With a new school year often comes a group of new teachers at many schools. Escambia County Middle School was in the group of schools in Atmore that welcomed new instructors as they ushered in a new school year.

Along with some changes in administration at the school, seven new instructors joined the faculty at Escambia County Middle School.

Linda Shuford, first-time principal at the school, said she is excited to see each teacher settle in at the school.

“Everything is going quiet well for everyone,” Shuford said. “Things may have started a little shaky for some, but with the resources we have in place everyone seems to be settling in nicely.”

Shuford said the years of experience and the excitement of first-time teachers is making for a good balance at the school.

“We have some teachers with 20 or 30 years of experience who have joined the faculty,” Shuford said. “We also have some teachers who are in the classroom for the first time. I think this is a good mix for the school and it’s a good blend for the students.”

The sixth grade level had only one new face to join the faculty for their group.

Tracy Linam is serving as the language arts instructor for the sixth grade students. Earning her degrees from the University of Montevallo and Alabama State University, Linam is in her 12th year of teaching.

Teaching at two grade levels, Lorenzo Jones came to Escambia County Middle School as a history and geography instructor. With 35 years of teaching experience, this is the first year Jones has taught in Alabama. Having earned his degree at Alabama State University, Jones is retired from teaching in Florida.

Joining the seventh grade faculty at ECMS, Lee Smith is in his third year as a teacher. He teaches civics and geography having earned his degree at Tuskegee University.

The eighth grade level at ECMS has seen the largest increase in new teachers at the school. With a combined total of more than 30 years of experience between them, the four new teachers vary from being first-year teachers to having more than 20 years in the field.

Deneise Larkin serves as resource teacher for eighth grade students. She is a graduate of Jacksonville State University and joins the ECMS staff with 26 years of experience.

Jennifer Prestridge is taking on her role as English teacher for eighth grade students. She earned her degree at Huntingdon University.

Krista Godwin, who is in her 10th year as a teacher, has moved onto the faculty roster as pre-algebra teacher for the eighth grade. She earned a bachelor’s degree at University of South Alabama and received her master’s degree at the University of Mobile.

Tamara French is beginning her teaching career at ECMS stepping into the role of prep teacher for biology and science for eighth grade students. She earned her degree at Auburn University at Montgomery.

Escambia County Middle School was originally established in 1975 and was formally known as the Escambia County Training School. Escambia County Middle School moved from its original location on Martin Luther King Avenue in 1999 to its present location at 1565 Hwy. 21 North.

For more information about the school, visit their Web site at www.escambiacountymiddleschool.com.