Marcy Raymond, Principal

As the principal of Metro High School, Marcy Raymond is the instructional leader responsible for ensuring that the mission and vision of the school is attained and promoted.

Mrs. Raymond has provided leadership to the field of education and strategic school improvement for 19 years, most recently working as a Senior Program Officer for KnowledgeWorks Foundation.

While with KnowledgeWorks, she was responsible for designing and coordinating the technical assistance provided for 15 large urban high schools converting to 58 small schools in the Ohio High School Transformation Initiative. This included the management of 35 school change coaches and the professional development required for the conversion process for 79 small school leaders and 1500 instructional staff members. She has served as a National Facilitator for the National School Reform Faculty, Program Director for the Ohio Principals Leadership Academy and Director of the Ohio Coalition of Essential Schools. As a performance consultant, Raymond has coached numerous school districts to improved performance according to the State of Ohio Report Card. Her career has spanned the field to include teaching Chemistry, AP Chemistry, Math, Physical Science, OWE Science, American History, and Reading in both urban and suburban districts. As a school administrator, she worked in both high school administration and central office. At Reynoldsburg High School, Raymond led the conversion to smaller learning communities through the Federal Smaller Learning Communities Grant and served as the principal of the Preparatory Academy for all 9th and 10th grade students. While an administrator in Reynoldsburg City Schools’ district office, Raymond was responsible for instructional programming and managed both the Gifted and Talented programs and alternative education.

A frequent national speaker and author on educational reform issues, coaching school change, high school literacy and high school conversion practices, Raymond’s educational background includes a Bachelors Degree from Muskingum College (Chemistry and History), graduate studies in literacy and leadership at Bowling Green State University, and a Masters Degree from The Ohio State University in policy and leadership.

Raymond works tirelessly to improve education because she believes in its power. "A highly personalized and rigorous educational experience in high school should be given to every child. I’m driven to provide the kinds of experiences where students define their own destiny, have a voice in their community, and have real access to success.”

David Reese, Language Arts and Lead Teacher

David Reese will serve as a language arts teacher and the lead-teacher for the ninth grade team at Metro High School. 

Mr. Reese has eight years of educational experience that includes work in public and private schools in both urban and rural settings.

His work reflects the philosophy found within the ten common principles of the Coalition of Essential Schools (CES).  He has presentation of work includes “Advisory as the Keystone of School Design” at the CES Fall Forum in 2001.  He also received a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to study “Teaching Shakespeare Through Performance” at Southern Oregon University in Ashland, OR. 

Reese is a passionate and dedicated professional who brings experience and enthusiasm to Metro High School.  David says that he is “excited about the opportunity to help open another school from scratch.  I’m committed to making sure we provide a first-class education in a public school setting.”

Andrea McAllister, Language Arts Teacher

Andrea McAllister will serve as a language arts teacher at Metro High School.

Prior to entering the teaching profession, Mrs. McAllister worked in the area of banking and finance. After graduating college she worked several positions with the Wright Patman Congressional Federal Credit Union, most notably as their policy & procedures writer. She decided to switch careers after having attained the position of Assistant Branch Manager. Mrs. McAllister has numerous experiences working and volunteering in Corporate America and not-for-profit agencies. She brings a wide range of perspectives to the field of teaching and learning.

A move to Columbus to deepen her relationship with her fiancé, now husband, brought Mrs. McAllister to the Educational Council’s Christopher Program. During her year as a facilitator in the Christopher Program, she focused on exploring her philosophy of teaching and strengthening her repertoire of instructional strategies. Her teaching experience includes: performance-based assessment, using a layered curriculum, project-based learning, differentiating instruction, team teaching, co-operative learning and teaching in block schedules. Before moving to Columbus, she taught English and Pre-AP English for three years at Shaw High School in East Cleveland, Ohio. Shaw High School was a recipient of the Bill and Melinda Gates’ Small Schools Transformation Initiative Grant. Mrs. McAllister served as a teacher-leader in the planning, transitioning, and first year implementation converting Shaw High School from a large school to five small schools.

Mrs. McAllister received her B.A. from the University of Maryland, majoring in English Language, Writing, and Rhetoric. She completed her Master of Arts in Urban Secondary Education at Cleveland State University, where she also obtained an endorsement to teach English as a Second Language.

