Teach Indy wouldn’t exist without the support of our Teacher Response Committee. This dedicated group of volunteer teachers works hard to further our mission of recruiting, developing, recognizing, and retaining outstanding educators for Indy’s schools. Through key initiatives, the Teacher Response Committee also works to foster community connections —encouraging local organizations to consider, support, and promote our city’s valued teachers.
In 2021, the Teacher Response Committee successfully planned and executed the first ever Teach Indy Educators Conference—a free, virtual two-day event offering professional development, networking opportunities, and appreciation for exceptional teachers. The committee plans to offer this event annually.
In January 2022, Indianapolis hosted the College Football Playoff (CFP). In its tradition of elevating teachers in host cities, the CFP Foundation chose to support and partner with Teach Indy. The Teacher Response Committee promoted, attended, and volunteered at CFP’s Extra Yard for Teachers 5K, Extra Yard for Teachers Summit, and other CFP events.
Through the initiatives detailed above and additional efforts, the Teacher Response Committee has prompted authentic engagement and support from community partners across the city on behalf of Indy’s teachers.
Hi. I’m Kevin Melrose, a fourth year Social Studies teacher at Northwest Middle School. I believe in project-based learning, social justice, and teaching critical thinking skills. I’m passionate about teaching in my home city, and plan to take on an administrative role in the next school year. I became engaged and bought a house in 2021, and I’ll be married in June!
My name is LaShawna Tramill and I’m a freshman English teacher at George Washington High School. Over the course of my 15-year career, my educational experience has included both early childhood and secondary education. In my current role, I serve as the Student Government Advisor, a member of our building’s racial equity team, Teacher Mentor, and Visible Learning Leader.
Hello. I’m Shannon E.G. Brown, the Humanities Team Lead at Indianapolis Metropolitan High School. In this role, I teach dual credit U.S. History as well as regular U.S. and World History courses. I also support and coach teachers in my department. I’ve been an educator in Indianapolis for 10 years. In addition to teaching, I work hard to ensure Indianapolis students are supported, by mentoring and supporting teachers throughout the city.
During the summer, I work with Indianapolis Teaching Fellows as a Teacher Development Coach.
My name is Clark Wehmeier and I’ve been a highly motivated middle school social studies teacher at an urban Indianapolis school for the past five years, and I currently teach at Christel House Academy South. Following a stint in the legal field, I answered the call to teach in 2017, completing a one-year transition-to-teaching program (IndyTeach) through my current school. I promote active learning and students’ investment in their own education. My goals include providing academically challenging lessons that allow students to develop skills for lifelong success. I’m a frequent collaborator with other teachers, who excel in executing cross-curricular units of study.
Hi. My name is Lydia R. Glover. I am the lead first grade teacher and teacher chair at Allegiant Prep Academy. I am in my third year of teaching with hopes of staying in the classroom for at least two more years. I plan to one day open my own school in Indiana to continue the fight toward getting our babies proficient!
Hello. I’m Julie Busch and I’m in my ninth year of teaching Elementary Education. This is my fifth year teaching 3rd grade at IPS William McKinley School 39. Outside the classroom, I play an active role in my school community, both as a coach and volunteer. I am passionate about teaching and serving my school community! I serve on my school Leadership Team and help to lead my school in partnering with local organizations such as Keeping Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. and Big Green.
I’m Glenna Monzella, the Literacy Intervention Manager for grades 3-5 at KIPP Indy Unite Elementary. This is my ninth year as an educator, but my first year in upper elementary after eight years in grades 1 and 2. I received a BA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, was a 2013 Teach For America corps member in Eastern North Carolina, and received my MS in Education from Johns Hopkins in 2018. In my spare time, I enjoy exercising, completing puzzles, reading, listening to true crime podcasts, and spending time with my husband and cat.
Hello. I’m Eldridge Chism, a third-year Special Education teacher at Sankofa School of Success. This is my fifth year teaching in Indianapolis schools; I previously taught in the Chicagoland area. Teaching is a second career for me. I’m passionate about teaching, mentoring, and coaching. I love to inspire and hope to create lifelong learners.
My name is AJ Bouwma and I’m in my fifth year of teaching on the east side of Indianapolis. I currently teach eighth grade ELA and coach teachers at URBAN ACT Academy. Prior to teaching at UAA, I taught eighth grade ELA and 7-12 Special Education at Thomas Carr Howe Community High School for 3 years. Throughout my years of teaching, I have developed and written ELA curriculum that is culturally relevant and highly rigorous, aimed at leveraging student identity to foster engagement in the classroom. In my spare time, I like to ride my bike on the Monon, read, and make art.
Hello. My name is Annette Murdock-Wooldridge and I’m a member of the 2021-2022 Teach Plus Innovative Leader Collaborative. I’m a founding teacher at The Sankofa School of Success, where I taught exceptional learners in grades K-6 from 2014–2021. Currently, I’m the Instructional Coach for the school and a member of its Executive Leadership and design team. I coach fellow teachers and staff members using culturally responsive teaching techniques and practices. I’m also a member of the MTSS team, where I design targeted academic and behavioral interventions for students. I earned a BS in Early Childhood Education from Martin University, as well as a Master’s in Special Education and an Ed.S. in Organizational Leadership from Grand Canyon University. I currently attend the Relay Graduate School of Education studying Instructional Leadership.
Hi. I’m Demond Woods. I am in my fourth year of teaching at Emma Donnan Middle School. I am a graduate of Indiana State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management and Kinesiology. I began working as an instructional assistant before earning my teaching license at Marian University. I also work with teen programs and youth sports at the Benjamin Harrison YMCA, located on the eastside of Indianapolis.
“I’ve met some tremendous teachers since moving to Indy. The camaraderie is very helpful when times get tough.”
“One thing I like about Indianapolis is the Fletcher Place neighborhood. I love the tiny feel and Calvin Fletcher’s Coffee is the spot!”
“What I love about teaching in Indianapolis is that I grew up here. It is interesting to have a connection and understanding of the students’ upbringing and community.”
“Indianapolis is an amazing city for young educators to live and teach in. There is so much happening, yet it is still affordable to live here. There’s something for everyone!”
“At my school, pushing boundaries and thinking outside the box is encouraged — in both teachers and students.”
“What I enjoy most about teaching is building relationships with my students and their families. I love joining a team that is all about student success.”