Mission of the Rainey-McCullers School of the Arts Science Department

Our Science Faculty

Mr. Oliver Ellis, M.A.T.

AP Environmental Science
8^th Physical Science
Life Science
HS Physical Science

I’m Oliver Ellis, and I have a Bachelor’s of Science and a Masters in the Art of Teaching from the University of Georgia. I was a former Top Three Teacher of the Year here in Muscogee County and a Harvard Fellow for the Muscogee County School District.

My classroom is non-stop (see: Drake.) I promote high level learning in a fun, competitive, and positive environment. I have high expectations for my students’ work and understanding. To that end, we hit the ground running every class period with no downtime. The students are engaged in collaborative learning tasks that ask them to observe, share, analyze, and draw conclusions. This process is intensely engaging for students of all backgrounds especially for those who love to share their opinions and actively participate in their own learning.

 I teach the whole child in my classroom. Kids take risks, work with others in sometimes stressful situations solving problems, and take control of their learning. The learning products we make in class are all arts based – which is why I chose to be a part of this school. Whatever we do in class, the students must show their knowledge and make their learning visible so I can help guide them. They are able to represent their knowledge in the manner that best suits their talents and personality. Seeing their work created in their own understanding allows me to see true misconceptions and correct them before they settle in.

We play games, we memorize and perform songs, we create interpretive dances, we create kids shows, puppet shows, and green screen videos – just to name a few of our activities. Every learning experience is coupled with as much emotional connection as I can generate to allow the learning to sink into memory better. These arts practices are also just lots of fun and are just some of the reasons students enjoy my classes and perform so well on their State Tests.

Ms. Kayla Griffin, M.S.

6^th Earth Science
7^th Life Science
High School Physical Science

Kayla earned her Bachelors of Science degree from Columbus State University where she majored in Earth and Space Science with a concentration in geology.  She then went to Auburn University and earned her Masters of Science in Geosciences.  At Auburn University she worked as a graduate teaching assistant during which she taught physical geology, mineralogy, and igneous and metamorphic petrology labs. She also worked as a graduate research assistant in a metamorphic petrology and thermochronology lab where she was able to work on a mass spectrometer as well as an electron microprobe. She is very passionate about science and loves to incorporate the arts into her classroom. She is currently on the faculty honors council for the National Honors Society and National Junior Honors Society. 

Ms. Bethany Manning, M.S., M.A.T. – Science Department Chair

Honors Chemistry
8^th Physical Science
Transition to High School

Originally from Kirksville, Missouri, Bethany earned her Bachelors of Science degree from Truman State University where she majored in Biology with a minor in Chemistry.  She then went to Purdue University and earned her Masters of Science in Biochemistry.  At Purdue University she worked as a graduate research assistant in a structural biology and biochemistry lab. She was also able to teach undergraduate genetics classes as a graduate teaching assistant and earn a Graduate Teaching Certificate.  Bethany moved to Columbus Georgia in order to work on her M.A.T. degree in Chemistry Secondary Education as a Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellow at Columbus State University.  Bethany is excited to share her love for science with her students as well as explore new ways to incorporate the arts into the science classroom.   She is currently the faculty sponsor for the recycling team and board game club.   

Mrs. Emily Smith

7th Grade Life Science
8th Grade Physical Science
Honors Biology
Human Anatomy and Physiology

Mrs. Emily Smith grew up in a lot of places, including Texas, South Carolina, England, Virginia and Idaho. She got her Associates Degree in Biology from Brigham Young University – Idaho before she was married and had kids. She has been married for almost 2 decades, and has 4 lovely children. When her youngest went to kindergarten, Mrs. Smith went back to school at Columbus State University to complete her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology with a minor in Secondary Education. Mrs. Smith is excited to be a teacher, and to help students achieve knowledge and understanding of new ideas and concepts.