JULY 2023 • SESSION 7 • INTRODUCING OUR THIRD GRADE TEAM
Introducing Our Third Grade Team
Atlas is growing with our students! Our founding class is finishing up second grade and getting ready to transition to third. That means it’s time to announce our rockstar team of experienced third grade educators, including some familiar faces and some new ones.
LaToya Crockett, Lead Third Grade Teacher
Get to know Dr. Crockett!
She loves to learn and holds four advanced degrees including a doctorate in education from Maryville University.
She has been teaching for 10 years, and brings experience with kindergarten and third grade.
She enjoys trying new restaurants and exploring St. Louis with her nine-year-old daughter, Jordan.
"I am most excited about the year-round design and place-based learning. I truly believe students learn best when they are consistently exposed to real-world experiences. A year-round school model and hands-on experiences through place-based learning provides students these opportunities." - LaToya Crockett
Dezará Miles, Third Grade Educator in Residence
Get to know Ms. Dezará!
She has been a key player on the Atlas team since the school first opened.
She is currently working towards her degree to become a certified elementary teacher.
In her free time she runs two businesses (Melanated Kreations and X:hale Massage Therapy), takes care of two dogs (a yorkie and a husky), and is an aunt to seven nieces.
“What I love about the Atlas team is the continued and unconditional support and the love we have for each other!” - Dezará Miles
Kimber Griffin, Lead Third Grade Teacher
Get to know Ms. Kimber!
She just moved back to the U.S. from China where she taught fourth grade for six years and worked as the Head of English.
She previously taught high school English in Ethiopia while in the Peace Corps.
She has a rescue terrier mix named Olli.
"I’m thrilled to be at Atlas! Everyone has been so welcoming, and it’s a great feeling to be home. I’m eager and excited to see where we’ll explore in the St Louis community throughout the year - I love learning through adventure!" - Kimber Griffin
Jason Flores, Third Grade Educator in Residence
Get to know Mr. Flores!
He has worked with kindergarten, first, third and fourth graders, and is currently pursuing a teaching credential through Grand Canyon University.
He is passionate about literacy and loves teaching emerging and developing readers.
He loves cooking, hiking, watching TV, and showing his spouse around St. Louis.
"I look forward to all the learning, creating, adventuring, and relationship building! Each year I rediscover that every class is beautifully unique, and I'm excited to build our own, special community as we learn, explore, and grow together." - Jason Flores
Iris Jackson, Third Grade Math Teacher
Get to know Ms. Jackson!
She has worked in education for several years including as a Lead Classroom Teacher, Reading Interventionist, Family and Community Support Specialist and Building Substitute.
She completed the St. Louis Teacher’s Residency program and holds a Masters in Teaching and Learning from Washington University.
She is a mom of two boys and a NaNa of five boys and one girl.
"I love that Atlas invites students to be their unique, independent selves!" - Iris Jackson
Facilities Update
Construction on our forever home, located at 400 S. 18th street, is still on schedule! We can’t wait to start the new school year in our very own spacious and bright building. Check out some photos from a recent walkthrough.
