VONSHAE EVANS, Founding Science Teacher
Vonshae Evans is formerly from Gunnison, Ms. She is a graduate of Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, MS where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology. Vonshae also a graduate of Union University in Germantown, TN where she earned a Master’s of Education. She enjoys teaching science and has five years of teaching experience from Shelby County, Marshall County, and Memphis City Schools districts. Vonshae is very excited to be a part of the Freedom Preparatory Academy family and is looking forward to a successful school year.
MANDY PAQUETTE, Founding Reading Teacher
Mandy Paquette is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago, with degrees in English and History. Mandy is a native of Joliet, Illinois, and lived for four years in Chicago. She has studied social policy, and assisted with research into after-school programs that alleviate juvenile detention in urban communities. Mandy is excited to be the Reading teacher in the founding team of teachers for Freedom Preparatory Academy, and firmly believes in holding exceptionally high standards for academic and behavioral excellence. In reading class, students will read high-level novels, short stories and essays, and learn the importance of reading for their current and future growth
LARS NELSON, Founding World History Teacher
Lars Nelson is a 2009 corps member with the Teach For America program. He is originally from Shreveport, Louisiana, but has lived in Tennessee for some time. After graduating from high school in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Lars attended Rhodes College where he graduated with a B.A. in both History and Religious Studies. While his favorite areas of study were the American South, Hebrew Bible and Islam, he looks forward to bringing world history to life for his students
WHITNEY DUVAL, Founding Mathematics Problem Solving Teacher
Whitney DuVal was born in Jackson, TN. She graduated in 2009, with a B.S. in Mathematics and minor in Physics from Rhodes College. This year will be her first time teaching, and she is very excited to have the opportunity to educate young minds.
ANNA HERZOG, Founding Mathematics Procedures Teacher
Anna Herzog grew up in Jackson, Mississippi. She attended the University of Mississippi where she received Bachelor of Science degrees in Psychology and Spanish. After graduating from Ole Miss, Anna joined Teach For America and taught Algebra 1 and Geometry at Kingsbury High School for two years. Anna is currently attending the University of Memphis working towards a Masters of Arts in Teaching with a focus in secondary mathematics. She is excited to join the Freedom Prep team and help her students become successful in math!
