Curriculum and Instruction

Instructional Strategists:

I N S T R U C T I O N A L S T R A T E G I S T S:

The Curriculum Department would like to welcome our new Instructional Strategists:

Dr. Angela Ellison and Ms. Shakevia Barnes

Shakevia D. Barnes

Instructional Strategist, Math

Shakevia D. Barnes serves as the Instructional Strategist for the South Pike School District in Magnolia, Mississippi. In her role, she supports principals, teachers, and students across elementary, middle, and high schools resulting in continuous school improvement.

Ms. Barnes is an alum of the South Pike School District, where she began her career. Shakevia served as the Algebra I instructor at South Pike High from 2014-2018 and 7^th grade mathematics instructor at South Pike Junior High from 2018-2020. Shakevia played a major role in moving both schools to a successful school status. Most recently, she served as Lead Teacher/Interventionist in the Wilkinson County School District where she assisted teachers with diagnosing strengths and weaknesses, progress monitoring, and the MTSS process. Ms. Barnes also had the opportunity to model effective research-based instructional strategies, analyze assessment data, and facilitate professional development sessions.

Shakevia received a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education from the University of Southern Mississippi, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University, and a Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Arkansas State University. She is an active member of Mississippi Professional Educators. Shakevia’s work is rooted in the belief that life’s success begins with a great educational foundation. She wholeheartedly believes that every individual can learn if the necessary accommodations are made by educators.

Dr. Angela F. Ellison

Instructional Strategist, ELA

Dr. Angela F. Ellison serves as an Instructional Strategist for the South Pike School District in Magnolia, Mississippi. She is a native of both Walthall and Pike Counties, spending her years almost equally between the two. She is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, where she received her Doctorate of Philosophy in Education and her Masters of Education with an emphasis in Special Education. Additionally, Dr. Ellison is also an alumnus of the University of Mississippi and Southwest Mississippi Community College, where she earned degrees in Elementary Education.

In addition to 21 years of teaching experience spanning the K-12 and university levels, Dr. Ellison has been an administrator, an education advocate at the state level, and a presenter/trainer at local, state, and national conferences. Dr. Ellison believes that learning is a lifelong endeavor and all students can learn. Most importantly, she believes, “All learners have the right to an education, and the instructor and educational institution must guide and help students to set individual goals for success in their chosen professional/career path. Another pivotal component of a successful learning environment is to establish a culture that supports and creates critical thought.”

As an instructional strategist, Dr. Ellison looks forward to providing supports for the principals, teachers, and students at the South Pike School District in all grades levels in order to maintain the academic standards of excellence set forth by the district.

Curriculum Contact Person per School Site 2021-2022:

South Pike High School
DeAnna Brumfield, Interventionist
South Pike Junior High School
Interventionist: ____________
Osyka Elementary School
Interventionist: TaKeisha Jefferson, Counselor
Eva Gordon Elementary School
Barbara Matthews and Shanell Bates, Interventionists

Visit MDE’s new District Resources for At-Home Learning webpage for resources for districts, teachers and counselors looking for off-site learning opportunities during this extended school closure. Resources have been divided into the following categories and will be updated regularly:

District Learning At-Home Resources