Exceptional Children
The principal focus of the exceptional children's program is to meet the individual needs of students identified with disabilities. The A. L. Brown Exceptional Children's Department provides free and appropriate individualized education for students in the least restrictive environment. Instructional support services and programs are available to help students meet the requirements for graduation. Individualized instructional accommodations are available for students and concentrated inclusion support is made available to the students by pairing an exceptional children's teacher with a regular education teacher for the intention of co-teaching a class. Curriculum Assistance, an elective course, is available to assist exceptional students with effectual study skills and standard course of study content preparation. Individualized instructional accommodations are available for students. Self-contained programs, which offer small group intensive instruction, are provided for students with more severe disabilities. Particular consideration is emphasized for all students in transitioning from high school to adulthood.
Mark Linn, Department Co-Chair
I am inspired on a daily basis by the dedication, level of caring, and work ethic shown by our staff. I believe that the family atmosphere and diversity of this school is part of what make it a special place to learn and work. I also believe in treating all students fairly by giving each of them exactly what they need.
Educational Biography:
Graduate of A.L. Brown High (1983)
Bachelor of Science from N.C. State University (1987)
Masters of Education from UNCC (1996)
Certified in Special Education Cross-Categorical (Grades K-12), Science (Grades 9-12), EC Math (Grades K-6)
Education Experiences:
The 2012-2013 school year marks my 22nd year teaching in the Special Education department at A.L. Brown High.
I am proud to serve as department co-chair and as a mentor for the wonderful staff we have here. I currently work in the Resource setting with a concentration in math.
Additional Information:
"You can't always get what you want-but if you try sometimes-you just might find-you get what you need" (Mick Jagger/Keith Richards)
Geri Swanson, Department Co-Chair
The 2012-2013 school year marks my 28th year as an educator. I am co-department chair of A.L. Brown's Exceptional Children's Department.
My experience includes teaching elementary, middle, high school, and college. The highlight of my teaching experience is working with students who have special needs. My career focus is to be a life-long advocate for students with special needs and their families.
I am very privileged to work with a wonderful group of students, dedicated peers, and a supportive administration.
Educational Biography:
Bachelor of Arts in Special Education, K-12, University of Northern Iowa
Master of Arts in Secondary Special Education, University of Northern Iowa
Educational Experiences:
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards -Certified - Early Childhood through Young Adulthood Exceptional Needs Specialist -2001
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards - Certified/Renewal - Early Childhood through Young Adulthood Exceptional Needs Specialist -2010
Additional Information:
"The great teachers fill you up with hope and shower you with a thousand reasons to embrace all aspects of life." (Pat Conroy)
Kelly Clark
Educational Biography:
BS in Special Education from UNC-Greensboro with a concentration in Sociology.
Certification: K-12 General Curriculum, K-12 Adaptive Curriculum, Middle School Math
Currently, Pursuing a Masters in School Administration
Educational Philosophy
The best part about working Kannapolis City Schools is that everyone has the same goal, to do whats best for students, from the bottom to the top!Sports and Clubs
Head Varsity Softball CoachClass Website
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Ashley Crainshaw
Educational Biography:
BS Health/Physical Education from Gardner-Webb University.
Educational Experiences
Graduated from A.L. Brown 2005
Started working at A.L. Brown in 2011
Clubs and Sports:
Varsity Softball Coach
Kelly DePompa
Educational Biography:
I currently teach the severe/profound classroom at A.L. Brown. This is my 3rd year teaching and 2nd year in the severe/profound classroom. I graduated from UNCC 2010, where I received a bachelors degree in Special Education specializing in the general and adaptive curriculum. In our classroom we focus on Independent Living and Life Skills. Our goal is to create an appropriate environment for our children to become as independent as possible. Parents can reach me at kelly.depompa@kcs.k12.nc.us or 704-932-6125 Ext:404
Educational Experiences:
Men's Soccer Assistant Coach
Women's Soccer Coach
Heather Hammill
Educational Biography:
Hello! This is my second year working at AL Brown High School, and being here is like having a second family. I hold a license in Exceptional Children-General and Physical Education K-12. I work in the EC Inclusion/Resource classroom, and I will say that this EC department is amazing. This past summer, I was given the chance to take over the head coaching position for volleyball. I look forward to an exciting season.
