Jan Hughes, Principal jhughes@caddo.k12.la.us
From my earliest days in elementary school, I knew I wanted to work with children. I was a “playground helper” for younger children during recess, and I loved it. Little did I know that so many years later I would still be supervising children. Receiving my Bachelor and Masters in Education degrees from Missouri State University prepared me well for my years as a classroom teacher. After graduation I married my husband Larry, and we had three children—our daughter Lori and our two sons Jeff and Jason. As a mother I was still teaching, just in a different way. Our children are grown now, and my role has changed from mother to grandmother. Meg, Alexis, Kyle, and Brodie are my joy! When I am not playing grandmother, I enjoy cooking, scrapbooking and reading. As my children began to make a life of their own, my career goals also began to change. I decided to pursue certification in Counseling at Louisiana Tech, becoming the counselor at Eden Gardens in 1992. From there I branched out even further and decided that my next educational goal would be to add an administrative certification, which was achieved in 1998 from Louisiana State University in Shreveport. I was named the principal of Eden Gardens in July of 2000. My career has come full circle at Eden Gardens, beginning as a second grade teacher, moving to counselor, and now as the principal. Serving in one school for the last three decades in so many capacities gives me a unique understanding and perspective of our school and its families. It is a joy to come to school each morning, a privilege I hope to continue for many years to come.
Sydney Allen, Counselor sallen@caddo.k12.la.us
It is my privilege and pleasure to work at Eden Gardens Magnet as the school counselor. I have been the counselor at Eden Gardens since 1999, and an employee in Caddo Parish since 1986. Professionally, I am both a Nationally Certified School Counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor. I am happily married to Mark Allen who is the Principal at Keithville Elementary/Middle School. We have two sons, Tyler and Ryne. Both of my boys received the very best education here at Eden Gardens Magnet. I was a mom here for ten years before I became part of the faculty. I personally know the amount of commitment and personal attention that it takes to both be a parent and a faculty member here in the "garden." Even though our nest is "empty," my husband and I stay very busy keeping up with our schools and our boys. In my free time I love to cook, scrapbook, entertain, and play tennis.
Ellen Hall, Instructional Coordinator ehall@caddo.k12.la.us
I was born and raised in Shreveport and attended several wonderful Caddo Parish schools. Having several awesome music teachers helped me decide to combine my love of music and teaching into one fabulous career as a music teacher. I became a “music major” at Caddo Magnet High and graduated with the first graduating class. I attended Alcorn State University and received the Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from Centenary College and began teaching at Creswell Elementary School. I loved the idea of helping children love learning, and doing it through music was amazing. After teaching several subjects and serving as a mentor teacher, I discovered that I also liked helping more children by helping the teachers that taught them. I received the Master of Education in Elementary Education degree and completed an additional 30 hours in school administration and supervision at Centenary. I served as the coordinator at Mooretown Early Childhood Education Center and at Creswell Elementary. I served on the first board of officers of the Caddo Elementary Coordinators’ Association and continue to maintain membership in several national professional organizations. I have been at Eden Gardens since 2007, and I am enjoying every minute of learning in the Garden. My goal for curriculum and instruction here is to have optimal learning taking place during every instructional minute of the day. I am married to Pastor James Hall, III, of the Springhill Baptist Church in Ruston, Louisiana, and we have a son James IV.