STEAM LEAD TEACHERS

Ms. Caitlynn Howell

Hello, my name is Ms. Howell and I have taught here at Horizon for 4 years! Out of those four years, I have taught 7^th grade regular and advanced Math, 8^th grade Math, and Robotics. Being a STEAM lead has provided me with the opportunity to focus my lessons for students on the 4 C’s: communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. Robotics students are given the opportunity to demonstrate these 4 C’s (among others) at our annual robotics competition where we put all that we have learned to the test.

STEAM in the classroom looks like a lot of different things; in my Math classes it offers more engaging strategies. STEAM does not always look like students working with robots, computers, or other high-tech things, sometimes it is just as simple as offering a strategy that gets the students thinking critically about what they are working on.

Mr. Keenan

Hello, I am originally from Massachusetts. Graduate of Salem State University in Salem MA with a BS in Political Science with a minor in History. I have 2 wonderful sons. I have been a Social Studies teacher for 18 years here in Florida. My passion is American History and The Presidency which I am an avid collector of. I look forward to an exciting year with STEAM.

Mrs. Michelle Lopez

My name is Michelle Lopez and I currently teach 8th grade English Language Arts and 9th grade English I Honors at Horizon Academy. I grew up in this community and love to have the opportunity to give back in such a significant way. Other than teaching, I most enjoy spending time with my family, playing tennis, and reading dystopian novels. I have been teaching since 2007 after receiving my bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Central Florida and graduated with my master's degree of education from Liberty University. I firmly believe one’s education is a powerful tool and that nobody can take it away from you. I hope to inspire my students to always give their best and persevere through any obstacle they may face. It is going to be a great year and I look forward to the quality learning opportunities we will experience together in the classroom.

Ms. Jennifer Mullen

In 2010, I moved to Ocala from Massachusetts with my two sons. My oldest graduated from West Port and is enrolled in college. My youngest son graduated West Port High School and was on the track and cross-country teams. I hold a certification in Florida Elementary Education, Middle School Mathematics, and ESE certifications. For the past 8 years, I have been a member of Horizon Academy and enjoy every minute of my instruction with students. My motto is : The only thing keeping us from greatness is attitude. Being a STEAM lead helps me share the principles of the 4Cs (Critical Thinking, Communication, Creativity, and Collaboration) with the students as well as learn from my fellow educators. I am very proud to have been nominated as Horizon Academy's Teacher of the Year for 2017-2018, to be the 5th grade Curriculum Liaison and Team Leader, as well as a mentor to new and early career teachers.