Support Staff
Sitting: Ava Bradley, Brandi Ingle, Gracie Sheffield. Standing: Ricky Alston, Mattie McMurry, Josh Day, Emily Botts, Allyson Yelton, Elizabeth Schweppe
Ava Bradley: I am a proud educator in Cleveland County Schools and love being at Jefferson Elementary, where I also went to school. I graduated from Shelby High School, received my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and my Masters in Reading Education from UNC-Charlotte. I taught 2nd grade, 5th grade and reading remediation K-5 and earned my National Board Certification, before becoming Curriculum Technology Coordinator at Jefferson 8 years ago. I am married and have 2 wonderful teenagers. Our family enjoys watching and playing sports, being involved in activities at Eastside Baptist Church, visiting new places and spending time together.
Brandi Ingle:
Gracie Sheffield:
Ricky Alston: A two-time graduate of Gardner-Webb University completing both Bachelor's and Master's degrees. I have been working in Cleveland county for 5 years, all teaching music at Jefferson. Music is my life. I love to write, produce, and play live music on the weekends. I also love sports, traveling, and trying new restaurants.
Mattie McMurry: I am SO excited to be your child’s librarian. Reading is a passion of mine and I hope to strengthen your child’s love of books. I grew up here in Shelby & my husband and I love raising our two kids here! Besides books, I love coffee, traveling, baking, and running! I can’t wait to get to know you and your child this year! I am a proud product of Cleveland County Schools. I went to UNC-Charlotte for my undergrad in Elementary Education and Children’s Literature. Then I went on to Appalachian State University where I received my Masters in Library Science. Since then I’ve also earned my National Board certification.
Josh Day: I graduated from Appalachian State and UNC Charlotte. I have been in education for 14 years. I have served as a PE teacher, coach, and Assistant Principal. I enjoy spending time with family, tinkering with cars, and playing golf!
Elizabeth Schweppe: I am thrilled to get to work with students, families, and staff at Jefferson this year. This is my twentieth year teaching, before becoming an AIG specialist I taught third grade for ten years. I grew up in Shelby and am proud to be a product of Cleveland County Schools. I attended Graham Elementary, Shelby Middle School, and Shelby High School. In 1998 I married John, my high school sweetheart, soon after graduating from Wake Forest University. I took a leave from the classroom when our son Daniel was born in 2003. In 2008, we welcomed our daughter Anna. We have a sweet Golden Retriever named Rosie and a fiesty cat named Mo. I am an avid reader, Scrabble player, and love hiking and backpacking with my family. In my classroom, I expect the best from all and value respect, responsibility, and kindness. I strive to build a strong sense of community among my students and their families and I emphasize the importance of teamwork. My commitment to teaching is rooted in a desire to communicate daily, through words and mannerisms, love, and unconditional appreciation of every student. My passion is applauding the unique abilities, skills, talents, and strengths of each child regardless of their background. Children are able to flourish when they are not only accepted, but celebrated for who they are.