Math Department

Hello, I am Mr. John Ryan Dobbins. I currently hold a Masters Degree in Instructional Technology and have been teaching for 18 years. Since 2008 I have been a teacher at BRMS teaching 6th, 7th, 8th, and Advanced Algebra 1 math courses. Outside of the classroom l, coach the Math Team at BRMS. Pictured above is my wife Jennifer and I on our 20th wedding anniversary trip at the Grand Canyon. Jennifer and I have 4 amazing daughters: Bailey (17) a senior at Columbus High School, Audrey (15) a junior at Columbus High School, Lucy (12) a 7th grader at BRMS, and Maci (10) a 4th grader at Clubview Elementary. When I am not teaching i spend all my time with these 5 amazing women who I am proud to call my family.

• 1st Period GSE Algebra 1
• 2nd & 5th Period, 7th/ 8th Grade Honors Math
• 3rd & 4th Period, 7th Grade Math

I’m Shalon Gillespie, and this is my 18th year teaching. I spent eight years at Arnold Magnet Academy before joining Blackmon Road Middle School. Before teaching, I worked at TSYS in marketing and communications. I hold a bachelor’s in Business Administration from CSU (2004), a MAT in Middle Grades (2010), and have completed doctoral coursework in Curriculum and Instruction from Valdosta State.

I’ve taught 6th–8th grade math, college math, and hold endorsements in gifted, online teaching, and teacher support coaching. I currently serve as math department chair, lead teacher mentor, and student council sponsor. I also teach the Teaching With Love and Logic course to MCSD TAPP teachers who are newly entering the field of education.

I was an MCSD Outstanding First Year Teacher honorable mention (2008), Blackmon Road’s Teacher of the Year (2019), and a Top 3 District Teacher of the Year. In 2023, I attended Harvard’s Project Zero Classroom and have since shared my experience through various speaking engagements.

Teaching math is my passion. I love finding creative ways to help students succeed and grow. My purpose is rooted in those “lightbulb” moments and the lasting impact of meaningful relationships.

Outside of school, I’ve been married to my husband Matt for 20 years. We have three kids—Jadon (18), Adelyn (11), Amelia Grace (10)—and two dogs, Finnley and Stella. I enjoy reading, cycling, documentaries, and time with family and friends.

I have been a math teacher at BRMS for 7 years and I am happy to start year number 8.  I teach math to 6^th graders and it has truly been a great experience for me.  Before coming to BRMS, I accumulated 28 years of experience in Alabama where I retired. 

 Experience:

      Pre-Profession:

• Farm Worker (as a teenager)
• Piano Tuner’s Assistant (with my Grandpa!)
• Full Time Missionary (2 years)
• Stock Clerk (grocery)
• Stock Manager (grocery)
• Produce Manager
• Tom’s Potato Chip Delivery Man
• Apartment Manager

      Profession:

•  High School Math Teacher (Russell County High School)
• Assistant Principal (Russell County Jr. High School)
• Technology Coordinator (Russell County Schools)
• Assistant Principal (Phenix City Intermediate School)
• Principal (Phenix City Elementary School)
• At-Risk Coordinator (Phenix City Schools)

 Hobbies and Interests:

•  Being a Pops (Grandpa)
• Fishing
• Kayaking
• Church Service
• Driving my Tractor
• Getting Stuff Done!

 My name is Kayla Moody and this is my 2nd year at BRMS. I previously taught in South Georgia for 4 years all in 8th grade. I graduated from Pierce County High School. (Go Bears!) I have a Bachelor’s Degree from Valdosta State, Master’s Degree from Savannah State and I am currently in School at Georgia Southern. I am the Beta Club Sponsor and also help with our Sunshine committee.

 I was born and raised in Blackshear, GA. I love to travel and explore new places whenever I can with family and friends. I am blessed to have the best family and friends anyone could ask for! I love teaching Math and helping students enjoy it as well. 

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my Husband, Andrew and watching and attending as many sporting events as possible.

“Life is like a math equation. In order to gain the most you have to know how to convert negatives to positives”

My name is Jeanne Morgan, and I have been a teacher for 15 years with Muscogee County School District. I have worked as a teacher at Gardner Newman Middle School, South Columbus Elementary, and Double Churches Middle School. I spent three years working in the HR department for the Muscogee County School District before I became a teacher. I obtained my Middle School Math and Science bachelor’s degree from Columbus State University, my Middle School Math and Science master’s degree from Valdosta State University, and my Teacher Leadership specialist degree from Grand Canyon University. After receiving my gifted endorsement in 2013, I went on to sponsor a number of clubs and organizations, including the Math Team, the Science Olympiad, and the Chair of the Science Department.

I have two adult sons, two bonus daughters, two first- and fourth-grader grandsons, and a granddaughter who is two years old. My family, rescuing dogs, traveling, and teaching are among my passions. I have one foster dog and four dogs at the moment. In 2023–2024, I started at Blackmon Road Middle School, and I absolutely love it. I’m excited to wrap out my time at Blackmon Road because of the excellent students and caring faculty there!

7^th Grade Math: 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, and 6^th Period

7^th Grade Honors Math: 5^th Period