Lisa Floyd-Jefferson, Math Teacher

Lisa Floyd-Jefferson will assume the shared responsibility of designing a systemic approach to the teaching and learning of Mathematics at Metro High School. In this capacity, she will be the instructional leader responsible for the research and development of a standards-based curriculum and one of the classroom instructors responsible for the implementation of the curriculum.

Lisa Floyd-Jefferson became a computer systems programmer / analyst after receiving her B.S. in Mathematical Sciences from The Ohio State University.  She started her own business and became a personal computer consultant after serving as a programmer analyst for Ryder Freight, Vincent Graphics and Nationwide Insurance.  She began teaching Mathematics fourteen years ago as a part-time Proficiency Intervention Specialist for Hamilton Township High School. Soon after, became the full-time Math teacher for the severe-behavior handicap unit that was housed within the school.  While in this position, Mrs. Jefferson began studying the teaching and differentiation methods of Maria Montessori.  She then completed a yearlong practicum experience as a Montessori teacher at the Columbus Montessori Education Center. 

In her three years at CMEC she learned to coordinate special events and conduct fund raising efforts. She began to write grants to benefit the children of her own neighborhood.  She has been awarded grants to conduct special events, summer programs, parent education and after-school technology training.  In her most recent position as a Mathematics teacher at the Leadership Institute of Brookhaven High School, she was part of a grant-writing team that received KnowledgeWorks funds for the Ohio High School Transformation Initiative.  As a result, she spent three years helping Columbus Public Schools design an effective small school program.  In 2006, the Leadership Institute’s tenth graders passed the OGT with at least 60% receiving advanced and accelerated scores in Mathematics.  Mrs. Jefferson has spoken publicly throughout the state on several occasions as a proponent for improving education and developing small schools.  Most recently, she appeared before the Ohio Senate’s Committee on Education fighting for a mandatory college-prep curriculum for all students.  She plans to continue to be a part of the struggle to improve education for all people.  As such, Mrs. Jefferson is currently completing a graduate program at Ashland University.  She will receive her Masters in Educational Administration this year.

Andrew Bruening, Natural Systems and Physics Teacher

Andrew Bruening will be serving as the Natural Systems and Physics teacher for the ninth grade.  He comes to Metro after being at the University of South Carolina where he has been an instructor while completing his Ph.D. in Geology.  While at USC, Mr. (soon to be Doctor) Bruening taught Introduction to Geology, Earth Resources, and Geology of the National Parks.  He also published a paper in the International Journal of Coal Geology and presented at the Southeastern Geological Society of America Conference.  Prior to his graduate studies, Mr. Bruening served as a Physics, Earth Science, and Physical Science teacher at Charlotte Catholic High School in Charlotte, North Carolina.  He is passionate about Science and conveys this excitement to his students.  He challenges his students by involving them in research as early as possible.  Mr. Bruening believes this helps students apply what they learn in the classroom to real life situations, and assists them in developing the necessary critical thinking skills for science.  Mr. Bruening is “excited about teaching at Metro and about being part of such an innovative educational experience.”

Ellen Hogue, Spanish Teacher

Ellen Hogue will serve as the Spanish teacher.  Miss Hogue has fifteen years education experience in both urban and rural settings.  She has taught Spanish grades K through 12.  Following one year as an exchange student in Costa Rica, Ellen earned her Bachelor or Arts at The Ohio State University in Communications and education certification from Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, Ohio.  She has completed course work in Spanish at Cleveland State University, Akron University and La Universidad Internacional Menendez Pelayo in Santander, Spain.  Additionally, she has served as a guest teacher in Cartago, Costa Rica.  Miss Hogue has worked as a liaison and coordinator for intranational and international exchange programs for nine years.  She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Curriculum and Supervision at Otterbein College.

Her work and philosophy reflect a desire to create an environment where academic learning is linked to real world issues in today’s global community.  She is very excited to have the opportunity to develop a language curriculum that integrates with and supports the challenging core curriculum at Metro High School. 

