Middle School

  • David Porter

    Upper School Curriculum Coordinator (Grades 6-12)

    M.A., Comparative Literature, University of Utah
    B.A., English, University of North Texas
    david.porter@journeysschool.org  • 307.734.9866

    David graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor's degree in English and went on to receive his Master's in Comparative Literature from the University of Utah. David is a founding faculty member of Journeys School. He has taught English and French at the college and high school levels since 1994. His graduate school studies focused on literary theory, 19th and 20th century Continental philosophy, French feminism, and North African French literature. David’s current professional interests include study of the power of myth in antiquity and today, as well as how culture positively and negatively affects the individual. David teaches students to have an empowered voice in writing and in speech.

  • Sarah Kate Gessford

    Middle School Science Faculty

    M.Ed., Interdisciplinary Science Education, Montana State University
    Graduate Program of Teton Science Schools
    B.A., Biochemistry, Lewis & Clark College
    kate.gessford@journeysschool.org • 307.734.9843

    Sarah Kate has been teaching experiential education in the western United States for the past six years. Having investigated the biological basis of learning and memory formation in her undergraduate thesis, she bridges the science of learning with teaching the concepts and skills of science. Her current focus is integration of engineering design and technology to enhance and develop classroom curricula. Through teaching, Sarah Kate encourages young people to ask questions about the world around them, collect pertinent data, and draw thoughtful and
    informed conclusions.

  • Kate Schelbe

    Middle School Spanish Faculty

    B.A., Spanish & Latin American Studies, Emory University
    kate.schelbe@journeysschool.org • 307.734.9871

    Kate received her Bachelors degree at Emory University, in Atlanta, Georgia with a major in Spanish Literature and Latin American Studies. Currently Kate’s focus is on second language acquisition and the traits of being a successful language learner. Her previous teaching experience includes teaching English as a second language to kindergarten through sixth grade students at Teton Literacy Program, in Jackson, Wyoming. Kate is dedicated to teaching because it combines the things that she is most passionate about; working with energetic youth and exploring what it means to be a global minded citizen in the 21st century.

  • Tina Greene

    Middle School English Faculty

    MA, Journalism & Mass Communication, University of Colorado
    BA, Journalism & Mass Communication, University of South Carolina
    tina.greene@journeysschool.org • 307.734.9857

    After college, Tina worked in Washington, DC in a large building editing law journals while sitting in a small cubicle with little natural light and too many emails. In order to revive her soul, she traveled west and received a Masters in Journalism and a teaching certification for Secondary English. She went on to teach middle school English in Boulder, CO before spending two years as a Peace Corps volunteer teacher. Upon her return, she taught middle school English in Telluride, CO before moving to the Jackson area. Tina uses her varied experience to coach young readers and writers and share with them the power of the written word.

  • Cate Roscoe

    Middle School and High School Math Adjunct Faculty

    M.S., Biology, Humbolt State University / B.A., Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz
    cate.roscoe@journeysschool.org • 307.734.9853

    Cate was first inspired to teach while underwater doing SCUBA research for her undergraduate degree in Marine Biology from UC Santa Cruz.  Following this dream Cate completed a Master’s degree in Biology and a Teaching Credential at Humboldt State University. Since moving to the Jackson area Cate has acquired a grant to provide the public schools with math manipulatives, led professional developments on their use, and taught middle school math at the Teton Valley Community School. When not in the classroom Cate enjoys snowboarding, fishing, and volunteering on the Teton Valley Idaho Search and Rescue.

  • Erin Gibbons

    Math Adjunct Faculty

    M.S. Structural Mechanics and Materials, Georgia Institute of Technology / B.S. Architectural Engineering, California Polytechnic State University
    erin.gibbons@journeysschool.org • 307.734.9877

    Erin is excited to use her engineering background to serve a greater purpose. Last year she left a secure career at a prestigious consulting engineering firm to work on a new innovation in water treatment for disaster victims. She was a teaching assistant and tutor at California Polytechnic University and taught engineering principals at the high school level. She is enthusiastic about using her real world experience with math and technology to teach and inspire her students. Erin’s combination of education, experience and enthusiasm will be a great asset to Journeys School.

  •  

    Pat Kearney

    Middle School Social Studies Faculty

    Ed. M, Harvard Graduate School of Education
    B.A., History, Minor Spanish, Colorado College
    pat.kearney@journeysschool.org

    Pat spent the last ten years teaching leadership and outdoor education to students across the west as a senior faculty member at the National Outdoor Leadership School.  Acting on his desire to work with students for longer time periods, Pat acquired his Master’s in Education in 2012 with the goal of teaching in an independent school.  In social studies, Pat is interested in how geography affects society and in helping students understand the complexities of issues.  As an educator, Pat has a student-centered approach to learning and teaching and aims to put students into direct contact with primary documents.  Pat strives to make his classrooms places of engagement, discussion, creativity, and fun.  When not in the classroom Pat enjoys skiing, cycling, and spending time on rivers.   

  • RJ Adler

    Program Intern

    BA, Psychology and Education, Middlebury College
    rj.adler@journeysschool.org • 307.733.3729

    RJ's first experiences teaching were at Keewaydin Camp for Boys on Lake Dunmore in Vermont. From there he went to work at the Keewaydin Environmental Education Center, which is a spring and fall program that focuses on educating New England school children about environmental impact, past and present land use, and local history. Journeys School is RJ's first proper classroom teaching experience. He feels incredibly lucky to be a member of the faculty this year, and looks forward to being outside as much as possible!