Bethany Bammann is in her 9th year of teaching 5th Grade at Plainfield Community School Corporation. Creating community and connections with students as well as integrating technology to support student learning in meaningful and creative ways are passions that she has fostered and grown throughout her career. She encourages students to explore the outdoors and is an avid traveler with her family. She loves hiking, running, and spending time in nature.
Abigail Carter has been enthusiastically teaching future leaders for over 18 years. Carter holds a teaching certification in Elementary Education from Hanover College, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Social Work. She holds a certification for teaching English Language Learners, as well as a certification as a Reading Specialist. Carter taught Kindergarten in Carmel Clay Schools, Pre-Kindergarten at Plainfield Christian Church Preschool, was the Remote Teacher for all kindergarten and first grade students in Plainfield Community School Corporation, and is currently a first grade teacher at Guilford Elementary in Plainfield, Indiana.
Carter is a member of her district’s Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) committee, volunteer coordinator for the Plainfield Youth Assistance Program, Allies in Education committee member, and curriculum designer for first grade writing. Carter serves as Guilford Elementary’s Parent Teacher Organization President, in which she wrote the PTO by-laws and worked with the State of Indiana to form this new PTO upon the opening of Guilford Elementary in 2021.
She was instrumental in working on the committee for Guilford to receive their STEM certification status from the State of Indiana. She has been nominated twice for PCSC’s Teacher of the Year and was awarded the honor of Elementary Teacher of the Year in May 2023. Carter continued on to be honored by the state of Indiana as a Top 25 Teacher Of The Year Finalist. Carter values a learning environment that is encouraging, engaging, and immersive across the curriculum. She lives in Plainfield with her husband and two energetic boys, whom she is a mother to through the amazing journey of adoption.
Colleen Rock has taught computer science at Kahler Middle School for five years. Before becoming a teacher, she worked as a graphic designer for over twenty years.
She wants to share her passion for computers and technology with students. She has been working on a program to include special education students in computer science. Currently there is no curriculum in computer science for special education and applied skills students to learn alongside their grade level peers. She believes that regardless of your abilities, all students need access to computer science to be a part of our digital world.
Colleen has a bachelor’s degree in Visual Communications from Purdue University Calumet, and an associates degree in Graphic Design Technology from Gateway Technical College. She hopes in the future to complete a Master’s degree in Education or Technology.
Cierra Simmons is a current 5th grade teacher at Edgewood Intermediate School. She is in her 10th year of teaching and has experience with 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. Cierra loves making connections with her students and their families. She also loves being creative with her lesson planning, making learning interactive and engaging for her students. Cierra lives in Martinsville with her 2-year-old Henry and her husband Chad. In her free time, Cierra enjoys spending time outside with her family camping and hiking.
Elaine Townsend has a bachelor's degree in Biology from University of Evansville, a Masters degree in Biology specialized in Ecological Parasitology from Murray State University, and 7-12 Chemistry and Biology Teaching License from Trevecca Nazarene University. She has been teaching 19 years with the last 6 being at Plainfield High School. Elaine is a 20 year veteran teaching high school science including AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, but she has found her groove during the last 7 years teaching PLTW Biomedical Science. The STEM experience in the PLTW classroom allows for any kind of learner to succeed and explore careers and skills utilized in the real world. In addition to classroom teaching, Elaine is the advisor for the HOSA club which gives another outlet to students interested in careers in healthcare fields. Her passion for STEM has led to connections throughout the district where she helps partner with other teachers to integrate and embed STEM. Elaine's philosophy to learn through experience transforms the classroom into a life adventure.
Elaine was a Division I soccer player and coach who has continued coaching boys and girls in her community in the years since she began teaching. Elaine's husband, Paul, has been a teacher and coach for 25 years, and together with their two sons, Will (9th grade) and Sam (6th grade), they seek to enjoy the beauty of our great country and especially all of the National Parks.
Erin is currently in her 16th year of teaching. She spent 11 years teaching in Decatur Township prior to moving to Plainfield Schools. Erin has experience in kindergarten, first grade, and third grade. She was also a mentor teacher and is in her third year working with Educators Leading the Profession as a Virtual Instructional Coach. Erin's teaching philosophy revolves around creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where students feel valued and empowered. She works to incorporate hands - on, real life experiences and the latest technologies into her lessons. Erin has a Bachelors degree in elementary education and a Masters in Educational Leadership, both degrees are from Ball State University. Beyond the classroom, Erin is a lifelong learner herself. She keeps herself updated with the latest advancements in education, seeking new ways to enhance her teaching methods and inspire her students. Erin and her family, Bryston and Benjamin, love to travel and be outdoors.
