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Administration

Mrs. Spurgeon - Principal

Welcome to McKeel Elementary Academy! I am excited to be part of The Schools of McKeel Academy. This is my thirteenth year in Elementary Education. I received my bachelor's degree from University of South Florida and my master's... read more

Mrs. Seeber - Assistant Principal

I have had the pleasure of working in the field of education for thirteen years. I earned my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Florida Southern College and my Masters Degree in Educational Administration from the University of South... read more

Mrs. Hewitt - Principal's Secretary

Hello, MEA Families!! I am super excited to be entering my fourth year here at MEA as the Principal's Secretary / Terminal Operator. It is a pleasure to work with each of you and I'm looking forward to another exciting school year. read more

Mrs. Waldron - Administrative Assistant

Hi Wildcats! I am so excited to be a part of the MEA team! As some of you already know, I originally started with McKeel in March 2011 in the business office. While I loved being a part of that team, I feel like MEA is where Im supposed to... read more

Kindergarten

Mrs. Schmidt

Welcome to Kindergarten! I am so excited to be entering my seventh year of teaching. I graduated from Southeastern University and have had the privilege of teaching kindergarten, third, and fourth grades. I am very much looking forward to... read more

Ms. Bartlett

I am a graduate of the University of South Florida and am certified to teach grades K-6. I've known from an early age that teaching was exactly what I wanted to do. I consider it a privilege to teach every single one of my students.... read more

Ms. Minick

Hi, my name is Cathy Minick and this is my seventh year on the McKeel team. I have been teaching for 30+ years. I graduated from Florida Atlantic University. I have done all my teaching in Lakeland. I am certified to teach; early childhood,... read more

1st Grade

Miss Maready

What's buzzing wildcats?! I am Miss Maready and I am so excited to be starting my first year of teaching in first grade! I attended Florida Southern College and graduated in 2012 with a degree in Elementary Education. I love teaching and... read more

Mrs. Chisholm

I am a very fortunate person to have found a job doing what I am most passionate about, teaching! This is my 13th year teaching, and it just gets better. I strive to meet every child's needs on a personal level, with a loving approach to... read more

Mrs. Gilbertsen

Hi Wildcats! I am a graduate of Florida Southern College with a degree in Elementary Education. I am so happy to be part of the first grade team this year at MEA. It is a great pleasure working with students and watching them learn and grow. ... read more

2nd Grade

Mrs. Burek

Welcome to 2nd Grade! Atlantis Burek is a graduate of Southeastern University obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Mrs. Burek also holds a Masters in Arts degree in Education specializing in Curriculum Instruction... read more

Mrs. Burse

I am excited about entering my 14th year of teaching! I have treasured each and every year of teaching and working with children. What a joy it is to watch each student grow and learn throughout the year. In the classroom, I strive to... read more

Mrs. Futch

Hello Wildcats! Welcome to Second Grade! I am so excited to be a part of McKeel Elementary! I believe learning is an adventure and every child is a capable learner. I enjoy teaching using hands-on experiences in a positive, caring... read more

3rd Grade

Mrs. Long

Hi-My name is Ashley Long and this is my 6th year teaching. I am blessed to have always taught at McKeel Elementary! I had the opportunity to graduate from McKeel Academy of Technology in 2001. Then, after graduating from the University of South... read more

Mrs. Masters

Thomas Edison once said, "I never did a day's work in my life. It was all fun." Those words express my feelings about the 25 years I have had the privilege of teaching and learning with my students from grades kindergarten all the way to fifth... read more

Mrs. O'Connor

Here's a little bit of information about me... My husband and I are both originally from Greenville, South Carolina. We came to Florida to attend Southeastern University. We have been married for four years now! Josh and I happily live in... read more

4th Grade

Mrs. Powell

Let's Go Wildcats! Let's Go! Welcome to fourth grade! I am excited and blessed to be a part of the McKeel team! I graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. Ever... read more

Mrs. Rees

This is my ninth year teaching at McKeel Elementary. It is truly an honor to be a part of the McKeel family. I love being a Wildcat! My husband is also part of the McKeel family. He teaches at McKeel Academy and also coaches the Varsity... read more

Mrs. Stephenson

Welcome to fourth grade! Let me tell you about myself. My husband and I have been married for twenty years and we have two sons. Our sons are William and Jonathan. We enjoy the outdoors with activities such as hiking, hunting, and camping. We... read more

5th Grade

Mrs. McKnight

My name is Heather McKnight. I am originally from Indiana where I graduated from the University of Evansville with a degree in Elementary Education. I moved to Florida after I graduated to pursue a teaching career. I have been blessed to call... read more

Mrs. Poppell

My name is Michelle Poppell. This is my eigth year teaching. I began my my teaching career at McKeel Elementary as a college intern in 2005. Following my graduation from Florida Southern College, I began teaching first grade at McKeel. I taught... read more

Ms. Bridges

It is my firm belief that every single one of my students has the ability to not only achieve, but to excel to the highest extent that they desire. It is my purpose, and passion to enable this aspiration to become an actualization each and every... read more

Specialists

Coach G.

Go Wildcats!! I have been with McKeel for 12 years and have been the PE coach at McKeel Elementary for eight years. I am a Lakeland native and graduate of LHS....GO NAUGHTS!!! I recieved my Bachelors Degree from Florida A&M... read more

Mrs. Backes

Hello! Welcome to my teacher page. I am excited to begin my 8th year teaching in McKeel Schools and my 2nd year at McKeel Elementary. Here's some information about me... Professional Info- I earned my degree from Southeastern University... read more

Mrs. Massung

This is my sixth year working for McKeel Schools and I am very excited about being a part of the McKeel Elementary family. I have been teaching for twelve years. I have a bachelors degree in Education, a bachelors degree in Business Management, and... read more

Ms. Castro

Go Wildcats! This is my fifth year at McKeel Elementary Academy and I am very excited about being the Technology and Gifted Specialists! I earned my Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of South Florida and... read more

Paraprofessionals

Mrs. Beke

Welcome back Wildcats! My name is Christina Beke and I am very excited to be joining the McKeel family this year. I have three children that attend Mckeel as well as a 20 year old step-daughter named Shelby. Peyton is in 9th grade, Johnny is... read more

Mrs. McQueen

We are all so priviledged to be a part of the McKeel family. I have worked in education for many years and in several different schools. I must say the Administration, Board, staff, parents, and students are a cut above. This is my second year at... read more

Mrs. Stephenson

I am so excited to be back this year as the Media and Physical Education paraprofessional. I started with Mckeel in 2008 as a substitute. I fell in love with education and the staff and students here. I am also the PTO president and feel very... read more

Mrs. Sturm

I was born and raised in Iowa and have lived in Florida for 15 years. I have been working with students for the past 10 years, this is my first year at McKeel Elementary and it’s an amazing opportunity! I love the books, the chatter, and... read more

Ms. Daykin

My name is Kristie Daykin. I have been working at McKeel Elementary Academy for six years and have enjoyed every minute! I began working at McKeel as the P.E. para, but for the past five years I have been working in the school clinic. I feel... read more