Daggett Montessori
Middle School Teachers
Kelly Finney - Social Studies
Education:
Experience:
Why I Teach:
Fun Fact:
Room 405
Jennifer Hollingsworth - 6th Grade English & Social Studies
Education:
Experience: I have been a teacher for 20 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. I was campus teacher of the year in 2022, and I am a TIA Recognized Teacher. Both of my children, Cristina and Cori, went to DMS and had amazing experiences. I am excited for the opportunity to join such an amazing and wonderful school.
Why I Teach: I love working with students and helping them to understand the world around them.
Fun Facts:
Jennifer.Hollingsworth@fwisd.org
Room 301
Aimee Hatch - Science
Education: Graduated Summa Cum Laude from Tarleton State university with a major Bachelor’s of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, Masters in Educational Leadership from UTA. Certified 4-8 Generalist, 4-8 language arts/reading/social studies, EC-4 Generalist, EC-8 English as a Second Language, upper Elementary Montessori Certification, Principal Certification.
Experience: 17 years in education – 6th Grade social studies and cheer coach at Wheat Middle School teaching. 4/5th Elementary Teacher, 7/8th Science and Science Department Chair all at Daggett Montessori. 16-17 Campus Teacher of the Year, 22-23 Campus Teacher of the Year, 22-23 District Secondary Teacher of the Year!
Why I Teach: Growing up I learned about doctors that were saving lives, great world leaders, and scientists that were making life easier through inventions and technology. I wanted to do something that would have a great impact on the world, too. What better way than to teach and inspire the doctors, leaders, and scientists of the future? My impact as a teacher has the same ripple effect of a stone dropped into a lake. Instead of being one person making just one significant contribution, the impact of a teacher makes infinite positive contributions through several generations of students. I am changing the world one student at a time.
Fun Facts: Married to Mr. Hatch with 3 children, I was a Camp Fire Girl from kinder through 12th grade and I still participate as an alumni, all three of my kids attended Daggett Montessori at some point.
Room 121
Michael Hatch - English
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.
Room 401
Jennifer Whitman - Reading & Theater
Education: BA – Theatre from the University of Arkansas, MFA – Theatre from Brooklyn College City University of New York
Experience: This is my 5th year. The first 3 years I taught at Daggett Montessori and Paschal High School. Last year (2017-18), I moved exclusively to Daggett Montessori. J
Why I Teach: I enjoy fostering creativity and watching my student’s growth from the beginning of the school year to the end.
Fun Facts: I am a founding member of Connecting for Conquerors, a nonprofit that raises funds and awareness for Cancer Care Services.
Room 303
Lori Zarate - Spanish, Reading, Technology
Education: BA Spanish; M.A. Modern Languages – Spanish Literature
Experience: I have been teaching for 13 years, 12 with FWISD and 10 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 to sew and crochet blankets for the animal shelter; I love to laugh; I am on Pinterest too much (Ha!); my child has 4 feet (Ha!); I absolutely LOVE cotton patterned trouser socks, rarely do I wear a solid colored pair.
Room 400 DC