Teach Indy wouldn’t exist without the guidance and support of our Educator Advisory Committee (EAC). This dedicated group of Marion County teachers works hard to further our mission by providing meaningful feedback and insights on all events, priorities, and programs.
Jake Taft is an 11th-year social studies teacher at Franklin Central High School, where he primarily teaches economics and personal finance. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Indiana University and has a passion for economic education and helping students connect what they learn in the classroom to their everyday lives.
Hello, my name is Heather Houston. I’m in my tenth year in education and I am a 3-5 Instructional Coach at Liberty Grove Schools. I currently hold a BA in Sociology from Wright State University, a MA in Communications with an Emphasis in Education from Grand Canyon University, a MA in Teaching and BLA from Marian University. I hold a Mild to Moderate Intervention Sped License and a K-12 Building Level Administrator License. I am passionate about creating learning environments where students have opportunities to reach their full potential and where educators have the support and resources they need to do their best work. I live in Indianapolis with my 3 beautiful children and cat, Meowzer.
Hola, I’m the ELL Department Chair and teacher at Pike High School for the last 4 years. Prior to that, I was in the elementary grades for 21 years. I can’t say I have a favorite grade because I love each one! From classroom teacher to instructional coach to department chair, I’m still a teacher and learner at heart.
Hello! My name is Chatlin Pearson-Young. I am the K-3 ELA instructional coach at Christel House Academy West. I have served as an educator on the west side of downtown Indianapolis for the last 9 years in grades spanning from 1st through 6th grade. I am a proud alumni of Indiana University School of Education. I’m passionate about empowering educators with the strategies necessary for providing equitable access to the Science of Reading to all students.
Hello, I’m Tangelica Duplessis. This is my 14th year in teaching. I am a 2022-2024 Teach Plus Indianapolis Equity Change Agent, a Teach Indy Educator Advisory Committee Member and math teacher serving all seniors in jeopardy of not graduating at Lawrence Advance Academy in Indianapolis, Indiana. I currently teach Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Geometry, emphasizing the critical thinking and problem solving skills that translate into real world situations. In the 2018-19 and 2022-23 school years, I was named Lawrence Advance Academy’s Teacher of the Year. I began teaching as a 2012 Indianapolis Teaching Fellow after working in accounting as my first career. I earned my Bachelor of Business Administration – Accounting from Howard University (Washington, DC), an MS in Accounting – Controllership from Strayer University (Washington, DC), and an MA in Teaching from Marian University (Indianapolis, IN).
I’m Megan Fulkerson. I currently teach 2nd grade at Guion Creek Elementary School in Pike Township. This is my 9th year in education. I view teaching as one of the most powerful ways to positively change the trajectory of students’ lives.
Hey, I’m Aysha Ali! I serve as a Third Grade Teacher and Academy Chair at Allegiant Prep Academy in the Haughville neighborhood. I believe education is about more than academics, it is about building relationships, creating opportunities, and pouring into students in ways that help them recognize their own potential. As an educator and leader, I am passionate about creating spaces where both students and teachers feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow.
Hi, I’m AJ Bouwma. I am in my 10th year as an educator in Indianapolis. Currently, I work at Enlace Academy as an 8th Grade ELA Teacher. I am passionate about literacy and encouraging a love of reading for all students. When I’m not teaching, I love spending time outside, reading, or doing various hobbies like crocheting or crafts. I hold BAs in English Literature and Secondary Education from Valparaiso University, where I graduated in 2017.
Hello, I’m Curtis Lofton. This is my 11th year in education. I began my career as a high school French teacher and currently serve as an 8th-grade teacher at Andrew J. Brown Academy. One of the things I love most about education is having the opportunity to watch students grow; not only academically, but also personally and as individuals.
I’m originally from the DMV metro area and am now in my fourth year living and working in Indiana. It has been wonderful to continue my educational journey here in Indianapolis and become part of the Indy education community. This is my second year serving on the Educator Advisory Committee, and I’m excited to continue learning, connecting with fellow educators, and helping contribute to meaningful conversations about education. I’m looking forward to another wonderful TeachIndy Conference this March!
I have been in education since 2013. Teaching has brought tremendous joy and fulfillment to my life. I have had the privilege of teaching Special Education and Language Arts, where I developed a passion for building meaningful relationships with students and creating environments where they feel supported and empowered to grow. Along the way, I discovered a love for data and the powerful insights that emerge from analyzing and dissecting it to better understand student needs and improve instruction. I am excited to step beyond the classroom and explore my new role as an Instructional Coach at Arlington Middle School, where I can support educators and help strengthen outcomes for students. I am a proud HBCU graduate of Wilberforce University, where I earned my B.A. in English Literature, and Marian University, where I earned my master’s degree and Build Level Administrative License.
I’m Megan Johnson, a fourth grade teacher at Central Elementary in Plainfield, and the 2026 Indiana State Teacher of the Year. After 19 years in the classroom, I still love finding new ways to make learning meaningful, engaging, and memorable for kids. I am especially passionate about the Science of Reading, student engagement, and creating classrooms where students have a voice in their learning. I also love sharing what I have learned with other educators through workshops and speaking. At the heart of my work is a simple belief: build the classroom you want to teach in, and make it a place where kids want to learn.
Greetings, my name is Kristen Bruna, and I am a PBL Science Facilitator at Decatur Central High School. I thrive on collaborating with community partners to bring real-world experiences to our students. Additionally, I collect and analyze data on our 9th and 10th graders to design targeted intervention measures. I also serve as the HOSA advisor and coach for both the Cross Country team and the Hawks Running Club
“I love providing novel experiences and opportunities to my students, especially as it relates to science!”
“I love teaching because it is a deeply rewarding profession that brings me joy while providing me with the opportunity to positively influence young lives and make a meaningful, lasting difference.”
“Once you learn to read, you will be forever free” is a quote by Fredrick Douglas that sums up why I am passionate about teaching foundational reading.”
“I love teaching because I get to help students see possibilities in themselves that they may not yet be able to see for themselves.”
“Kids are the funnies & smartest people I know, and I get to see that side of them inside the walls of a classroom.
“Being a part of the Teach Indy EAC is important to me because teacher voices matter. In order for education to improve in this country, the learning community needs to begin to listen to those who are consistently doing the work day in and day out. Being a part of this community will give teachers strength in numbers to impact the change we seek.”
“Being a part of a committee that is teacher-led with the focus of supporting teachers in areas that are important to teachers is why being a member of Teach Indy’s Educator Advisory Committee is important to me.”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with educators citywide through Teach Indy.”
Marion County Public School educators or school leaders can complete this form to apply or nominate a future committee member. New members are reviewed and selected prior to the next school year.
Teach Indy is proud to provide resources for current teachers, prospective teachers, and school leaders to help them empower their students to achieve greatness both inside and outside the classroom. Please fill out the form below to stay up to date with the latest information!
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