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4 new teachers join Moran ISD staff

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The Moran Independent School District will start classes at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 27, and a few new faculty members have joined the staff over the summer break.

New to the MISD teaching staff in 2018 are Carly Henson (first grade teacher), Harley Ethridge (social studies instructor, athletic director, and boys head coach), Alyson Orsak (third through fifth grade math), and Kim Davis (third through fifth science and social studies, and fourth grade writing).

“Teacher in-service training began on Aug. 10 for all new staff, and on Aug. 13 for everyone else,” said superintendent Danny Freeman. “Sabrina Swedlund has been moved to fill our pre-K/kindergarten position, and Matthew Hise has been moved to be our ag science teacher. Tiffany Campbell is the cafeteria manager and Phillip Huskey is the custodian.”

The annual Meet the Bulldogs and Open House/Meet the Teacher night at MISD will be next Thursday, Aug. 23, starting at 5:00 p.m.

“We’ll have something sweet and cool to enjoy,” said Freeman, “probably homemade ice cream and watermelon.”

Carly Henson

The new first grade teacher at Moran, Carly Henson, is from Hawley, but already lives in Moran on her family’s farm, and plans to stay.

Henson graduated from Angelo State University with a bachelor degree in animal science.

“I decided to pursue teaching after I graduated,” she said. “I needed a job that would be stable wherever I settled down.”

Henson had worked as a substitute teacher and also in several day care facilities while she was going to college, and liked working with children.

“Teaching was the perfect fit!” Henson said. “I am certified to teach early childhood through sixth grade, but I was really hoping to start in a kindergarten or first grade position. When the superintendent offered me the first grade class, I was thrilled!”

Joshua, Henson’s husband, has two elementary aged children.

“They live with us and will go to school in Moran,” said Henson. “I absolutely can’t wait to start teaching in Moran and become a part of the community!” 

Kim Davis

Kim Davis is also from the Big Country area. She grew up in Stamford, and has lived in Albany for 25 years.

“I am going to be teaching social studies and writing,” said Davis. “I am looking forward to teaching both of those, but especially Texas history, because it is one of my favorite subjects, and the fourth graders will study it this year.”

Davis has two sons of her own who will continue to attend school in Albany.

“Braden will be a senior this year, and Bryson will be a sophomore,” said Davis. “I will commute to Moran.”

Davis recently changed careers to join the teaching profession.

“I decided to go into teaching after working for several years as an institutional parole officer for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice,” she said. “I felt like teaching would give me the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of kids.”

Alyson Orsak

Alyson Orsak said that several people in her family are teachers, and she feels that it is the right career for her.  

“God blessed me to be part of a family of educators who believe teaching is a calling,” she said. “They are my mentors. I love children and pray for strength and wisdom to be the best teacher I can be.”

Orask taught in Woodson last year, and this year she will be teaching math to Moran middle school students.

“I’m excited to teach math,” Orsak said. “My goal is to prevent the ‘fear of math’ that many students seem to have by high school. Math can be challenging to some, but hopefully I will be able to help each student attain his or her full potential.”

Orsak lives near the Moran campus with her two youngest daughters and their pets. 

“I have three beautiful daughters,” Orsak said. “My oldest, Bethany, and her husband live in Colorado. Baylee (a sophomore) and Brooke (a seventh grader) attend school in Moran.”

Harley Ethridge 

Harley Ethridge will teach social studies at Moran this year, and he has already began his duties as athletic director and boys head coach, starting two-a-days on Aug. 6. 

Ethridge has brought a wealth of coaching experience with him, according to Freeman.

“Coach Ethridge is an experienced and successful six-man coach and we are excited about his arrival,” said Freeman.

Ethridge has coached six man football teams at Oglesby, Follett, and Richland Springs.

“He has been part of the coaching staff on three state champion teams, one runner-up team, seven teams that made it to the semifinal round, and 11 district champions,” said Freeman. “We hope that continues at Moran.”