The SFA Charter School serves as a field-based center for the James I. Perkins College of Education, providing hands-on and observational experiences with children for SFA students in various areas of study, including: educational studies, kinesiology, music and school psychology.

  • Grade levels: Kindergarten through fifth grade (two classrooms per grade)
  • Enrollment: approximately 250 students
  • 22:1 student-to-teacher ratio

Meet the teachers and view class schedules

Kindergarten

Ms. Bella Cheney

Bella Cheney

Hello, Junior Jacks! My name is Ms. Bella and I am so excited to be a part of the SFA Charter School family. I moved to Nacogdoches in August of 2020 to attend SFA. During that time I did student teaching here at the SFA Charter School and graduated May 2023 with my Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. I have come to fall in love with this school and all that it entails. I look forward to creating a warm classroom culture where students fall in love with learning!

isabella.cheney@sfasu.edu

View Ms. Bella's Class Schedule


Ms. Ragan Philliber

Ragan Philliber

I received my Bachelor of Science in education from SFA in 2009 and began teaching kindergarten at Woden ISD after graduation. I continued teaching there until I accepted my current kindergarten position with the SFA Charter School in 2012. 

welkerrr@sfasu.edu

View Ms. Ragan's Class Schedule

First Grade

Ms. London Van Raalte

London Van Raalte

I am so grateful to be teaching at the SFA Charter School! I moved to Nacogdoches in 2021 to pursue my education at SFA and graduated December 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. I have taught 3rd grade at the SFA Charter School.

I love to create a positive learning environment where students are engaged in their learning and are comfortable trying new things. I look forward to learning and growing alongside my students as well as partnering with their families throughout the school year!

london.vanraalte@sfasu.edu

View Ms. London's Class Schedule


Ms. Paula VanSchobroek

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I was born and raised in Kansas, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Wichita State University in 2019. After graduating, I moved to East Texas and in 2022 met my husband, a Nacogdoches native. I've fallen in love with community here.

Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to serve students and teachers as a first-grade teacher, third-grade teacher and instructional coach.

My goal is to create a classroom where students grow academically, build confidence and develop a lifelong love of learning. I believe that building strong relationships with students and their families is the foundation for a successful and rewarding school year.

Paula.Vanschoubroek@sfasu.edu

Ms. Paula's Class Schedule coming soon

Second Grade

Ms. Keeli Hairston

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I'm so excited to have returned "home" to SFA Charter School as a second-grade teacher!

When I'm not in the classroom, I love spending time with my wonderful husband and our four girls. You'll often find me with a good book in hand, antiquing for hidden treasures, or enjoying a cup of coffee (at Aperitivo in downtown Nacogdoches, of course!). My mom and I also own Stella's Boutique, an online clothing boutique that keeps us busy doing something we love, together.

I can't wait to get to know each of my students and families spending a fun-filled year of learning, growing, and making wonderful memories together!

Keeli.Erwin@sfasu.edu

Ms. Keeli's Class Schedule coming soon


Ms. Holli Zawlocki

Holli Zawlocki

I received a Bachelor of Science in elementary education with an early childhood endorsement in 1994. I received a master's degree in elementary education as a reading specialist in 2009.

Early in my teaching career, I developed curriculum and taught kindergarten at a private school and I began working at the SFA Charter School part-time as an intervention teacher. When the opportunity became available for a full-time interventionist, I accepted the position.

As the SFA Charter School expanded, I was excited about the possibility of returning to the classroom. Since 2004, I've taught third through fifth grade Junior Jacks in a variety of subjects.

hlzawlocki@sfasu.edu

View Ms. Holli's Class Schedule

Third Grade

Ms. Elizabeth Flores

Elizabeth Flores

In December 2021, I completed my student teaching experience at the SFA Charter School and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. I was so excited to continue being a part of the SFA Charter School family when I began my teaching career spring 2022. Since then, I have had the joy of teaching 2nd and 3rd grade!

As proud SFA alumni, my husband and I are so happy to call Nacogdoches our home to be raising our two sweet kiddos. I am so grateful for the opportunity to teach wonderful Junior Jack learners. I love seeing the sweet classroom community that is created each year. My hope is that each child will develop a deep love for learning, desire to be a lifelong learner and foster habits that empower them to create meaningful friendships in our classroom.

elizabeth.guerra@sfasu.edu

View Ms. Elizabeth's Class Schedule


Ms. Olivia Bess

Olivia Bess

I earned my undergraduate degree in 2023 from SFA and am continuing my education by pursuing a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, which I expect to complete in December 2026.

My experience has been gained in teaching in kindergarten, second and third grade, with each grade strengthening my commitment to meeting the unique needs of every learner and helping students grow. I believe in building student autonomy by encouraging curiosity, problem-solving and confidence in the classroom. My goal is to create a classroom where every child feels supported, challenged and excited to discover their potential.

After moving to East Texas from Colorado in 2020, I quickly fell in love with the SFA and Nacogdoches communities. When I’m not in the classroom, you can find me sewing a new outfit, chatting with my husband about the latest mystery novel we’ve read, or spending time with our pets. I am excited to partner with families to create a classroom of lifelong learners!

olivia.blair@sfasu.edu

View Ms. Olivia's Class Schedule

Fourth Grade

Ms. Kelly Finnerud

Kelly Finnerud

I graduated from SFA in 2001 with a bachelor's degree in music education and an all-level music teaching certification. I'm also certified to teach general education in grades EC-6. I have four children who are SFA Charter School alumni.

In 2010, I was introduced to the SFA Charter School as a kindergarten parent. Soon after, I joined the staff as the music teacher and interventionist. In 2022, I became a full-time classroom teacher. I love to create an engaging and joyful classroom community where students feel safe to share new ideas and see risk-taking as an opportunity to learn! 

finnerudkd@sfasu.edu

View Ms. Kelly's Class Schedule


Ms. Stephanie Creel

Stephanie Creel

I received both my Bachelor of Science in education and a master's degree in education from SFA. My areas of specialization are early childhood education and reading.

My teaching career began in 2003 as a kindergarten teacher with the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District. I continued teaching kindergarten in Cy-Fair until I accepted a kindergarten position at the SFA Charter School in 2008. In 2017, I had the opportunity to teach second grade. Then in 2019, I began teaching fourth grade. I enjoy partnering with my students' families for a phenomenal year.

screel@sfasu.edu

View Ms. Stephanie's Class Schedule

Fifth Grade

Ms. Madison Taylor

Madison Taylor

I received both my Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary and my Master of Education in elementary education from SFA. My teaching career began with the Nacogdoches Independent School District, where I taught both second and third grade. I have been with the SFA Charter School since 2017 and have taught first and fifth grade.

My passion and love for teaching is driven each and every day by the young minds that come through my classroom. I truly believe that we are all lifelong learners and enjoy growing with my students and their families. Axe 'em, Jacks!

taylormc3@sfasu.edu

View Ms. Madison's Class Schedule


Ms. Savannah Lockler

Savannah Lockler

In December 2024, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from SFA after completing my clinical teaching in fifth grade at Central Heights Elementary School. I also have experience at the SFA Charter School in reading intervention for second grade through fifth grade. I cherish creating a safe and encouraging classroom environment where students feel valued and eager to grow in their learning.

When I'm not teaching, you can find me with a book in hand, traveling the world or playing nearly any sport. I also enjoy all things outdoors and in the sunshine! I'm looking forward to walking alongside my students and their families in fostering their education.

Savannah.Lockler@sfasu.edu

View Ms. Savannah's Class Schedule