Staff
Meet Our Team!
Thank you for visiting the Renner Academy Staff Directory! We are proud of the dedicated educators who make a difference in the lives of our students every day.
Click the arrows to learn more about each member of our team, including their biography, experience, certifications, and areas of expertise. We invite you to get to know the incredible teachers who are committed to helping every student grow their strengths and thrive in their learning journey!
Jean Bingamin
Teacher/Dyslexia Interventionist
Jean Bingamin
Why I Teach
I am so excited to be a part of the Renner Academy family! As I begin my 38th year as an
educator, I often reflect on the question, “Why do you continue to teach?” My answer is
simple: I have a deep passion for helping people in need and for guiding students as they
discover their own potential.
For me, teaching is about so much more than academic success. I strive to help students build
confidence, grow emotionally, and believe in themselves. I want every child to understand that
they are capable of learning and that challenges do not define who they are. My hope is that
students not only succeed in the classroom but also develop a lifelong love of learning that
carries them far beyond their school years.
My passion for supporting students—especially those who struggle with reading—comes from
my own experience as a learner. I struggled with reading throughout my elementary school
years. With the help of caring teachers and the strategies they taught me, I eventually learned to
read. Even today, I still consider myself a slow reader and I continue to struggle with
spelling—but I truly love to read.
Those teachers made a lasting impact on my life. They saw potential in me when I could not
always see it in myself. They encouraged me, supported me, and helped me believe I could
succeed. They were some of the most influential role models I have ever had. I admired them so
much that I wanted to be just like them—even down to dressing professionally and wearing
perfume.
Those experiences shaped the educator I am today. I understand what it feels like to struggle, and
I know the powerful difference a caring, believing teacher can make in a child’s life. That is why
I continue to teach. I want to be that teacher for my students—the one who sees their potential,
encourages them through challenges, celebrates their growth, and helps them realize they are
capable of far more than they may believe.
I graduated from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching. I have
taught 36 years in public education and one year in a private school.
After 38 years in education, my passion for teaching remains strong. I am truly grateful for the
opportunity to continue making a difference in the lives of students and to begin this next chapter
as a member of the Renner Academy family. I am looking forward to a wonderful school year!
Trainings and Certifications:
Certified in Reading by Design
Certfied in Special Education
Certified in English as a Second Language
Trained in Dyslexia Academy
Trained in Reading Academies
Trained in Conscious Discipline
Trained in Gifted and Talented
Certified Librarian (Learning Resources Endorsement (PK-12)
Certified Physical Education (K-12)
Certified in Elementary Education (EC-6)
Certified Secondary Earth Science (6-12
Certified Secondary Geography (6-12)
Linda Clark
Teacher
Linda Clark
My name is Linda Clark, and my career reflects a deep commitment to education and student support. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree and an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice, which have provided me with a diverse skill set valuable in my roles as an educator and mentor. My professional journey began as a Juvenile Correction Officer with the Texas Youth Commission, where I was responsible for monitoring student behavior during their learning periods. This role taught me the importance of managing challenging situations with empathy and discipline. Following my time with the Texas Youth Commission, I spent eight years as a paraprofessional at College Station ISD Oakwood Intermediate. There, I worked with both adaptive behavior and general education students, focusing on providing positive motivation and tailored support through one-on-one and small group instruction. I am now in my third year at Renner Academy, teaching Social Studies. In this role, I continue to apply my extensive background in education to create an engaging and supportive learning environment. Looking forward, I remain dedicated to furthering my professional development and making a meaningful impact in the field of education.
Trainings and Certifications:
CPR and serve on the CPR team at Renner Academy
Seizure First Aid Training
TBRI & Trauma-Informed Classrooms training:
Trauma & The Brain: The Impact of Trauma at School
Empowering Our Students: Meeting Physical Needs
Connecting in the Classroom: Creating Relationships that Matter
Correcting Behavior: Rethinking Classroom Management
Donna Gessner
Dyslexia Instuctional Coach
Donna Gessner
My name is Donna Gessner, and I am honored to serve as the Dyslexia Instructional Coach at Renner Academy. Dyslexia is my areas of specialization, and I am passionate about supporting students in becoming confident, capable readers and writers.
I bring 22 years of classroom experience across Kindergarten, 2nd grade, and 4th grade, as well as roles as a Reading Specialist and District Dyslexia Specialist. My advanced training includes Legacy Master Reading Teacher (MRT), Master of Education (M.Ed.), Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT), and Texas Licensed Dyslexia Therapist (LDT).
