Data Chats
Strategic Intervention for Enhancing Student Success at QJH
Mrs. Lisa Pence has been in education for 13 years, and attended Paris Junior College and Texas A&M Commerce. She is currently the math interventionist at Quitman Junior High. She has also taught third grade math and science at Quitman Elementary. She has worked for QISD for 13 years.
Tell us about your family.
"I have been married to my husband Mike for 31 fabulous years. We were blessed with two beautiful children, Brittni and Weston. Our daughter Brittni and her husband Joe have given us four amazing grandchildren: Candice, Michael, Audrey and Charlie. Our son Weston is a 2024 graduate of Quitman High school and is currently attending the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain in Mena to play baseball. He intends to major in Education to teach History and Coach. When we are not watching Weston play baseball, we enjoy side by side riding with our friends and family as well as traveling. My favorite vacation spot is the beach! We also enjoy getting together with friends to listen to music, cookout or play games."
What aspects of the teaching profession do you find most rewarding and fulfilling?
"Watching students overcome challenges that they have struggled with for multiple years in Math. Seeing students who normally dislike math, get excited during a math lesson I have planned."
Could you provide some examples of how you/your team utilizes data to inform and enhance instructional practices?
"We monitor student progress by collecting data which helps us identify students who are at risk of falling behind or just shy of reaching their next academic goal. We are able to use this information to implement targeted interventions or individualized learning plans for each student. These plans are designed to challenge the students while encouraging them to reach their next level of achievement while preventing any possible regression. Each of our students receive the supports that they need in order to thrive academically."
Mrs. Pence is also the Builder's Club sponsor. She also serves as secretary for Quitman Athletic Booster Club.
Mrs. Ashley Wedeking has been in education for 10 years. She attended Paris Junior College and Texas A&M University Commerce. She currently serves as the Dyslexia Interventionist at Quitman Junior High. She has also taught 6th and 7th grade ELAR, and has taught at Alba-Golden ISD. She has worked at Quitman ISD for 7 years.
Tell us about your family.
"My husband, Dustin, and I have been married for 17 years. We have five children, Cannin (10th grade), Hudson (7th grade), Finley (2nd grade), Parker (1st grade), and Sawyer Kate (prek). You will find us on the weekends at a dance competition, sporting event, or livestock show. We love watching our kids compete and spending time together doing what they love."
What aspects of the teaching profession do you find most rewarding and fulfilling?
"Being able to see new concepts learned and the struggle become less, and also knowing I have the ability to influence their character and teach daily lessons that go beyond the classroom."
Could you provide some examples of how you/your team utilizes data to inform and enhance instructional practices?
"We monitor student progress by gathering various types of data, which allows us to pinpoint those who may be in danger of falling behind or who are just shy of reaching their next academic goal. With this information, we can implement focused interventions or specialized programs tailored specifically to meet the needs of these students. For example, if data reveals that a student struggles with reading comprehension, we might introduce targeted reading support sessions or utilize specific reading software to enhance their skills. The data we gather not only informs our approach to teaching but also helps create individualized learning plans for every student. These personalized plans are designed to challenge students appropriately, encouraging them to reach their next level of proficiency while preventing any potential regression. By continuously assessing and adapting our strategies based on data, we ensure that each student receives the support they need to thrive academically."
Mrs. Jennifer Bailey has been in education for 27 years. She attended Kilgore Junior College, and Texas A&M Commerce. She is currently the Reading Interventionist for Quitman Junior High. She has also taught 7th grade reading and 8th grade English. Jennifer has also worked for Mount Vernon ISD, but has worked for Quitman ISD a total of 13 years.
Tell us about your family.
"My husband Jeff and I will be married 27 years in May. We were blessed with 3 children: Bethany, John David, and Breanna. Our oldest granddaughter BaeLynn, is a freshman at Quitman High school. John David is married to Jillian and they have a one year old daughter named Carter Blake. Our youngest daughter, Breanna, is the elementary secretary, and she has a 17 month old daughter named Remi. We love spending time riding our ATV with friends, listening to Jeff's band play, and spoiling our grand girls."
What aspects of the teaching profession do you find most rewarding and fulfilling?
"When you have those students who work extremely hard, give all they can, and you see the rewards pay off. I love building relationships with students I have in my class, and continuing that relationship throughout their high school years."
Could you provide some examples of how you/your team utilizes data to inform and enhance instructional practices?
"We pull STAAR data and renaissance reading levels to work with students who may fall below grade level, or bubble kids who we want to push to the next level of achievement. By examining data on student learning styles and preferences, we can differentiate their instruction to better engage all learners, and ensure that each student receives the support they need. Tracking student progress through our data can highlight trends over time, allowing us to adjust their strategies and provide additional support where needed."
"I am the varsity cheer sponsor to 15 amazing ladies! They keep me well entertained at all times." :)