Jal Elementary Welcomes Eight New Educators
By John Earp
Jal Elementary has filled eight positions with new educators for the 2026-2026 school year. Four of those are Special Educational Assistants, and the other four are teachers of various grades or subjects.
Kennedy McCalip will be teaching fourth grade social studies and reading. This is her first year as a teacher. She says she is excited to be embarking on her teacher career. When asked what made her want to go into teaching originally, she said, “Well, I was in accounting for five years, and then I just kind of realized it wasn’t for me. I like to do it, but I like to be in more of an atmosphere that’s more talkative and hands-on and kids. I taught the new staff how to do taxes and stuff down there. So that made me realize I like to teach people. So, that brought me happiness, and then I just was kind of in a rut and one of my coworkers down there told me, you know, ever since I met you I could always picture you as like a teacher for little kids. Like, why don’t you go do that? And I was like, no. And then I said, you know what, I’m going to try it because I have friends that are teachers because I’m from Eunice, I asked them and they all love it and they would never want to do anything else. So I just came on down here to Jal. I’m really excited to start because kids have always been something that’s brought me happiness. So that’s what made me make the transition. I found my true calling, I believe. I praise the Lord that I have been given the opportunity to spend every day with these wonderful children and the amazing staff we have here at Jal Elementary. As my career as a teacher progresses, I am looking forward to growing my knowledge base and helping my students learn and realize how amazing they truly are. In the future, I would love to teach math as well as history, but I am eager to teach any subject. I am beyond excited for this year and am looking forward to watching my students grow.”
Jan Epperson is a new pre-K teacher at Jal this year. This will be her 20th year of teaching. She says, “I moved to Jal from Monahans. I am so excited to get to experience life through the eyes of pre-K students. I do have several years of teaching kindergarten students in Andrews as well as Denver City. I have been married to my husband, Dalyn, a 1990 graduate of Jal, for 32 years. We have two amazing daughters, Mikhayla and Kassidy, both graduates of Baylor University. I am currently working on my master’s degree in Special Education and hope to continue my career in the field of Special Education once I graduate.”
Susana Ponce is our new K-5 Art Teacher at Jal Elementary. She says, “This is my first year of teaching, and I couldn’t be more excited to begin this journey with such a wonderful community. I recently graduated from the University of Texas Permian Basin with a bachelor’s degree in Art Education. As an artist and an educator, I believe every child is creative and deserves a place where they feel inspired, encouraged and confident to express themselves. I am a proud mom of three amazing sons, and they remind me every day to see the world with curiosity and imagination. I look forward to building lasting relationships with our students and families. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Jal community and can’t wait for a fantastic school year!” Ms. Ponce comes to Jal from Gardendale.
Annie Dunagan comes to Jal following an 18-year history of teaching at Taylor Elementary in Hobbs. She says, “I am excited to begin my 19th year of teaching. I am a proud mom of two wonderful children—my 18-year-old son, who is starting his first year at LCU, majoring in theology, and my daughter, who is entering fifth grade. My passion has always been teaching students that fitness is more than exercise—it’s about creating healthy habits and having fun. I love introducing games and activities that are easy to enjoy with family and friends, so students can stay active long after they leave my class. This year, my goals are to bring joy, encouragement, and meaningful learning to every student while helping them build confidence, make lasting memories, and develop skills that will stay with them for a lifetime. I can’t wait to see what this school year has in store!”
Jal Schools welcomes four new instructional aides to the special education department. We had the opportunity to interview each of them. Erika Gallegos says, “I am excited to begin my first year as a Special Needs Aide. Although this is my first year in this position, I had the opportunity to substitute-teach last school year, and I absolutely loved it. Getting to work with the students every day made me realize this is something I truly enjoy, and I am grateful to continue doing what I love this school year. I have lived in Jal, New Mexico, my whole life and graduated from school here in 2024. I am a certified phlebotomist and plan to continue my education by pursuing a career in either sonography or nursing. I am thankful to be part of the Jal Schools community and look forward to getting to know and supporting our students and their families throughout the year.”
Anysia Herrera says, “I’m excited to be a part of the school community. This is my first year working in the school, and I truly enjoy helping students learn, grow, and reach their potential. I grew up here in Jal and enjoy spending time with my family and friends outside of work. I am currently continuing my education with plans to pursue a career in education. I believe every student deserves to feel supported, encouraged, and valued, and I look forward to building positive relationships with students, families, and the community throughout the school year.”
Alexa Talavera says, “I’ve lived majority of my life here in Jal. I graduated in 2025. This is my first year being part of this outstanding staff. I plan to go to school and get my certification for EMS. I’m excited to teach with the incredible team that once taught me too! I am privileged to be part of an amazing learning community and can’t wait for this school year!!”
Karen Sauceda says, “This is my first year working at the elementary school, and I am excited to be part of the team. I have lived in Jal my whole life and am grateful for the opportunity to work in the community that helped shape me. I plan to return to college to earn another degree, and I look forward to a great school year with our students and staff.”