In my role, I collaborate with administrators, teachers, and students to ensure our dyslexia intervention program provides the most effective, evidence-based, and up-to-date instruction. I also deliver current professional development focused on dyslexia and other reading intervention strategies to support best practices across our campus.
I look forward to partnering with you to support every learner’s success!
Trainings and Certifications:
Seizure First Aid Training
TBRI & Trauma-Informed Classrooms training:
Trauma & The Brain: The Impact of Trauma at School
Empowering Our Students: Meeting Physical Needs
Connecting in the Classroom: Creating Relationships that Matter
Correcting Behavior: Rethinking Classroom Management
Jade Hayman
Instructional Assistant
Jayde Hayman
Howdy! My name is Jade Hayman, and I am excited to be joining Renner Academy as an Instructional Assistant.
Leslie Kurtz
Teacher
Leslie Kurtz
Howdy! My name is Leslie Kurtz and I graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor's degree in elementary education with an emphasis in science. I enjoy camping, traveling, going on mission trips, and paddleboarding. Being with my family (husband, son, and daughter) is very important to me and I look forward to spending time with them each and every day. I also have a strong relationship with the Lord.
Throughout my 27 years of teaching, I have taught several different age levels and many content areas as well. After earning my special education certification, I was also able to work in the special education department and fell in love with the program and the students who were in it. My passion is truly teaching, but I have learned over the years that my passion goes much deeper than that. My goal is to teach my content, but also to teach my students life lessons that they will never forget...being kind, helping others in need, and being respectful to adults.
I strive to give my students a feeling of safety, an increase in innovation, and a positive thinking framework. Please let me know if you ever have any questions!
Past Educational Awards and Leadership:
Teacher of the Year, Outstanding Middle School Science Teacher, Instructional Coach, Coaching Crew, Presenter at CAST conference (state science conference)
Trainings and Certications:
Certified Special Education Teacher
AVID Trainer of Trainers
Seizure First Aid Training
TBRI & Trauma-Informed Classrooms training:
Trauma & The Brain: The Impact of Trauma at School
Empowering Our Students: Meeting Physical Needs
Connecting in the Classroom: Creating Relationships that Matter
Correcting Behavior: Rethinking Classroom Management
Sarah-Beth Lednicky
Teacher
Sarah-Beth Lednicky
Hello! My name is Sarah-Beth Lednicky and I am so excited to be returning to Renner Academy to teach Math this year. During my undergrad time at Texas A&M, I was placed in various styles of classroom environments that helped me get where I am today. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and Human Development under University Studies in Education Psychology with and emphasis in Child and Professional Services with a Minor in Sociology and in Creative Studies. I have used my degree and knowledge in multiple applications which include everything from assisting our Special Needs and Kids ministry at Central Church to homeschooling my own 2 children.
I love all subjects, but my passion is with Math. I have taught grades 1st through 5th and have enjoyed all of them. I think being able to help a student discover the best way for them to learn is what brings me the most joy as a teacher. Everybody learns in a different way, so it is up to us as teachers to help students find that way and help them get excited about learning!
Trainings and Certifications:
Trained in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) and serve on the CPI team for Renner Academy
Seizure First Aid Training
TBRI & Trauma-Informed Classrooms training:
Trauma & The Brain: The Impact of Trauma at School
Empowering Our Students: Meeting Physical Needs
Connecting in the Classroom: Creating Relationships that Matter
Correcting Behavior: Rethinking Classroom Management
Laurie Parker
Teacher
Laurie Parker
Hello, my name is Laurie Parker. I am excited to be part of the Renner Academy team. Before Renner, I served as a supervisor for an afterschool educational enrichment program, serving grades PreK-6 for a 4A independent school district, providing a commitment to supporting youth development.
I served as a behavior specialist for the past 7 years, and look forward to utilizing my training in Ross Greene's collaborative problem-solving approach, Crisis Prevention Intervention, and Zones of Regulation as the enrichment/social-emotional learning teacher at Renner. I also hold a certification for Mental Health First Aid.
Along with my experience in education and working with kids, I have over 36 years of experience as an entrepreneur, owning my own successful accounting business.
The blend of skills in entrepreneurship, education, and mental health enables me to be a versatile and impactful leader.
