Literacy Coach

My name is Erin Baker and I live in Rock Hill with my husband Mike. We have three adult children. I am beginning my 23rd year as a South Carolina educator. I have previously taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th and have 5 years of Literacy Coach experience. I am excited to be the new Literacy Coach at Jefferson, but I am even more excited to be adding the title of grandmother in December 2021. 

Reading Recovery 

Hi, I’m Mrs. Stephanie Brown. I have had the privilege to teach Reading Recovery at Jefferson for 9 years now, but I have been teaching for 20 years. I am proud to say I am a product of York School District One. Go Cougars!! My husband and I are proud parents of a Marine (our only child). In my free time I love to read, go out to eat, watch T.V., and spend time with my family.

My name is Coach Langford.  I was born and raised here in York.  I graduated from YCHS in 2010.  I received my teaching degree from Newberry College.  I was also a member of the baseball team at Newberry as well.  I have been teaching PE here at Jefferson for several years.  I have a wife named Bridgett and 3-year-old daughter named Hadley.  In my free time you can always find me working at my family's farm.

Music Teacher

This will be my 14th year teaching music with the previous 13 years teaching in public schools in southern Louisiana. I have taught in both the elementary music and Talented Music settings. In addition to public school teaching, I have taught instrumental, vocal and preschool music lessons in my private music studio in New Orleans. I still perform semi-regularly. I have my Bachelors and Masters degrees in Music Performance (Oboe) and hold education certifications in K-12 Instrumental, Vocal and Talented Music (Louisiana). 

 I have lived in various parts of southern Louisiana all my life and am excited to explore a new area! In addition to musical pursuits and activities, I enjoy crafting, traveling, reading and buying way too many plants!

 I am so excited to be joining the faculty and staff at JES! I look forward to a great year of playing, creating and sharing my love of music with the younger age group again!

Computer Lab

I have been the computer lab teacher at Jefferson Elementary for 5 years.  When I'm not working, I like to spend time with family and enjoy watching the Miami Dolphins.

Reading Interventionist

Hi, my name is Connie Lowry and I am a native of York, SC. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Winthrop University and a Masters Plus 30 from Converse College, University of Charleston and Winthrop University in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. This year marks my forty-sixth year in the field of education. Teaching is my passion. I taught first grade for forty-one years. I also taught second and third grade. I have taught forty-four years in York District Number One. Teaching is my passion. This year is my fifth year serving as Reading Interventionist at JES. As an interventionist, I provide support to students dealing with reading, writing, comprehension, and phonological difficulties. I love to see the excitement in students as they learn to read or write or when the “lightbulb” comes on.

I have three brothers, two are older by ten plus years and one is younger by three years. I enjoy writing notes to the senior members of my church, organizations, and community. I love to watch westerns and old movies, working puzzles, reading inspirational literature, singing, dancing and talking and spending time with loved ones.

I look forward to building a positive relationship/community with my students, parents and peers. My motto is “strive to make tomorrow better, not perfect, just better”.

Gifted and Talented Teacher

My name is Diane Merrell, and I am originally from Seneca SC. I have one spectacular daughter, Dr. Rebekkah Merrell. She resides in Asheville, NC where she has her own dental practice, Asheville Smiles. In addition, I have two grand dogs, Obi and Fen.

 I currently live in Rock Hill, SC. However, when I am not spending time with my daughter and her two puppies, I love to take walks, read books, play games, and solve all types of puzzles. However, in the fall, you will see me sitting in Death Valley watching the Tigers play football! Go Tigers!

 My entire teaching career has been in York District One, the best district in the state. I love the children that I teach, and I am blessed to have such a rewarding career. Every day I try to learn something new, have a positive attitude, show kindness to everyone, and set my goals high. All of these are what I tell my students to do.

 Education Background:

Bachelor of Arts from Clemson University

Masters in Elementary Education from Winthrop University

12 hours in Gifted Education from Converse College and the College of Charleston

I am from York, SC and recently graduated from Winthrop University with a B.F.A. with a concentration in Education.  My favorite book is Le Petit Prince.  I enjoy kayaking, fishing, painting, and cooking.  This year I really look forward to starting an Art Club with students.  My wish for my students is for them to see the world for all its diversity and beauty beyond their environment.   I have a husband and two dogs whom I love greatly. I teach art in a unique way, focusing on careers in the world where students could apply artistic talents. My goal as a teacher is to influence the upcoming generation to be more creative and unique.

Library Media Specialist

I have been a library media specialist for 12 years, and was a high school English teacher for 7 years.  The funnest part of being a librarian is seeing all the kids' faces when they LOVE reading a particular book.  Their excitement to hear more and more stories is a huge motivation to KEEP on READING. 

My husband and I live in York, and we love to travel throughout America and the Middle East.  In my spare time, I like reading, shopping, event planning, spending time with family, and trying new recipes. There are just too many great books for me to choose a favorite, but I am an aspiring author.  When I'm not busy daydreaming, I like to watch the Clemson Tigers win.  GO TIGERS!!!