Teachers
Click on the Department for Teacher Information.
English
Lynsey Patten - English Teacher
lapatten1@dcsdk12.org
Hours: M-Th, 1:00 - 6:15 pm
I come from a long line of preachers and teachers, and one thing I’ve learned along the way is that learning should be an adventure. In my English classes, we tackle a lot of classical literature and pair it with Project Based Learning (PBL). PBL is all about giving students freedom to explore things that interest them; it gets them excited about learning and aids them in gaining a deeper understanding of that subject. Many of the projects we do lean into visual arts and allow for artistic expression and creativity. The same holds true for my Theatre classes. Once we learn the basics, students are allowed to express themselves within the context of the character they are portraying or the play they are designing, which allows our students to shine!
Gwyndollyn Potter- English/Drama Teacher
gpotter@dcsdk12.org
Hours: M-Th, 1:00 - 8:45 pm
As an untrained teacher seeking my first career, Eagle took a chance on me and gave me the opportunity to excel, just as we do for our students. I found a loving community and place to be home at Eagle, and I plan to spend my career here. My mom fostered an insatiable desire for learning in me, and I take immense pleasure in sharing my learning with students, getting them interested (and maybe enjoying) new things, including: art history, architecture, film, short story writing, and world myth. I challenge them to engage and put in their full effort, so that they can develop the skills they need to succeed after high school, like critical thinking and successfully expressing themselves in writing. So many of our students just needed a place to safely be themselves, and a community to give them the guidance and support they need to excel, and they find that at Eagle.
Dr. David Rose - English & ACC Teacher
drose1@dcsdk12.org
Hours: M-Th, 1:00 - 8:45 pm
Math
Ms. Li is a passionate math teacher who brings creativity and warmth into the classroom. Outside of teaching, she loves exploring nature through hiking and photography, capturing the beauty of the outdoors to share with others. At home, she enjoys life with her husband, daughter, and their playful cat Kenny. She often delights her students by cooking authentic Chinese dishes, combining her love of food and culture with her care for Eagle's students.
Hongyi Li - Math Teacher
honli3@dcsdk12.org
Hours: M-Th, 1:00 - 8:45 pm
Jason Jensen has been shaping young minds in the world of mathematics since 2001. A dedicated math teacher at Eagle Academy since 2020, Jason is passionate about building strong relationships with his students to help them overcome challenges and achieve success in the subject. When he's not in the classroom, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Melissa, and their three children, Dillon, Audrey, and Evan. He also stays active through his hobbies of long-distance running and strength training.
Jason Jensen - Math & ACC Teacher
jjensen@dcsdk12.org
Hours: M-Th, 1:00 - 8:45 pm
Science
I have had the pleasure of teaching Science at Eagle Academy since the 2019-2020 school year. I strive to spark curiosity, skepticism, and the desire for life-long learning in students. One thing that is so special to me is about this school is being able to get to know students as individuals, and sharing my love of science (and my personal interests like hiking, traveling, photography, baking and reading) with them. In turn, I have learned so much about strength, kindness, resilience, and their passions from the students here. They make me want to be the best person and teacher that I can be.
Adriana Meyer - Science Teacher
pameyer@dcsdk12.org
Hours: M-Th, 1:00 - 8:45 pm
My passion for science goes far beyond the classroom. As a teacher at Eagle Academy High School, I see science not just as a subject, but as a lens for understanding the world. My goal is to spark curiosity in my students, helping them see the wonders of scientific principles at work in their everyday lives. This approach is a reflection of my own life—I'm a lifelong learner, an avid world traveler, and a wildlife photographer. These hobbies aren't just pastimes; they're an extension of my scientific curiosity, allowing me to explore and appreciate the natural world firsthand. Ultimately, I'm more than a teacher; I'm an explorer and a steward of the natural world, and I can't wait to help the next generation of thinkers find their own path.
Susan Simpson - Science Teacher
ssimpson@dcsdk12.org
Hours: M-Th, 1:00 - 8:45 pm
Social Studies
Mr. Johnston is finishing his last year at Eagle Acacdemy after a 29 year career at the school. It has been the time of his life.
Joel Johnston - Social Studies Teacher
jbjohnston@dcsdk12.org
Hours: M-Th, 1:00 - 8:45 pm
For 27 wonderful years, I've had the profound privilege of teaching at Eagle. Early on, I was truly captivated by our students – their resilience in the face of challenges, their unique gifts, and their unwavering authenticity. It has also been an immense honor to work alongside countless educators whose passion and dedication have left an indelible mark on Eagle over the years. I am deeply honored to walk alongside my students on their journeys, offering both academic guidance and the steadfast support of a positive adult mentor.
Dr. Andrea Rietsch - Social Studies Teacher
alrietsch@dcsdk12.org
Hours: M-Th, 1:00 - 8:45 pm
Electives
My goal as a music educator is to foster self-reliance and critical thinking through the teaching of musicianship, connecting these skills to real-world challenges. I want my students to find joy in creating music and playing instruments. Ultimately, I aim for them to develop the ability to continue learning music independently, should they choose to pursue it further. I consider my work successful when my students no longer need my guidance to enjoy music on their own terms. Beyond teaching, I enjoy composing and playing music, as well as exploring the outdoors through backpacking, hiking, and moto-camping. I find both continuity and relaxation in building and programming electronic devices powered by microcontrollers. Most importantly, I cherish spending time with my son, guiding him as he learns to navigate the world and discover the value of education.
Jeffrey Collins - Music Teacher
jcollins1@dcsdk12.org
Hours: M-Th, 1:00 - 8:45 pm
Steven Donnelly - Art Teacher
sdonnelly@dcsdk12.org
Hours: M-Th, 1:00 - 8:45 pm
As Eagle Academy’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher, I'm passionate about bringing real-world industry experiences directly into the classroom. After a decade working across the hospitality industry—from busy restaurants and resort catering to being a private and personal chef—I transitioned to teaching to prepare students for the workforce. In my class, we run a busy cafe, selling snacks and drinks during breaks, and we simulate a high-volume catering operation every Wednesday by making pancake dinner for the entire school! This hands-on approach, combined with focused certifications like ServSafe, ensures our students are job-ready when they graduate. Outside of the kitchen, you can find me running or spending quality time with my husband, Beau.
Erin Norton - CTE Culinary Teacher
enorton@dcsdk12.org
Hours: M-Th, 1:00 - 8:45 pm
My name is María Alfaraz. I am from Spain and I’ve been teaching Spanish for over 15 years. In my classes, students build real-world communication skills and explore the richness of Hispanic cultures through projects, presentations, and hands-on activities. Outside of school, I enjoy hiking local trails and trying out new recipes.
Maria Alfaraz - CE Spanish Teacher
maalfaraz1@dcsdk12.org
Hours: T-Th, 4-6:10 pm