2014. She has taught sixth and seventh grade math at Taylor Middle School for four years. Audra attended the Lone Star Leadership Academy camps in Austin and Houston as a student. She believes the experiences the camps provided her have been very valuable and wants to share that same memorable learning of Texas and leadership skills to the next generation.

James Dark earned his History degree from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a Master's in U.S. Military History, with a Civil War concentration from American Military University. He teachers seventh grade Texas History at Boles Junior High School in Arlington ISD. James works for Education in Action as a way to continue to passing on knowledge during the months of summer break.

Alana Eldredge earned her Master's in Educational Leadership from Midwestern State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Child Studies from the University of Texas in Arlington. She currently teaches kindergarten at Willow Creek Elementary School in Saginaw, Texas. Alana chose to be facilitator because she loves working with students and wants to be a part of such a wonderful growth opportunity for them.

Ryan Estes earned his bachelor degree in History from Minnesota State University Moorhead in 2001 and his teaching certification from the University of North Texas in 2005. He taught sixth grade Social Studies and seventh grade Texas History at Leonard Evans Middle School in McKinney ISD for the past 13 years. Ryan works as a facilitator for Education in Action because he has a passion for History, especially Texas History, and enjoys continuing to work with students during the summer as they expand their learning in an exciting way.

Brandon Fisher earned his Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Texas A&M University-Commerce and his Master of Education in Educational Leadership with Principal Certification from the University of North Texas. He is currently the Director of Bands at Scott Middle School in Denison ISD and primarily works with sixth thru eighth grade students. This will be Brandon’s first year with Education in Action and he is looking forward to the opportunity to provide kids with quality experiences.

Harrison Gillaspy graduated from Texas Christian University in 2017. He received a Bachelor's degree in physical education. He teaches Physical Education at Meadowbrook Elementary School in Fort Worth ISD. Harrison chose to work for Education in Action because he believes it provides students with a real world learning experience the classroom cannot provide during the school year and I wanted to be apart of it!

Linda earned her teaching degree from Rockford College in 2010. Since 2014 she has taught 6th-8th grade English, 7th grade Texas History, and 8th grade U.S. History at AESA Prep Academy. Linda works as a Facilitator for Education in Action because she enjoys the Lone Star Leadership Academy camps and helping to keep their minds fresh.

Erika Gonzales earned her associate degree from Howard College in 2013. She worked as a substitute teacher for two years in her home town back in West Texas, where she substituted for grades kindergarten to eighth grade. She currently works at John Peter Smith Hospital. Erika also works as a facilitator for Education in Action because she enjoys working with students and being able to teach them all about our great state of Texas.

Jennie Jackson earned her teaching degree from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1986. She taught fourth grade and was an elementary school librarian in Grand Prairie ISD and Arlington ISD for 31 years. Jennie works as a facilitator for Education in Action because she wants to continue teaching kids in a fun and exciting way.

Kacy Jackson earned a Bachelor of Arts in government from Angelo State University in 2001. Because of her love of children, she earned her teaching certificate in 2004 and began teaching at San Angelo ISD. She is currently a Special Education/Theatre teacher at Veribest ISD. She is excited to share her motivation for learning at Education in Action.

Trey Ledbetter earned his Bachelor's in 2011 and Master's Degree in 2017 from Stephen F Austin State University located in Nacogodches, Texas. He has been in secondary education for the last six years teaching mathematics, business, and coaching high school football, basketball, and track. This is Trey's second year working for Education in Action as a facilitator because of his passion in helping students grow to become leaders.

Blake Lindsey earned his Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Master of Arts degrees in History and Exercise Science from Abilene Christian University. His teaching career began in Fort Worth ISD, but has taught in Mansfield ISD since 2000 and currently teaches at the Jerry Knight STEM Academy. One of our original summer program facilitators, he continues to work with Education in Action each summer because he believes in the leadership potential of every student and enjoys working with them to explore their state and their futures.

Nicole Lindsey is completing her degree in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University this fall with only her student teaching left. She has worked for Breckenridge ISD in Special Education for eleven years as a Life Skills paraprofessional. Nicole works as a facilitator for Education in Action because she enjoys spending her summers helping students reach their leadership goals and loves to watch them become successful with the program. This will be Nicole's fourth year with Education in Action and she is excited to watch students grow in leadership.

