Leesville Junior High School is welcoming several new teachers to its seventh grade team for the upcoming school year.

Stephen Briscoe will teach seventh grade math. Briscoe is entering his 11th year in education and his fifth year teaching math. Last year, he taught fifth grade at Florien High School. Outside of school, he enjoys spending time with his family and visiting Walt Disney World.

Ashley Ratliff joins the school as a seventh grade English Language Arts teacher. Ratliff said she looks forward to helping students explore novels, strengthen their writing skills and discover new perspectives while creating a supportive classroom where students feel confident sharing their voices.

Amanda Davis will teach seventh grade math. Davis is entering her second year as an educator and said she is grateful to teach in the community she has called home her entire life. She said growing up in Leesville and in a military community has given her a passion for being a positive influence on military children.

Amber Jackson also joins the seventh grade math department. A third-generation Leesville High School graduate, Jackson is a 10-year educator and lifelong learner who recently earned her second master’s degree from LSU. Her interests include animals, nature, the arts, logic puzzles and community improvement projects.

Delaina Craft will teach seventh grade English and science. Craft said she believes teaching is her calling and enjoys making learning fun and interactive. Outside the classroom, she enjoys traveling, reading and spending time with her husband and three children. She said she is excited to learn and grow alongside her students this school year.

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