Trainings and Certifications:
Seizure First Aid Training
Trained in Crisis Intervention Prevention (CPI) and CPR and serve on the CPI/CPR team at Renner Academy
TBRI & Trauma-Informed Classrooms training:
Trauma & The Brain: The Impact of Trauma at School
Empowering Our Students: Meeting Physical Needs
Connecting in the Classroom: Creating Relationships that Matter
Correcting Behavior: Rethinking Classroom Management
Terry Talcott
Teacher
Terry Talcott
My name is Terry. Snow. I started at Renner Academy in 2024. I have over 18 years of teaching experience STEAM in Arizona. My career began in 2005 when I graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in art education. I taught art for 7 years at K-8 schools in Arizona. I earned my masters degree in 2014 from Grand Canyon University where I studied educational technology. I was provided the opportunity to develop a STEM program that earned a national STEM certification. I enjoy using hands-on learning in my classroom with real world problems to help make learning more meaningful and impactful. I enjoy watching students go from “I can’t” to “I can”. I have spent my teaching career working with students grades kindergarten through eighth grade. I love to see how much they grow and change over the years. I look forward to growing along with the staff and students at Renner Academy.
Trainings and Certifications:
Trained in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) and serve on the CPI team at Renner Academy
Seizure First Aid Training
TBRI & Trauma-Informed Classrooms training:
Trauma & The Brain: The Impact of Trauma at School
Empowering Our Students: Meeting Physical Needs
Connecting in the Classroom: Creating Relationships that Matter
Correcting Behavior: Rethinking Classroom Management
Megan Schwartz
Teacher/Dyslexia Interventionist
Megan Schwartz
Hello my name is Megan Schwarz. My experience in teaching literacy is primarily from Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes. There I worked intensively with students of all ages, mostly young children, with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and many other learning challenges, using individualized plans for building skills in reading and writing. I am trained in their phoneme sequencing, symbol imagery, and reading comprehension programs. As a consultant for Lindamood-Bell, I introduced their programs to teachers and worked with student groups in Title I schools.
I am also certified in Reading by Design dyslexia intervention. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Cross-Cultural Sociology from Westmont College and a Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults.
I home educated my two children in their early years of learning to read and write. Walking alongside students as they build confidence that they can learn in their own unique ways has been some of the most fulfilling work of my life. I look forward to helping your child find joy in learning.
Trainings and Certifications:
Trained in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) and serve on the CPI team at Renner Academy
Trained in Reading by Design
Trained in KAT Insitute
Trained in SRSD
Seizure First Aid Training
Trained in TBRI & Trauma-Informed Classrooms training:
Trained in Trauma & The Brain: The Impact of Trauma at School
Trained in Empowering Our Students: Meeting Physical Needs
Trained in Connecting in the Classroom: Creating Relationships that Matter
Trained in Correcting Behavior: Rethinking Classroom Management
Stacy See
Teacher
Stacy See
I am absolutely thrilled to join the Renner Academy team as an ELAR and Math teacher! With more than 30 years of experience in education, I have had the privilege of teaching students across a wide range of grade levels and subjects. Throughout my career, I have taught English Language Arts, Reading Intervention, Gifted and Talented, English Honors, History, and Technology.
My experience includes teaching Gifted and Talented and English Honors at the middle school level, where I enjoyed challenging students to think critically, explore their interests, and reach beyond what they thought they could accomplish. I also served as the National Junior Honor Society Advisor and UIL Coordinator for a 4A Independent School District, giving me the opportunity to support students both inside and outside the classroom.
I hold a Texas Generalist Certification for Grades 1–8 with a specialization in Reading, along with my Gifted and Talented (GT) certification. I am also a proud graduate of Texas A&M University. Whoop!
What I love most about teaching is, without a doubt, the students! There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a student's face light up when they finally have that “aha!” moment. I love watching students work toward a goal, overcome challenges, and experience the pride that comes with realizing, “I did it!” Seeing students grow in confidence and discover what they are capable of is what makes teaching so meaningful to me.
I am especially excited to bring my years of experience, enthusiasm, and love for learning to Renner Academy, where every student's strengths and differences are celebrated. I look forward to building relationships with my students, encouraging them to take risks, celebrating their successes, and helping them discover just how much they can accomplish!
When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren, traveling and making memories with my husband, and curling up with a good book. I am so excited to be part of the Renner family and can't wait for a wonderful year of learning, growing, and celebrating every student's unique journey!
Trainings and Certifications:
Certified Gifted and Talented
Certified English as a Second Language
Certified Self-Contained (1-8)
Certified Elementary Reading (1-8)
Seizure Training
Kathleen Smith
Teacher
Kathleen Smith
After 24 years in education—and 22 of those years in public schools—I am thrilled to be joining Renner Academy and returning to the classroom. My background spans special education, general education, gifted and talented instruction, and homeschooling.