I'm not a native of North Carolina, as I moved here from Texas a year ago. I am extremely blessed to have wonderful husband, a beautiful daughter and two handsome step-sons. My daughter still resides in Texas with her dad, so it gives me an excuse to travel back to Texas every month. My interests are sports (especially volleyball), music, movies, an occasional good book, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Freddie Lewis
Educational Biography:
BA in Psychology from Guilford College
Minors in History and Education
UNCC Graduate Work in Special Education
Educational Experiences:
Certified in Special Education.
This is my 6th year teaching at A. L.Brown.
NCAE Representative
School improvement team
Spencer McCoy
Educational Biography:
I am currently teaching in the severe/profound classroom at A.L. Brown. This is my first year teaching in the severe/profound classroom with Mrs. DePompa. I came from Rowan County where I worked in the Special Education Department for 6 years. I went to Livingston College for 1 year and then transferred to Western Governors University. I also Coach the defensive ends for the A.L. Brown Wonders. Parents can reach me at darwin.mccoy@kcs.k12.nc.us or 704-932-6125 Ext: 404
Eric Morman
Educational Biography:
This is my first year teaching at A.L. Brown High School. I attended Catawba College and graduated with a bachelor degree in physical education.
Educational Experiences
I currently work in the EC department. I am also assistant coach of the A.L. Brown football team. I believe every child deserves the same opportunity to learn and have a great educational experience.
Matt Plummer
Educational Biography:
UNC-Charlotte, UNC-Greensboro
Educational Experiences:
This is my first year working in the school system; however, I have worked with both children and adults with varying degrees of developmental disabilities since 2001 in residential, community, and home settings. I find this a challenging yet rewarding field of employment. I look forward to many productive years at A. L. Brown. I would like to thank everyone who has made this "freshman" employee feel quite welcome!
Additional Information
In my spare time, I am active volunteering in the local theatre in Concord. I also love caring for dogs, cats, and other creatures (except snakes!).
Favorite Quote: "Have more than thou showest, speak less than thou knowest, lend less than thou owest." (King Lear, Act I, WIlliam Shakespeare)
Favorite Book: A Tale of Two Cities
Mark Springer
Educational Biography:
B.S. Pre-Physical Therapy, Health Physical Education, Slippery Rock University 1972
Graduate School Health Science Slippery Rock University 1973
A.S. Accounting/Computer Pregramming Lake Superior College 1980
Marti Springer
Educational Biography:
B.S - Intellectually Disabled, Severe-Profound (K-12), Elementary Ed. (K-6)
M. Ed. - Multihandicapped and Intellectually Disabled
Slippery Rock University, Pa. - 1971,
University of Minnesota, Duluth - 1972
Educational Experiences:
30+ years teaching Exceptional children ages birth-22 years old, physically handicapped, developmentally delayed, multihandicapped.
Also taught regular 5th grade.
Additional Information:
To help them be as independent as possible, and enjoy a happy, productive life with family, friends, and co-workers.
"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." - Benjamin Franklin
Ramona Stanback
Educational Biography:
Transition Coordinator for Kannnapolis City Schools
Occupational Course of Study, Grades 9-12
Undergraduate Degree in Special Education K-12 from Bethune Cookman College, Daytona Beach, Florida
Graduate Degree In Educational Leadership from Wingate University, in Wingate, North Carolina
Educational Experiences:
I have worked in the field of Special Education for 21 years.
My philosophy in education is treat and teach every child as if they were your own. If you take care of the students, they will take care of you. It takes a village to raise a child. Your consistency and deligence is the key to your success.
Yolanda Stanback
Educational Biography:
B. A. in Psychology from Shaw University 2005 (Raleigh, NC)
Educational Experiences:
OCS Teacher Assistant/CBT Job Coach
11 years of service
Andrew Suarez
Educational Bio:
Lynchburg College, 2007
B.S. Human developement and learning; emphasis in Special Education
Educational Experiences:
Head Men's Lacrosse Coach
Asst. Basketball Coach
Robyn Warren
Educational Experiences:
Teacher Assistant/Job Coach in the Occupational Course of Study Program-3 years
Tracy Wharton
Educational Biography:
I received a BA from The College of Mount St Joseph in Communication Arts and Business Administration. This is currently my 6th year teaching; first at A.L.Brown and as a Special Education teacher. My previous experience has been in math.
My certifications are Middle Grades math and science, and Exceptional Children - General Curriculum.
Educational Experiences:
I am currently attending UMASS to obtain a certificate in Behavioral Intervention in Autism which will lead directly to my Master's in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in Autism Studies.
Class Website
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