John McConnell earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Saint Mary College in Leavenworth, Kansas. He has 26 years of teaching experience and has been an English Language Arts/Social Studies teacher at Barbara Jordan Elementary School in Fort Bend ISD for the past four years. John works as a facilitator for Education in Action because he loves introducing fun and exciting opportunities to children. John is also a songwriter. He said, “After such an awesome summer facilitating the leadership camps, I was inspired to write a song to express the true essence and intention of the camps." We invite you to take a listen to the song he wrote and performed which he titled "Education in Action"!

Kelly Mantay earned her degree in Secondary Social Studies and Education from Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She has been working as a social studies teacher for the past six years in Michigan and in Texas. She currently works at Glenn High School in Leander ISD. Kelly teaches AP World History, World History and AVID. She works as a facilitator for Education in Action because she loves working with students who have a passion for learning. She feels that this program allows students to grow and become strong leaders.

Joseph Mayes earned his Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Master in Business Administration from Texas Southern University. His teaching certificate was earned through Texas Teachers. He has been an English/ESL teacher at Cook Middle School in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD for two years. Prior to that, he taught English in Fort Bend ISD for two years. Joseph works as an Assistant Director for Education in Action because of his passion for making learning effective and fun.

Aaron Morales has been teaching for two years. This is his second year teaching at Joe May Elementary School (DISD). He enjoys helping students discover new books and obtain a deeper comprehension of the stories and loves it when the light bulb comes on! He is married (his wife is also a teacher) and has a 14 year old son. Aaron likes to cook, learn new things, and travel around the world. He graduated with a Bachelor's degree in International Business from the University of Texas at Arlington. He then attended South Methodist University's Cox School of Business to pursue a Master's in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and Finance. He is glad that he chose Education in Action as his journey to greatness!

Autumn is a history major at the University of Texas. She has worked with Education in Action for almost two years, both as a director on one-day Discover Texas Field Trips during the school year and as an assistant director on Lone Star Leadership Academy summer camps. She enjoys providing engaging learning experiences for students on Education in Action's programs and would ultimately like to make a career doing the same as an education programs director at a history museum.

Cameron O’Briant earned his Associate's degree in science from Howard College in San Angelo. He currently works as a substitute teacher for San Angelo Independent School District. He teaches K-12 all subject. Cameron enjoys working as a facilitator for Education in Action because he gets to help kids continue to expand their knowledge while on summer break.

Courtney graduated from Angelo State University with a degree in Interdisciplinary Child Development and Learning. She has taught elementary school in Hereford for nine years. Courtney works as a facilitator for Education In Action because she loves working with leadership-minded students and she loves Texas History.

Jessica Oswald earned a double major in Public Relations/Sociology from Sam Houston State University. She went on to complete her teaching certificate while teaching 7th grade social studies at YES Prep White Oak in Houston, TX. She is currently teaching 5th grade math at Carpenter Intermediate while pursing her Masters in Interdisciplinary Studies focusing on education policy. Jessica has taught all levels from elementary to high school and loves it all! She has accepted a new position for the 2017-2018 school year teaching 10th grade social studies in White Oak ISD.

Clyde Parham earned his teaching degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1988. He taught History for high school and junior high for 26 years and has been the acting Principal for Silverton ISD for the past four years. Clyde works as a facilitator for Education in Action because he enjoys working with students during the summer and he believes that it is important to further the knowledge of today's youth to make the future bright for all Texans.

Denise Parham earned her Bachelor of Science and early childhood degree from Tarleton State University. This is her second year at Highland Elementary School in Tulia for the 2017-2018 school year. She has taught kindergarten for the past seven years and has had 23 years in education. This will be her fifth summer with Education in Action. Denise will celebrate her 30th wedding anniversary this summer. She has two adult children, one in college and one graduate.

Jeff Powell earned his Associate degree from DeAnza College in 1993. He has been a Physical Education Aide at Naomi Press in McKinney ISD for the past seven years. He works as a facilitator for Education in Action because he enjoys watching the students excitement as they learn about Texas.

Kelly Rollins earned her teaching degree from the University of North Texas in 2017. This past year she taught seventh and eighth grade math at Sam Houston Middle School in Irving ISD. Kelly works as an Assistant Director for Education in Action because she enjoys working with kids and teaching them to be leaders.

Ignacio Romero has a business degree from Northwood University. He became a teacher in 2007 and earned a degree in Education Administration from Concordia University - Texas in 2017. He taught third, fourth, and fifth grade and is currently a second grade teacher at Daffron Elementary in Plano ISD. Ignacio volunteers as an Assistant Scout Master in Troop 404 BSA. Ignacio works as an Assistant Director for Education in Action because he enjoys continuing to work with students during the summer break. He wants to help create a fun learning experience for students.