I spent eight years as a special education teacher working with students identified with specific learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, behavioral disorders, and autism. I have also taught for many years as a general education ELA and math teacher, as well as a GT teacher. Most recently, I served for seven years as an ARD facilitator, supporting students receiving specially designed instruction.
I believe my years of experience have equipped me with the knowledge, tools, and instructional strategies needed to help students develop a love for learning and approach any academic or social challenges with confidence and readiness.
Our students represent the future, and I am dedicated to equipping them with the opportunities they need to build a strong and successful tomorrow.
Trainings and Certifications:
Bachelor of Arts in Teaching/General Education (Grades 1-8) and
Special Education (Ages 3-21) from Sam Houston State University.
Trained in KAT Insitute
Trained in SRSD
Certified ESL
Trained in Gifted and Talented
Trained as Behavioral Specialist
Trained in Differentiating Instruction
Dana Wagner
Math Teacher
Dana Wagner
Hello my name is Dana Wagner. I am very excited to be part of the Renner Academy team! I come to RA with a 30-year career in public education that has been built on a foundation of expertise and a commitment to student success. I am a proud graduate of Sam Houston State University, earning a Generalist degree for grades 1-8 with a specialization in history, along with a certification in English as a Second Language.
My teaching journey has been marked by versatility and innovation. Having taught 1st through 5th grades, I have covered all subjects in 1st grade, focused on third-grade math, and served as a math interventionist for grades K-5. I have completed full training through Neuhaus and was mentored by Susan Bohan from Region 6 in teaching math. This training included expertise in abstract, concrete, and pictorial components of math, all of which weaves together to provide a robust and cohesive approach to math instruction.
My approach to teaching goes beyond academics, fostering a supportive environment where every child can thrive. Now, in this exciting phase after retirement, I am thrilled to bring my wealth of knowledge to Renner Academy and eager to continue making a profound impact on students and colleagues alike.
Trainings and Certifications:
Seizure Training
Trained in TBRI & Trauma-Informed Classrooms training:
Trained in Trauma & The Brain: The Impact of Trauma at School
Trained in Empowering Our Students: Meeting Physical Needs
Trained Connecting in the Classroom: Creating Relationships that Matter
Trained in Correcting Behavior: Rethinking Classroom Management
Toni Varisco
Teacher/Dyslexia Interventionist
Toni Varisco
My name is Toni Varisco, and I have had the privilege of teaching for 34 years in both Bryan and Franklin Independent School Districts. Over the years, I have gained a wealth of experience in various roles, and I’m thrilled to bring that expertise to this vibrant community.
My teaching journey has been diverse and fulfilling. I spent 17 years teaching in Kindergarten, where I developed a deep understanding of the foundational skills young learners need. I also have experience teaching middle school reading, theater, and technology, all of which have enriched my approach to education. For the last 10 years, I have been a reading interventionist, dyslexia specialist and directed three musicals at the elementary level.
I am truly passionate about helping students find success and joy in learning! I love having the opportunity to work with our students, providing them with the support and strategies they need to thrive in their academic journey.
Trainings and Certifications:
Trained in Reading by Design
Trained Reading Academies
Seizure First Training
Trained in TBRI & Trauma-Informed Classrooms training:
Trained in Trauma & The Brain: The Impact of Trauma at School
Trained in Empowering Our Students: Meeting Physical Needs
Trained in Connecting in the Classroom: Creating Relationships that Matter
Trained in Correcting Behavior: Rethinking Classroom Management
Ren the Roadrunner
Renner Mascot
Ren the Roadrunner
Hello my name is Ren. I am the school mascot at Renner Academy. I get to participate in so many fun events, such as birthday celebrations and family outreach programs. What makes me special is I was chosen to be the school mascot by the student body. Not only did they choose me, a roadrunner, but they named me as well. Being the school mascot is the best job ever! It's a great day at RA!
Bandit
Chief Happiness Officer
Bandit
Hello my name is Bandit. I am able to come to school and be with the most amazing kids and teachers. I fit in so well, and I love being the Chief Happiness Officer at Renner. I get to visit classrooms, sit with boys and girls that may need some happiness if they are feeling sad, listen to kids read, and be part of an amazing school team! I love to be petted, and I love to get special treats, but most of all I LOVE kids!