English Department
Elizabeth Alejandro started her teaching career at Southwest in 2006. She graduated from the University of Texas in Arlington. Prior to teaching she stayed home to be with her 3 children. Ms. Alejandro teaches English 1, English 2 Honors and is the cheerleading sponsor. She enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with her family.
Sharon Anderson-Apala started teaching at SHS in 1996. She began teaching in 1980 after graduating from Tarleton State University with a BS in Education. Ms Anderson continued her education at Texas Weselyean with a BS in Legal Studies. Ms. Anderson currently teaches Communication Applications.
Jamie Beckham came to Southwest in 2003 after graduating from the University of North Texas. She received her degree in English and Dance. Ms. Beckham is currently teaching AP English Language Composition and English 4. She is married to Coach Beckham (3 years in May), they have a little boy named Colt and a Maltese puppy named Holly. AP English Language and Composition Summer Reading
Shannon Bird received her degree in English and Psychology from Texas Tech University in 2006. Ms. Bird taught in Weatherford ISD before coming to SHS in 2008. She teaches English 1 and coaches freshmen volleyball and girls’ basketball.
Barbara Bothner graduated from UTA in 1979 with a degree in Physical Education and English. She also has her Masters degree in Pupil Personnel Services from the University of LaVerne. Ms. Bothner taught physical education in Los Angelas before returning to Texas to teach English. Ms. Bothner started teaching English II at Southwest in 2000.
Tina Clay worked in the newspaper business as a writer, copy editor and page designer for 20 years before deciding that she’d worked enough Christmas days for one lifetime. Teaching at Southwest since 2005 and advising the newspaper and yearbook staffs since 2006 has allowed her to share her love of the business and do her part to remind people that journalism is not dying, it’s just evolving. If you don’t know why journalism is important, click here. Mrs. Clay’s degree from James Madison University is in Communication Arts/Journalism, and her teacher certification is in English Language Arts.
Susan Croft began teaching at SHS during the 98-99 school year. Ms. Croft began her teaching career at Bay City High School in January of 1993 after graduating from Tarleton State University in December of 1992. She teaches ACT (American Culture and Thought) and Advanced Placement Literature. Coach Croft is also the Girls Athletic Coordinator and Varsity Girls Basketball Coach. She has three boys Cody 13, Carson 9, and Coop 7 and has been married for 16 years to Thomas Croft who teaches and coaches at North Side High School.
Joseph Heath started his teaching career at Southwest in 2007 after graduating from McMurry University in 2004. Mr. Heath currently teaches English II, III and is a coach on the football team.
Carmen Holt moved to Ft. Worth from Houston and started at SHS in 1984; graduated from Prairie View A & M University in 1981; attended Texas A & M University shortly after undergrad years; she taught Grade 11 English for the past 20+ years; She has also taught AP English literature; African -American Studies and Debate. She was a new teacher mentor for about 5 or 6 years; lead teacher for junior level English for several years; mentored, oversaw numerous student teachers; served on two textbook committees; during her early years here, assisted with cheerleaders and dance squad.
"I am old and tired now--you new young teachers can handle things from here on out!!"
Dana Kennedy began teaching at Southwest in February of 2009 after graduating from Texas Tech University in December 2008. Ms. Kennedy teaches English 2 and English 3 Honors.
Leah Parker graduated from Texas A&M. She began her teaching career her at Southwest in 2008. Ms. Parker currently teaches English and is the sponsor for the SHS Showgirls.
Melissa Rudd received a Bachelor’s Degree in English from University of Texas at Arlington in 2003 and her Master’s Degree in Education from Dallas Baptist University in 2007. Ms. Rudd started her teaching career in 2003. She has been teaching English IV and AVID I and III at SHS in 2007. Ms. Rudd has 2 daughters, Haley (8) and Gabrielle (5).
Lynda Jo Staton received a BA from Central College in Iowa and her teaching license from Hamline University in Minnesota. Ms. Staton began teaching Theater in different theater programs in 1995. She was a substitute teacher from 1999-2001 while getting her teaching license. Ms. Staton started at SHS in 2001. She currently teaches Theater 1, Theater 2, Theater 2 Honors, Theater 3, Theater 3 honors, English 1, and English 3.
Jessica Thomas
began her teaching career at Southwest in 2006, after working in marketing for 8 years. Ms. Thomas graduated with a BS in Journalism – Advertising/Public Relations from TCU. She currently teaches Reading, Literary Genres, and Honors English IV. Ms. Thomas is also the sponsor for TAFE. Ms. Thomas spends time with her husband and two daughters. She loves to read and travel!
Leanne Thomas, a graduate of UTA Arlington, began her teaching career in 1981. Ms. Thomas began teaching 11th grade English and Honors 11th grade English at Southwest in 1995. Before coming to SHS she taught 10 years in middle school in Cedar Hill, Grand Prairie and Desoto. In her career as a teacher Ms. Thomas has coached all sports at the middle and high school levels.
Lanny Trammell's first year at southwest was 1996-97. He previously taught and coached for 20 years at Midlothian HS. Mr. Trammel started teaching in 1976. He graduated with a BA degree from UTA in 1975 and completed his Master's degree in Educational Administration from Tarleton State University in 1992. Mr. Trammel is currently the Department Chair for English as well as the Head Football Coach and Athletic Coordinator. He currently teach English IV, but has taught all grade levels of English and AP.
Rachel Watkins graduated from Texas Wesleyan University with a Bachelor’s Degree in English. She started her teaching career at Southwest in 2005. She currently teaches English 1 SPED/ESL/Honors-Pre-AP and AVID 2