Jacob Johanssen, Math Teacher

Jacob Johanssen will teach Math at Metro High School. He is a recent graduate of Ohio Northern University, where he majored in Math and Spanish. Mr. Johanssen is excited to teach in a school that is devoted to student success for every student. He looks forward to providing the students opportunities to collaborate and grow as mathematical thinker. Mr Johanssen hopes that his passion for Fibonacci numbers, prime numbers, and The Golden Ratio add a unique element to the classroom.

Over the past few years, Mr. Johanssen has both led and partcipated in several mission trips to impoverished areas in Mexico. In the summer of 2005, he had the opportunity to study in Cuenca, Ecuador, an experience he regards as an immeasurable learning experience. Mr. Johanssen looks forward to continuing such work, and he plans on working with the Metro High School community to make these opportunites avialable to Metro students.

As an educator, Mr. Johanssen looks forward to providing a first class learning experience to students that emphasizes connections between Mathematics, Science, and culture.

Pinpin Peng, Chemistry and Chinese

Before joining Metro High School, Mrs. Peng worked as a science teacher at Premier Academy of Ohio, and she also taught Chinese in Williamsburg Chinese School, VA before she relocated to Columbus. Mrs. Peng was born and raised in China. She received her Bachelor's degree in Chemistry Education from the Yangzhou University, China. After that she worked at the university as a student affairs coordinator for several years, she came to the United States to join her husband and pursue her graduate study. In 2006, she received her M. A. Ed. degree in Secondary Science Education from the College of William and Mary, Virginia. As studied in the college and graduate school, she conducted research work in chemistry teaching and learning, and published three research papers in academic journals in both the United States and China. Mrs. Peng just completed a one-year Chinese teaching training program at the Ohio State University, and received her Chinese teacher license.

Mrs. Peng is very excited to be teaching Chemistry and Chinese at Metro High School. She holds high expectation for students, and she believes every student can be successful. Mrs. Peng is enthusiastic to help her students express themselves to the best of their abilities and develop as critical thinkers, life-long learners, and open-minded global citizens.

Kathryn Harr, Algebra 1

Mrs. Katie Harr graduated from Miami University with a Bachelors of Science in Mathematics Education and was hired thereafter by Columbus Public Schools as a Junior High Math and Algebra teacher at Indianola Middle School. After three years at Indianola, Mrs. Harr taught for a year at Watkins Memorial High school in Pataskala, and six years at Pickerington High school in Pickerington, Ohio.  After ten years of teaching in the public schools, Mrs. Harr "semi-retired" to be a full time mother to her five children.  While at home, Mrs. Harr tutored Algebra from her home and created an interactive GED computer tutorial for Pinnacle Education Services.  (And helped her husband start two small businesses).

The last six years Mrs. Harr has been teaching on a part time basis at Columbus State Community College as an adjunct teacher in the Developmental Education department.  Courses taught consist of General Math and Pre-Algebra, working with adults just entering college, either right out of high school or looking for a career change.

Mrs. Harr is excited to get back to her high school teaching career, teaching at Metro on a part time basis.  She has completed Master's coursework in Curriculum and Education at Ashland University over the course of her career, and hopes to finish her degree in the near future. Mrs. Harr hopes to share her passion and enthusiasm for Mathematics to the students of Metro so that they too may embrace a subject that so many shy away from.

Aimee Kennedy, English and Literature

Aimee Kennedy, and her son Matthew, came to Columbus from Canton Ohio. She completed her undergraduate degree at Malone College, with a major in Communications Comprehensive. Aimee began her teaching career at The Freshman Academy in Canton City Schools, where she was a team leader, and most recently taught at McKinley Senior High School in Canton Ohio where she served as English Department Chair, and literacy specialist. She has taught all grade levels of English from Freshmen to Seniors. Her experience as a classroom teacher, firmly rooted in the belief that all students can in fact achieve at high levels, has included several opportunities to design professional development, and lead reform. Her varied experiences as an educator include building quality relationships with diverse groups of stakeholders, and designing lessons that are engaging and authentic to her students.

Aimee recently completed her Master's Degree in Educational Administration at the University of Akron. She is excited by the innovative systems and structures implemented by Metro, and looks forward to being a productive member of the Metro Community.

Jeffrey Elliott, Social Studies

Jeffrey Elliott teaches integrated social studies at Metro High School.  Mr. Elliott earned his Integrated Social Studies certification and bachelor’s degree in History, then his Master’s degree in Social Studies Education, at the Ohio State University. 