Emily Ruiz earned her degree in Public Health from Schreiner University in 2016. She currently teaches fifth grade science at Coleman Junior High in Coleman, Texas. Emily wanted to work for Education in Action because she loves working with kids and teaching them skills that they can take with them in the future.

Paul Salazar is excited to be starting his ninth year of teaching. His first five years were spent in Special Education, and this will be the start of his fourth year as a Physical Education coach. Paul graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a Bachelor of Education in 2006. He feels blessed to be a coach and gets to work with young people.

Jordan Santos earned his teaching degree from the University of Houston at Clear Lake in 2014. He taught fifth grade Science classes at Deepwater Elementary School in Deer Park ISD for the past four years. Jordan works as a facilitator for Education in Action because he enjoys continuing to work with students during summer break. He feels the students are able to keep their minds fresh and build on knowledge of the great state of Texas.

Karen Schroeder earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Angelo State University and her Master of Science in Human Resource Development from the University of Texas at Tyler. She currently teaches eighth grade math at JP Elder Middle School in Fort Worth ISD and previously worked as a facilitator and director for day trips with Education in Action. She is excited to share in the fun and motivational learning of leadership camps with kids during the summer.

Jimmie Smith, Jr. earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Oklahoma in 2002 and Master of Science in Educational Leadership from the University of Houston - Clear Lake. He taught Kindergarten, third, and fourth grade at Outley Elementary School in Alief Independent School District. In addition, he taught eighth grade at Holub Middle school. Jimmie is currently an adjunct professor at the Art Institute of Houston and an administrator at O'Donnell Middle School in Alief ISD. Jimmie works as a facilitator for Education in Action because he enjoys continuing to work with students during the summer break. He feels students are able to keep their minds fresh and build on knowledge of the great state of Texas.

Lisa Sniggs graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas in 2013 with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a specialty in math. She taught seventh grade math in Killeen ISD for two years before moving to Armstrong Middle School in Plano ISD where she teaches eighth grade math. Lisa works summer programs because the enthusiasm of our future leaders gives her new energy for every school year.

Gary Spurr earned both his History Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts with Certificate of Archival Management from The University of Texas at Arlington. He worked in Archives and Special Collections for 20 plus years at the University of Texas-Arlington and Tarleton State University. Gary works as a facilitator for Education in Action because he loves working with children and sharing his love of and excitement of Texas history. Gary feels it is important to make the learning of history fun and exciting.

Josh Stephenson earned his teaching degree in History from Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas in 2018. He will begin his teaching career in the Fall. Josh works as a facilitator at Education in Action because he loves to interact with students and enjoys the more open teaching environment that the summer allows.

Shelbi Thomason earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi in 2013 and her Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A&M University-Commerce in 2016. She teaches 3rd, 4th and 5th grade science at Cumby Elementary school. Shelbi works as a facilitator for Education in Action because she is a life long learner in addition to wanting to share new experiences with students from all over Texas to continue their life long learning.

Kelly Tiffee earned her teaching degree from Concordia University Chicago in 2012. She was called to Texas to teach middle school History, Drama and Religion at Zion Lutheran School in Dallas. Kelly works as a facilitator for Education in Action because she loves working with kids and watching them grow in knowledge and character. She is overjoyed to join in the experience!

Wendy earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education at Texas Tech University in Lubbock and her Master's in Reading Instruction from Southeastern Oklahoma. She currently teaching in Austin ISD. Wendy is happy to be returning to Education in Action because she loves to see leadership fostered in students.

Kimberly Varela earned her teaching degree - Interdisciplinary Studies EC-4 with emphasis in ESL - in 2007 from the University of North Texas. She also earned a Masters in Education in 2016 from the University of Texas at Arlington. She has taught for 11 years, all in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD. She has taught second grade and currently teaches fourth grade. Kimberly works as a facilitator for Education in Action because she enjoys continuing to work with students during the summer break. She feels students are able to keep their minds fresh and build on knowledge of the great state of Texas.

Leigh earned her undergraduate teaching degree and Master of Science in Reading at Texas A & M in Corpus Christi. Texas. She also holds a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Stephen F. Austin University. Currently, Leigh teaches seventh grade Texas history at Kahla Middle School in Cypress Fairbanks ISD. This is her third year with Education in Action and she is looking forward to another summer of learning and lots of fun.

Danielle Welch received her teaching degree from Tarleton State University in Stephenville in 2008. She currently teaches eighth grade Reading/English in Iowa Park, Texas outside Wichita Falls. She enjoys working with leaders from across the state through Education In Action since 2012.