Our Faculty

Temple Preschool

Mrs. Melissa White teaches in the half-day K4 program. She is in her first year at the Academy.

Mrs. Paulette Deeringer has taught kindergarten students at the Academy for over 20 years. She graduated from Western Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Science in Education. Mrs. Deeringer has 28 years of overall teaching experience. She and her husband, Dennie, have one daughter.

Temple Elementary School

Mrs. Sarah Leopper has been teaching the first grade since 2007 in the Academy. She graduated from The Crown College with a Bachelor of Biblical Studies in Elementary Education.

Mrs. Michelle Sewell is in her first year of teaching third grade at the Academy. She graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor in Civil Engineering.

Mrs. Kayla Howell teaches the second grade. She graduated from The Crown College. She has been teaching in the Academy since 2008.

Mrs. Mary Padgett teaches fourth grade at the Academy. She graduated from The Crown College. She has been teaching since 2005.

Mrs. Cindy Ewing teaches fifth grade at the Academy. She graduated from Cedarville College with a Bachelor of Arts. She has thirteen years of teaching experience. She and her husband, Loyd, have four children.

Mrs. Melody Yates teaches sixth grade at the Academy. She is also the Supervisor of the elementary school. She graduated from The Crown College. She has been teaching since 1997.

Mrs. Stephanie Beard has been teaching since 2008 at the Academy. She teaches music in the elementary school and serves as a teacher’s aide. She and her husband, Justin, have two sons.

Mrs. Michelle Harris has been at the Academy since 2007. She serves as an elementary teacher’s aide. Mrs. Harris and her husband, Brad, have one son.

Mr. Stephen Collins directs the elementary, middle school, and high school bands. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education from Tennessee Technological University, and his Master of Music from the University of Kansas.

Temple Junior High School

Miss Tammy Austin teaches 7th and 8th grade English. She directs the Elementary Choir and Junior High Choir. She also serves as the Fine Arts Competition Coordinator. She graduated from The Crown College and has been teaching in the Academy since 2007.

Mr. Julian Evans teaches 8th grade Earth Science. He graduated from Community Bible Institute with a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science. He has just finished work on his doctorate. He has eighteen years of teaching experience. He and his wife, Jean, have three adult children.

Mrs. Charlene Kiser teaches 7th grade math, Pre-Algebra, as well as Study Skills. She graduated from Central State University with a Bachelor of Science. She also received her Master of Christian Education from Crown Graduate School. She has thirty-eight years of teaching experience. Mrs. Kiser, who is widowed, has a son, and a granddaughter.

Mr. Todd Hickman teaches U.S. History, Tennessee History, Bible, and Physical Education in the 7th and 8th grades, as well as 9th grade Health. He graduated from Maranatha Baptist College with a Bachelor of Science. He has been teaching since 1991. Mr. Hickman also serves as Supervisor of the Junior High School and Athletic Director. He and his wife, Denise, have three sons.

Temple High School

Mrs. Jessica Missey has been teaching Computer Science at the Academy since 2008. She graduated from The Crown College. She also serves in the Academy Office.

Mr. David Evans has been teaching Latin in the Academy since 2008. He graduated from The Crown College with his Bachelor’s degree and received his Master’s degree from Crown Seminary.

Mrs. Jean Evans also teaches Latin at the Academy. She received her Bachelor of Science from Baptist Bible College in Clarks Summit, PA. She has eighteen years of teaching experience. She and her husband, Julian, have three grown children.

Mr. Dwayne Hickman has served as the principal of the Academy since 1999. In addition, he teaches high school Bible and General Math. He received his Bachelor of Science from Oklahoma Baptist College. He took his Master of Christian Education from Crown Graduate School. He has twenty-three years of teaching experience. He and his wife, Chelle, have four children.

Mrs. Debbie McConnon teaches U.S. History, Government/Economics, Advanced Placement History, Geography, World History, and Speech. She graduated from Tennessee Temple University with her Bachelor of Science. Mrs. McConnon also serves as cheerleading coach. She has been teaching since 1993. She and her husband, Eddie, have 2 daughters.

Mr. Tim Missey has been teaching since 2007. He teaches Biology, Physics, Consumer Math, Physical Science, and Life Science. Mr. Missey graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. 

Mr. Michael Mock serves as Business Administrator and also directs the high school choir. He has been with the Academy since 2006. He graduated from The Crown College with his Bachelor of Biblical Studies in Music Ministry. He and his wife, Jamie, have a son and daughter and are expecting another child.

Mr. Jeff Olkowski teaches Algebra I and II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Accounting, and ACT Prep. He graduated from The Crown College with his Bachelor of Biblical Studies in Science Education. He has been teaching since 2000. He and his wife, Tina, have three children.

Mr. Michael Reis teaches 9th through 12th grade English. He graduated from West Coast Bible College with his Bachelor of Arts. He has been teaching since 1994. Mr. Reis and his wife have three children.

Mr. Victor Rouse teaches Spanish. He graduated from Hyles-Anderson College with his Bachelor of Science. He received his Masters of Biblical Studies from Faithway Baptist College. He also received a Master of Arts from Pensacola Theological Seminary. He has been teaching since 2003. Mr. Rouse also serves as the director of Spanish-speaking ministries at Temple Baptist Church. He and his wife, Robin, have two adult children.

Mrs. Lea Turner teaches Home Economics, girls’ Physical Education, and Health. She graduated from Ohio University with her Bachelor of Science. She has been teaching for thirty years. Mrs. Turner and her husband, Ken, have four adult children, and a number of grandchildren.

Mr. Stephen Collins directs the middle school and high school bands. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education from Tennessee Technological University, and his Master of Music from the University of Kansas.