Teachers

After graduating from Lander University with a B.S. in Elementary Education, I taught fifth grade ELA and Social Studies in Laurens County School District #56. Additionally, I was a technology facilitator for the district training teachers to use the technologies that were ever-changing and growing during that time. While at the district and beyond, I earned a Master of Education degree from Columbia College.

After working in Laurens County SD #56 for 17 years, I worked for Pearson Education and Apex Learning as an education consultant until retirement two years ago. This career change afforded me the opportunity to work with schools and districts across South Carolina and other states to provide training to teachers on instructional practices for student achievement. The curriculum covered all areas of study at all grade levels and was aligned to common core and state standards.

My current position at Summit Classical School is teaching Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) and Social Studies to students in grades five and six. Since retirement and returning to work at Summit, I have enjoyed traveling, spending time with family, reading, and rekindling friendships with teachers and educators with whom I have worked with in the past.

My name is Kellie Ashmore. I am a certified paraprofessional. This is my second full year at Summit Classical School. I am currently pending enrollment for early childhood education. I live in Laurens with my husband, Matt, who is a Senior Manager at ZF Transmissions, and my 10yr old daughter Kaylin, who is a 5th grader here at Summit. I love working with children and do it any chance I get! I am the Children and Teen Leader at my church. I want to show children that its ok to follow directions/rules and trust the people around you.

My name is Brandon Mauk. I am teaching Math and Social Studies for 5th, 6th, and 7th grade here at Summit Classical School. This is my fourth year of teaching, and my first at Summit, and I am thrilled to be here!

I am a passionate educator who believes in the importance of providing students with the best education in civics to understand the world around them. I have taught Social Studies in each of my years as a teacher, and this is my first year teaching Math.

I completed my undergraduate degree at St. John’s University in New York City and my Master’s of Arts in Teaching at Converse College in Spartanburg.

Outside of school, I enjoy watching sports, staying active, reading, listening to music, playing video games, and getting to know new people. I am excited to be able to get to know the Summit family and your students this year!

My name is Anna Murphy. I am a first-year First Grade teacher. I recently graduated from Lander University with a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education. I gained a love for teaching when I began working in childcare after I graduated from Clinton High School in 2019. I am thrilled to begin my teaching journey at Summit Classical!

Hello! My name is Donna Murray. I have been teaching for almost 20 years. I have taught varied age groups ranging from three year olds to second grade; both in the private and public sectors.

I graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Masters in Teaching specializing in Early Childhood Education. I have an Associate Teaching certificate in Orton-Gillingham teaching methods for dyslexia. I also have my Read to Succeed endorsement from the state of South Carolina.

After living in Columbia and Newberry for many years, I returned to my hometown of Laurens recently. Both of my children are grown. I have three cats and one dog.

I enjoy gardening, reading mystery novels, and playing Nancy Drew games. I am excited to be teaching at Summit Classical Charter School!

My name is Jodi Shepard. I graduated from Converse College with a Masters in the Art of Teaching, majoring in Elementary Education. I have a highly qualified certification with Gifted and Talented and Read to Succeed Endorsements. I am in my 16th year of teaching. I joined the Summit Classical School family teaching 4th grade in 2021. I currently teach 5th and 6th grade math and science. My math background/interest came from earning a Bachelors of Science degree from the University of South Carolina Upstate majoring in Accounting. I have four children of my own, Allen (30), Justin (27), Lakyia (15), and Jayce (9). The years of volunteering with youth in the Boy Scouts of America, traveling as a military spouse, and living abroad in Europe has provided me with experience in cultural diversity which I use in the classroom as an educator. I enjoy working with the children at Summit Classical School while sharing my love of education.