Social Studies Department

Hey everyone! My name is Tim Downes and I’ve been teaching since 2015, mostly at BRMS. I’ve taught Social Studies the entire time in grades 6 through 8. I was born and raised here in Columbus, GA. I graduated from Hardaway High School and have a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Columbus State University. My wife Joy, who is also a teacher, have been married since 2014. We have 3 rescue dogs, who we love and take walks with! We love to travel, hear live music, and any free time that we have with our family and friends! I’m blessed to have such great people in my life! I really enjoy being a teacher, getting to help my students learn and enjoy Social Studies! I hope they all feel my classroom as an environment of care, enjoyment, optimism, and support for everyone. Lastly, Go Dawgs!

Hi, my name is Larry Lipscomb and I have been an administrator and middle school teacher for 28 years. For 15 years, I was an assistant principal at the elementary, middle and high school high school level in traditional and magnet schools. I taught and coached for 6 years in Ohio and 4 years in Muscogee County in middle grades language arts and social studies. For the past 3 years, I have been at BRMS teaching 6th & 7th grade social studies. I was born in Harden, Kentucky but grew up as an army brat living in Europe where my brother was born, Kansas where my sister was born and many other states. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Middle Grades Education from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of Dayton and a Specialist in Education degree from Columbus State. I have 3 children, Madison a freshmen at Northside High, Grace an 8^th grader at Blackmon and Rachel a 5^th grader at Britt David. I’m a retired military officer and enjoy just about anything, golf, tennis, basketball, exercising, and of course my Ohio State Buckeyes.

Hello! My name is Brian Q. Shirley; I started teaching Social Studies at Blackmon Road during the 2017 – 2018 School Year.  My first year here at BRMS, I taught 6th Grade, Modern World Studies: Western Hemisphere. Beginning in 2018, I have been teaching 8th Grade Georgia Studies.  I was born and raised in San Diego, California and upon graduating High School; I enlisted into the United States Army. After retiring from the US Army, I attended Columbus State University where I received my Bachelor’s degree. I hope to return soon to earn my Master’s Degree. I am married and with one daughter, Kristy (wife) and Isabel (daughter), who attended Blackmon Road from 2009 – 2011. We have one dog who is like a second child, Minnie.  Minnie is what we call our Velcro dog.  She is always attached to us. We had two rescue dogs, Mocha and Latte.  Sadly, we had to say good bye to the as they have both crossed the Rainbow Bridge.  My hobbies include watching the Atlanta United FC, the Columbus United FC, and the Columbus River Dragons play, cycling with my wife; our goal is to complete a Century Ride in St. Mary’s, Ga soon, Cooking and Baking, and just relaxing with my family.

Has worked in education for 27 Years

Member of the Alabama National Guard for 35 Years

Hometown is Eufaula, Alabama