A dedicated faculty and staff directly contribute to the success of the students at the Charter School. They come from varied backgrounds, but they share an unmatched commitment to learning.
NeShante Brown, Charter School Leader
LaMonn Daniels, Dean of Students
Kate Stakem, 7th Grade Language Arts
Alexandra Boyd, 6th Grade Science and Social Studies
Elza Crocco, 9th Grade Language Arts
Wyeth Greene, 8th Grade Language Arts
Sara LaPlante, 9th Grade Math
Michael McKenna, 8th Grade Math
Meagan Tate,
9th Grade World Geography
Bobby Hawkins, All Grades, Orchestra Leader
Thomas Upchurch, 7th Grade Math
Rebecca Williams, 6th Grade Language Arts
Sonia Perry, Office Manager
NeShante Brown
Charter School Leader
Ms. Brown began as the 6th grade math teacher at The Soulsville Charter School in July 2005 and became the School's Dean of Students in 2006. She is originally from Memphis, TN and graduated from Central High School before going on to Princeton University, where she received her BSE in Electrical Engineering with a specialty in Bioengineering in 2002. Upon returning to Memphis, she received her Master of Arts in Teaching at Christian Brothers University in the spring of 2006. Before coming to The Soulsville Charter School, she spent two years teaching different levels of 8th grade math in the Memphis City Schools, where her students achieved 100% success on the Gateway Algebra 1 Exam.
In addition to her educational successes, NeShante has experience working in education and non-profit community organizations. She began as a volunteer mentor and tutor for the Big Brother/Big Sister program in Princeton, NJ and quickly moved up to become the Program Coordinator. NeShante is also a member of the National Education Association (NEA) and the National Society of Black Engineers.
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LaMonn Daniels
Dean of Students
HOMETOWN: Memphis, Tennessee
COLLEGES and DEGREES: University of Memphis, B.B.A. in Accounting; Trevecca Nazarene University, Master's Degree in Educational Leadership; Crichton College, currently enrolled in Teacher Education Program.
TEACHER AT THE SOULSVILLE CHARTER SCHOOL SINCE: 2006
There is a great need for teachers who have the knowledge and compassion to educate our youth. I come from a family with dedicated educators. I understand the importance of knowing that as educators, we must realize that all students can learn. It is the responsibility of devoted teachers to find the means to fulfill that duty.
I have enjoyed seeing our students grow on three different levels: academically, socially, and culturally. The students at TSCS have proven their ability to make tremendous gains academically. They give their best everyday and reap the benefits in the classroom, outside the classroom, and on standardized tests. Parents have shared testimonies of how students’ behavior has changed while outside of the school setting.
Our students are exposed to many different cultural experiences. These experiences help students understand and appreciate the cultural differences that exist in our society today.
Kate Stakem
7th Grade, Language Arts
HOMETOWN: Baltimore, Maryland
COLLEGES and DEGREES: Rhodes College, B.A. in English; Christian Brothers University, M.A.T.; University of Memphis, currently working on Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction Leadership
TEACHER AT THE SOULSVILLE CHARTER SCHOOL SINCE: 2005
Our students have the motivation to succeed and the drive to graduate from college. This is wonderful to see, and it makes working with these students a pleasure! Equipping students to reach their goals, to graduate from college, and to become positive members of society is a great challenge and a great honor.
Alexandra Boyd
6th Grade, Science and Social Studies
HOMETOWN: West Memphis, AR
COLLEGES and DEGREES: Rhodes College, B.A in Political Science and International Studies
TEACHER AT THE SOULSVILLE CHARTER SCHOOL SINCE: 2007
My favorite thing about The Soulsville Charter School is that everyone on campus is about the academic success of the students, including the students and their families. Giving back has always been an important value to my family. I feel that being an educator is the ultimate way to give back.
Additionally, I think that some of my best educators are responsible for showing me a lot of the opportunities that have helped me to get to where I am today. I want to be able to give that to some young person one day.
Elza Crocco
9th Grade, Language Arts
HOMETOWN: Princeton, NJ
COLLEGES and DEGREES: Rhodes College, B.A. in English (Creative Writing concentration); Christian Brothers University, currently working towards Masters of Arts in Teaching
TEACHER AT THE SOULSVILLE CHARTER SCHOOL SINCE: 2007
I feel very blessed to have received an education, and I desire to help others receive this gift as well. I am passionate about English and enjoy watching young people develop, both in and out of the classroom. I believe in children’s ability to learn and their inherent creativity.
My favorite thing about Soulsville is the people! I love the web of friendships that exists at Soulsville and the constant strength, support, and encouragement I receive from the people around me. I believe we are doing wonderful things in this community!