He taught American and World History as well as Government and Economics at Whetstone High School (Columbus) for three years, then taught Humanities, American History and Psychology at Rutherford B. Hayes High School (Delaware) for a year.

Mr. Elliott and his colleague at Metro, Mr. Leite, are excited to be developing a brand-new, project-based social studies curriculum that emphasizes meaningful learning and allows second year students to discover their role in their community and world.

Mr. Elliott is passionate about education, self-discovery, and what the social sciences can contribute to our lives.

Peter DeWitt, Biology and Chemistry

Peter DeWitt will teach both biology and chemistry at Metro. He recently graduated from The Ohio State University with his master’s degree in secondary science education (with a life sciences and chemistry concentration). Previous to his master’s degree he graduated from Ohio State with a B.S. in biology (evolution and ecology). During his undergraduate degree, Mr. DeWitt had the opportunity to act as president of OSU’s Mountaineering Club, through which he led many interstate rock climbing, backpacking, fly fishing, and mountaineering trips. He loves that sort of adventure in the outdoors. In addition, he enjoys photography, woodworking, and acoustic guitars.

As a science teacher, he looks forward to the opportunities available for his students at Metro. He is excited about the collaborative efforts with Battelle and OSU, the small class sizes, and the emphasis on conceptual understanding afforded by the mastery system. He is keenly interested in both the academic and personal growth of his students.

Erin Jones, Math

Erin Jones will serve as a math teacher at Metro High School.  She is coming to us with 2 years of experience in education.  Mrs. Jones grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois and recently relocated to Columbus, Ohio.  She attended Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, IL, earned a BS in mathematics as well as a minor in Spanish and graduated Magna Cum Laude.  Mrs. Jones has participated in numerous community service projects as well as mission work around the world.  As a teacher, Mrs. Jones is devoted to her students.  She believes every student can be successful and works with each student to build the tools necessary to succeed.

Thomas Trang, Chemistry and Physics

Mr. Thomas Trang will be the Physics and Chemistry instructor for ninth and tenth grade students at Metro High School. Mr. Trang is a graduate of University of Dayton and The Ohio State University, receiving a Master’s Degree in Science Education. He has taught science for 10 years with Columbus Public Schools.

Mr. Trang teaches, engages, and excites his students about science with innovative lesson plans that supports the challenging core curriculum of Metro H.S. He makes science interesting and relevant to the daily lives of students by constantly having them discover, create and build inventions using simple materials that will help solve a problem or concern. Mr. Trang integrates technology and inquiry strategies into weekly lessons to provide students with higher-order thinking skills required to compete for jobs in the global economy.

In 2003, Mr. Trang traveled throughout Japan as a Fulbright Award Teacher to study the Japanese education system exploring ways to raise student achievement and the quality of the teacher in the classroom. He has mentored student teachers from The Ohio State University for the Master of Education and PhD Programs and acts as an advisor for the OSU School of Engineering Bridge Building Contest.

Mr. Trang is also a National Board Certified Teacher (AYA- Adolescent Science) who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership to the classroom, school, and community activities. He frequently works to provide professional development for teachers throughout the state and is dedicated in bringing teaching the respect and recognition this important work deserves. Mr. Trang has served on The Ohio Department of Education Ohio Proficiency Science Content Advisory Board and has developed and written curriculum guides and end-of-course exams for Columbus Public Schools.

In 2006, President George W. Bush honored Mr. Trang with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the Nation’s highest honor in these fields. In a citation given to Mr. Trang, President Bush commended him “for embodying excellence in teaching, for devotion to the learning needs of the students, and for upholding the highest standards that exemplify American education at its finest.”

Joseph Leite, Social Studies

Joe Leite will teach integrated social studies at Metro that encompasses U.S. History, World History and Government. Mr. Leite and his colleague Mr. Elliott are excited to be teaching the project-based curriculum that allows students to deepen their level of learning.

Mr. Leite received his bachelor’s degree in business from Mount Union College, and his teaching license from Capital University. Mr. Leite has over fifteen years of retail management and ownership experience. In addition, he has worked in the Northridge and

Columbus Public school districts. Mr. Leite is looking forward to engaging his students in an exciting new social studies curriculum during the school year.