Related Arts/ Specials

Our related arts classes or specials, as we call them, are weekly classes students attend to enhance their learning and explore talents outside the classes. We believe that students need a well rounded education, and their academic achievement benefits from these classes. Every week students attend art, music, physical education, guidance, and library. Each of our teachers serving in these areas are highly qualified and hold master’s degrees in their speciality.

Meet out team:

Ms. Leigha Austin

Leigha Austin - Music Teacher
  • BA in Music Education from Carson-Newman University
  • I have taught in Blount County since 2010.
  • I have 2 dogs named Spock and Bones.
  • I am a member of Knoxville Choral Society and Knoxville Chamber Chorale.
  • My favorite music to sing is jazz and show tunes.
  • I enjoy anything Star Trek, bowling, Jeopardy, and Tennessee Football.

Classroom Library

Amazon Classroom Wish List

Mrs. Samantha Baldwin

Samantha Baldwin - Physical Education Teacher

  • Educational Specialist in Educational Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University (Ed.S.)
  • Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Lincoln Memorial University (M.S. Ed.)
  • Bachelor of Science in Education from Middle Tennessee State University (B.S. Ed.)
  • I have 25 years of teaching experience- 15 in the regular education classroom (Sevier County),8 years teaching P.E. (Sevier County), and 3 years teaching P.E. in Blount County.
  • I am married to Randy Baldwin, teacher/athletic director at Union Grove Middle School, and we have a son named Jackson (10).
  • I enjoy spending time with my family, teaching Sunday School at Sevier Heights, reading & meeting with my Lit Chicks book club, swimming, and walking.

Classroom Library

Mrs. Amber Cunningham

Amber Cunningham - Guidance Counselor

  • I graduated in 2018 with my Masters of School Counseling from Lincoln Memorial University. 
  • I married my husband, Eric, in 2018. We had our first girl, Harper, in 2020 and our second girl, Emery, in 2023.
  • When spending time with my family, you will find us outdoors: walking, riding scooters, playing at parks, and anything in the water.
  • When I’m by myself, I enjoy lifting weights, running, listening to music, reading, and the occasional Netflix marathon.

Amazon Classroom Wish List

Mrs. Melissa Self

Mrs. Melissa Self–Art

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Art School Virginia Commonwealth
  • Masters and EDs from Lincoln Memorial University
  • I am originally from Lexington Kentucky, and was raised in Boise, ID.  
  • I have a beautiful family with my husband Alan, and 2 children Landon and Lainey.  We also have 7 fur babies (5 Boston's and 2 Frenchies).
  • In my free time I love swimming and working out, crafting, and working with clay.

 

Mrs. Trudy Woods

Trudy Woods - Art Teacher

  • BA in Child Development with Teacher Licensure from Maryville College
    Art Endorsement from the University of Tennessee
  • 16 years teaching experience
  • Married to Rob, a Maryville Firefighter, with 2 children – Reid and Leia, and family weenie dog, Winnie
  • I enjoy spending time with family, drawing, recreating Pinterest ideas for friends, reading and vacuuming.

Mrs. Jennifer Walker

Jennifer Walker - Library Media Specialist Teacher

  • AS in Early Childhood Education from Pellissippi State Technical College
  • BA in Human Development and Elementary Education from Tusculum College
  • Master's of Library Science from MTSU
  • I came to Rockford in 2015. I taught 4th grade reading and social studies before moving to the library.
  • From 2011 - 2015 I taught at Tennessee Virtual Academy. I was part of the inaugural staff that opened the first online public school. I taught Kindergarten, 1st, and 5th grade there.
  • I am married with two sons. My husband’s name is Lynn. My boys are all grown up - Benjamin and Matthew. We also have a dog, CJ.
    See what's happening in the library media center on Instagram @jenniferbethwalker or on the library page.

Classroom Library

Amazon Classroom Wish List