Wyeth Greene
8th Grade, Reading/Language Arts
HOMETOWN: Memphis, TN
COLLEGES and DEGREES: University of Tennessee, Knoxville, B.A. in English Language (emphasis in creative writing), Minor in Philosophy; University of Memphis, currently working on Masters Degree in Teaching
TEACHER AT THE SOULSVILLE CHARTER SCHOOL SINCE: 2008
What most attracted me to The Soulsville Charter School was the clearly defined and implemented structure for student achievement. The expectations for discipline and academic success are exceptional and will inevitably bring out the best in the attending students. I am passionate about helping to educate and uplift students in order to provide them with the skills they need to grow into successful adults.
Successful community members will facilitate thriving communities, and education is a prevailing way to develop the hearts and minds of the individuals who will make this happen.
Sara LaPlante
9th Grade, Math
HOMETOWN: Carrollton, TX
COLLEGES and DEGREES: Rhodes College, B.A. in Greek and Roman Studies, Minor in Math
TEACHER AT THE SOULSVILLE CHARTER SCHOOL SINCE: 2008
I was attracted to The Soulsville Charter School by the organization’s optimism and, the concrete hope that the work we put into our jobs will change students’ lives. I love working with students when they get excited about learning. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to be a small part in students connecting to subjects they love.
Michael McKenna
8th Grade, Math
HOMETOWN: Philadelphia, PA
COLLEGES and DEGREES: Princeton University, Sociology
TEACHER AT THE SOULSVILLE CHARTER SCHOOL SINCE: 2007
Challenging students to learn new things is something I truly cherish.
Our students are second to none when it comes to their dedication and commitment to truly becoming the best students possible. I have never worked with young people so motivated to succeed.
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Meagan Tate
9th Grade, World Geography
HOMETOWN: Memphis, TN
COLLEGES and DEGREE: B.A in History and a minor in Education
TEACHER AT THE SOULSVILLE CHARTER SCHOOL SINCE: 2007
My favorite thing about The Soulsville Charter School is the relentless efforts by the staff and the students to perform at the maximum level. This school has a team spirit that is contagious. Most importantly, everyone believes that each child here will one day receive an acceptance letter from the university of their choice.
We believe that education leads to discipline, which leads to the power to have a choice for your future aspirations. I want to be that source of inspiration to my students and let them know that anything they want to accomplish is possible.
Bobby Hawkins
All Grades, Orchestra Leader
HOMETOWN: Memphis, TN
COLLEGES and DEGREES: LeMoyne-Owen College, B.A. in Music; Union University, Masters in Music Education K-12 (Graduating in 2009)
TEACHER AT THE SOULSVILLE CHARTER SCHOOL SINCE: 2006
My life’s calling is to mentor and education everyone around me, especially the youth in our community. I know that I have information and skills that should be shared with the world though mentoring and music!
My favorite thing about The Soulsville Charter School is the fact that we are truly focused on our students improving every aspect of their lives, especially discipline and academics. We have great support systems that allow us the resources to give more to our students.
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Thomas Upchurch
7th Grade, Math
HOMETOWN: Nashville, TN
COLLEGES and DEGREES: University of the South, B.A. in English; Christian Brothers University, M.A. in Teaching
TEACHER AT THE SOULSVILLE CHARTER SCHOOL SINCE: 2006
My favorite thing about The Soulsville Charter School is that everyone here truly cares about the success and well-being of our students. I wake up every day excited to work with my students, my fellow teachers, and administrators .I want all students to be excited about their educations, so that they feel confident about going to college.
Rebecca Williams
6th Grade, Language Arts
HOMETOWN: Columbia, MO/Memphis, TN
COLLEGES and DEGREES: B.A. in Urban Studies, Minor in African American Studies
TEACHER AT THE SOULSVILLE CHARTER SCHOOL SINCE: 2007 (served as the Off Stage teacher.)
My favorite thing about this school is the support received from the Soulsville family. There is a shared sense of concern for both the students we teach and for each other.
I grew up in a home of educators where the importance of education and equal access to education has always been stressed. I was taught that to whom much is given, much is expected and I hope to give back what was given to me!
Are YOU ready to make a difference?
The success of The Soulsville Charter School is largely dependent on our team of talented and exceptionally devoted teachers, and we are always searching for more of these dedicated individuals. Teachers who have a passion for learning and who are prepared to make a genuine, lasting difference in the lives of children will thrive at The Soulsvillle Charter School.
If you are (or if you know) such a teacher, and you would like to learn more about the experience of teaching at The Soulsville Charter School, please contact NeShante Brown, Charter School Leader, at neshante.brown@thesoulsvillecharterschool.org or (901) 946-2535 ext. 365.
