Daggett Montessori
Middle School Teachers
Kelly Finney - 7/8 Social Studies
Education: I graduated with honors from Eastern Hills High School and went on to attend the University of Texas at Arlington, where I graduated Suma Cum Laude with a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies.
Experience: I am entering my 22nd years as an educator. I have taught in FWISD, at a charter school, and at a private school in grades first through eighth.
Why I Teach: Being an educator has its challenges, but the rewards far exceed them. The most rewarding part for me is building relationships with my students. Knowing that I get to plant a seed in their lives is so meaningful.
Fun Fact: I have three children, Camron, Aaryn, and Kyndal. My other children include a Golden Retriever, Tuck, and a Great Pyrenees, Jazzi, along with two cats, Tommy and Gypsy. I love to bake and decorate my house.
Jennifer Hollingsworth - 6 English & Social Studies
Education: B.S. in Education from Texas Wesleyan
Experience: I have been a teacher for 22 years teaching K-3 in a variety of self-contained, bridge, and departmentalized situations, all at Springdale Elementary. I have a BS in Education from Texas Wesleyan, and I am EC-6 and ESL certified.
Why I Teach: I love working with students and helping them to understand the world around them.
Fun Facts: I was campus teacher of the year in 2022, and I am a TIA Exemplary Teacher. Both of my children, Cristina and Cori, went to DMS and had amazing experiences.
Jennifer.Hollingsworth@fwisd.org
Raymond Heath - 7/8 Science
Education: Bachelor of Science in General Studies; Master's in Curriculum and Instruction
Experience: 10 years
Why I Teach: I teach because I believe learning should be both engaging and meaningful. I aim to help students connect science to the real world.
Fun Facts: I was a barber for 14 years before teaching. My favorite place in the world is the Oregon Coast.
raymond.heath@fwisd.org
Michael Hatch - 7/8 English & English I
Education: Holds a B.A. in English from Tarleton State University
Experience: 25 years of teaching experience in both high school and middle school, 2007 FWISD Chair for Teaching Excellence in Secondary English, 23-24 Campus Teacher of the Year.
Why I Teach: I love the power of literature and the influence it can have in the lives of young people. I love seeing students improve and grow in their reading, writing, and critical thinking.
Fun Facts: High school mascot is the Fightin’ Zebras. While backpacking in New Mexico, I was once within 15 feet of two black bears. I love to fish, visit historical sites, and hike.
Eric Newman - 7/8 Math & Algebra I
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Erin Wattier - 6 Science & Math
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Jennifer Whitman - Reading & Theater
Education: BA – Theatre from the University of Arkansas, MFA – Theatre from Brooklyn College City University of New York
Experience: I have 12+ years experience at Daggett Montessori and Paschall High School.
Why I Teach: I enjoy directing and teaching young people how to collaborate in order to create a piece of art.
Fun Facts: I had two callbacks to play Meryl Streep's daughter in Mother Courage in New York. I didn't get it, but I'll talk about it whenever you give me a chance.
I was in the Lower East Side Festival of Arts which assigned actors to scenes at different street corners. A woman above my designated street corner was tired of hearing my scene over and over so she threw vegetables out of her window at me. Ahhh...New York City!
Lori Zarate - Spanish, Reading, Technology
Education: BA Spanish; M.A. Modern Languages – Spanish Literature
Experience: I have been teaching for 19 years with FWISD and 17 years at DMS.
Why I Teach: It is what I have wanted to do since I was 5 years old. I do not know why – it is just my calling.
Fun Facts: I love football and hockey. I love dogs.