Instructional Coaches
Monica Verbena
- My first teaching job was at the high school I attended! I got to work alongside some of my very own teachers and student teachers!
- I actually got to teach my brother and his now wife when they were high school students!
- My absolute favorite subject is science, but most of my work revolves around math. Still, I can see science in everything around me!
Vickie Johnson
I have been at Lackland ISD as the GT District Coordinator since 2011. I have been in education since 1996, teaching 3rd-8th grades, and 3 years as a Math Specialist, before moving into GT.
I attended UTSA for my undergraduate degree, and Texas State for my masters degree in Elementary Education. I am certified to teach K-8 and ESL. I have extensive experience in GT classrooms at various grade levels, and deliver professional development in gifted education. For 4 years, I instructed future teachers in the Alternative Certification Program with Texas Teaching Fellows.
I am passionate about teaching GT students..
Raeneisha Toliver
Greetings,
My name is Raeneisha Toliver. I joined the Lackland ISD family in 2022. I was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. I graduated from Karen Wagner High School where I sparked my interest in early childhood education. After graduating High school, I moved to Houston, Texas to attend Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical University. I majored in Interdisciplinary Studies and couldn't wait to graduate and start teaching! My goal every year is to help students foster a love for learning and create a classroom culture that promotes learning for all children.
Dana Kickler
I am the Instructional Technologist for Lackland Elementary. I began teaching in 1996 in 2nd grade, and moved to instructional technology in 1999. I worked in Northside ISD until I moved to Lackland in 2014.
I am originally from the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. I love The Windy City, my Cubs, Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks, and of course, deep dish pizza (preferably from Lou Malnati's). I also enjoy camping, road trips, concerts, theater, reading (non-fiction is my favorite) and binge watching supernatural tv shows (guilty pleasure). I have an older brother and sister, and 3 amazing nephews. Our family has a vacation home on a lake in Wisconsin, and that is my favorite place in the world.
Before my daughter was born, I helped run two animal rescue groups, one for ferrets, and one for cats and dogs. I did that for about 10 years. My daughter was born in 2006, and all our permanent pets from the rescue years have passed away, but we have 3 rescue cats right now.
I am passionate about education and believe everyone should be a life-long learner. I think the most important skills we can teach our students are things like creativity, problem-solving, persistence, communication, and collaboration. Technology is a conduit for that. Not only is it an integral part of our lives now, it will be even more so in the future. We have to prepare our students for jobs and careers that don't even exist yet, so we must teach outside the box and deep below the surface. We should make our students passionate about school and learning, and technology is definitely a resource to support that.
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Joy Crawford
Hello, my name is Joy Crawford. I started teaching in 2012 and I’ve been at Lackland Elementary since 2014. I taught 4th and 5th grade prior to becoming a Student Success Coach. I received my degree from Park University while serving in the Air Force, and continued on to a Master’s degree from UT Tyler. I am a Texan born and raised. I am married and have two energetic kids who keep me busy! In my spare time I like to work out, catch up on reading, and continue my education. I am organized, enthusiastic, and committed to meeting the needs of students and supporting other teachers. I thoroughly enjoy working at Lackland Elementary and continuing to support the military and their families.