New Year New Teachers

The start of each school year brings a lot of new and exciting additions to our lives, such as classes, clubs, sports events and so much more!

This year, Meridian has kicked off the start of school with four new teachers in two departments and multiple grade levels. Teachers have been selected for their extensive knowledge and unique perspectives to help further a well-rounded and quality education for the students at Meridian.

“…They came to Meridian because they were looking for a challenge,” Mrs. Holcombe, DP principal at Meridian, said. “They have gone through extensive training in order to be best prepared for teaching students how to excel in the rigorous IB program.”

The math department has welcomed three new teachers: Mr. Muncy (Algebra 2), Mr. Barnes (Math Models and Applications) and Mr. Hernandez (Math Analysis).

“I feel they are a great fit for Meridian because they are reflective about their practice and they (like all teachers) enjoy working with engaged students who want to learn and be successful,” Holcombe said.

Mr. Muncy has been teaching for five years, most recently moving over the summer from Virginia, where he taught calculus and differential equations at trade schools to engineering students.

“Mr. Muncy is such a kind teacher, he encourages every student and really tries to get to know them,” said Dina Daniel, a sophomore in Algebra 2.

In DP math, Mr. Barnes starts his 28th year as a teacher, previously working at Round Rock High School for the last 19 years of his career.

“I was feeling kind of stale and stagnant at Round Rock, and a lot of my friends were retiring…” Barnes said.

This will be Barnes’ first year teaching at an IB school or under an IB curriculum. When asked what he looks forward to most about Meridian, Barnes said, “A lot of growth… and all the learning I will be doing, especially about the students.”

Another DP math teacher, Mr. Hernandez, has joined Meridian with 15 years of prior teaching experience, with a majority at Killeen ISD. However, Hernandez has previous experience with IB as his old school included an IB curriculum. In 2020, due to COVID-19, the program was removed, leaving Hernandez in search of a new IB school.

“I’ve been trying to get here [Meridian] for a while…” Hernandez said. “Not only is it a rigorous curriculum, but the students also come out of the program being better people because in IB you create connections with the world.”

In addition to becoming a new math teacher, Hernandez has been approached to be an advisor for three clubs and is taking over as the new DP math department head, a position currently held by Ms. Riley, DP vice principal.

In the field of science, Ms. Jacobs has been promoted to DP biology for 11th and 12th grade, hiring Mrs. Nolan to take over her previous position as the 9th-grade biology teacher. Nolan has been teaching for six years, most recently moving from Jarrell ISD.

“I am really loving the community that we have here at Meridian,” Nolan said. “I look forward to the great things that are going to happen this year and all the years to come!”

Nolan has already become involved in Meridian’s close community, becoming a sponsor for HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), a position she took saying, “I am excited to help our students interested in health careers.”

With the addition of new members to the pride, Meridian and its students are looking forward to another exciting year full of learning and growth. How will our new members make the pride stronger? We can’t wait to see what talents, experiences and knowledge they will bring with them!