John D. Montgomery
Wayne Superintendent Dr. Toby Ringwald announced three new faces to the Wayne faculty for this school year, including Paula Gibson, Dakotah Hicks and Steffany Ward.
Gibson will work as a special education teacher’s assistant. She and her husband, Ray, have two children.
Gibson is a graduate of Paoli High School and previously worked there as a library assistant.
“I enjoy working with children,” Gibson said. “I enjoy teaching children at my church, hunting, fishing and all outdoor activities with my husband and sons.”
Hicks will teach math in grades 6-8. She is a graduate of Friona High School and graduated from OPSU.
Previously, she was a physical education teacher and coach at Sweetwater Public Schools.
“I have a passion for math and for teaching. This position allows me to combine those passions,” Hicks said. “I am thrilled to be a Wayne Bulldog.”
Ward will teach fifth-grade math and science. She and her husband, Alan, have four children.
She is a graduate of Wynnewood High School, earned her bachelor’s degree from UCO and her master’s degree in education from ECU.
Previously, she taught fifth grade at Purcell.
“Fifth grade is so much fun and I love the people at Wayne Elementary,” Ward said. “I have taught school for a total of 12 years. My favorite part is watching my own kids compete in their events, including band, basketball, acrobatics and floor exercise.”
