2023 Elementary Teachers and Staff of the Year

Posted Date: 05/15/2023

Congratulations to our 2022-23 Elementary Teachers and Staff of the Year!

Pre-K - 1st Elementary Staff of the Year: Jessica McDunn

Mrs. McDunn is our Administrative Assistant for the Pre-K - 1st Grade Campus. This is her sixth year at Rapoport Academy.

About Mrs. McDunn:
I grew up in Houston and have lived in Washington State, Hawaii, too. My husband, Dustin, and I will celebrate our 18th wedding anniversary this summer. We live north of Waco in a small country town with our three dogs: Roxy, Ruby, and Cookie. I enjoy painting and hiding kindness rocks. Follow my art on Instagram @TXRockArt

What Our Admin Say:
Mrs. McDunn always shows up with a smile on her face and keeps all things running smoothly! We are so thankful for her consistent hard work, compassion to all students and parents, and amazing organizational skills. We wouldn’t be the same without you Mrs. McDunn!

What Inspires Her to Work in Education:
I have a varied background as a TV news producer, corporate communications manager, and communications director for PK-12 and higher education. I like that I am able to use my skills from my previous jobs to better serve our students and their families. I like being able to see all the teachers' and staff members' hard work pay off dividends with our students and their families.

Pre-K - 1st Elementary Teacher of the Year: Kaitlin Carter
Ms. Carter is a 1st grade teacher. This is her second year at Rapoport Academy. 

About Ms. Carter:
I grew up in Massachusetts and moved to Waco in the summer of 2021. I have a rescue dog named Piper, and I am always ready to show pictures of how cute she is! A really cool fact about me is that I have known that I wanted to be a teacher ever since I was in the first grade! I love cooking, going on adventures with my dog, and listening to Taylor Swift.

What Our Admin Say:
Ms. Carter is engaging, kind, and believes all students can achieve! This is evident in every interaction and lesson in her classroom. Her students are learning and growing by leaps and bounds–not only academically, but also socially and emotionally!  She is such a gift to our school! Thank you for all the ways you show up for our school and students!

What Inspires Her to Work in Education:
What inspires me to work in education is the sense of family that can be cultivated within the four walls of a classroom. I love being a part of the reason for why a student feels excited to come to school and I love getting to foster a passion for learning within all of my students. 

2nd- 4th Elementary Staff of the Year: Alondra Perez

Ms. Perez is a Teaching Assistant at our 2nd - 4th Grade Elementary. This is her second year at Rapoport Academy. 

What Our Admin Say:
Ms. Perez is consistent, calm, cool, and collected! She also shreds on the soccer field! Students know what to expect anytime she is in the classroom and all staff love her because she is so helpful and kind. Thank you for always showing up for our school, staff and students Ms. Perez! 

What Other Teachers Say:
Ms. Perez has covered the entire third-grade team for the whole of the school year. She has done so without complaint and to the very best of her ability. She shows respect to teachers and students and comes to school every day, ready to do her job. She is willing and ready to cover classes and jump in as needed. She works hard at whatever she does.

2nd- 4th Elementary Teacher of the Year: Julie Caspers

Mrs. Caspers is the STEM Teacher at our 2nd - 4th Grade Elementary. This is her fourth year at Rapoport Academy.

About Mrs. Caspers:
I’m an Elementary and Middle School STEM Science Teacher that taught most of my career in Minnesota. I have worked with the Region 12 ACE Program and I was a Special Ed./Enrichment Coordinator for six years. I love to travel and spend time with my family. My number one favorite thing to do is to run and compete. 

What Our Admin Say:
Mrs. Caspers brings all her passion and creativity to school every day! It is contagious and anytime you see her with students it is evident. From getting her hands dirty in the gardens outside, to coaching kids in hands-on technology and coding, she’s always all in with students. She has an amazing understanding of all students and their differences and makes them feel seen, welcomed, and empowered! 

What Inspires Her to Work in Education:
My Dad was a science teacher and I loved all the hands-on learning from the time I was a small child.