1st Grade

Taryn Drummond

Immersion ELA/Social Studies

I am originally from Oldham, South Dakota, and moved here three years ago with my husband. We welcomed a baby into our family in February. I absolutely love going home every chance I can to spend time with my family and friends there. I enjoy cross stitching, playing card games, and organizing, I am most excited to continue my teaching career and learn from my team and the other Midway staff. 

I have my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and am currently working on my master's degree in Education Administration. I am certified in both Early Childhood and Elementary Education. This will be my 9th year of teaching and I am so excited to be teaching at Midway again this year! I will be teaching English/ Language Arts and Social Studies for the French Immersion program.

Karla Espinoza

Immersion Math/Science

I'm from Venezuela, and this is my fourth year being a Mustang!

I’ve worked as a teacher for 16 years. I have a bachelor's degree in Education and a master's degree in Linguistics. Three years ago, I decided to come here to live this new adventure and continue growing professionally. Working at Midway has been an amazing journey that has empowered me as both a woman and a teacher. It's definitely been a blessing and a life-changing experience.

I am passionate about working with children and strive to create a supportive and engaging learning environment where kids feel loved and safe.

I love reading, exploring new places, traveling, learning about other cultures, trying new things, meditation, and exercising.

Katie Kerns

Hello Mustangs! This will be my 14th year teaching first grade at Midway and my 19th year teaching overall. I received my undergraduate and Masters degree from Xavier University located in Cincinnati, Ohio. My husband and I have two children. My daughter Madelyn is 10 years old and my son Zachary is 6 years old. We recently added a new addition to our family, our little rescue pup Piper. When I am not teaching I like to spend time with family and friends. You can also find me on the ball field most weekends watching Maddie playing softball and Zach playing flag football.  I am looking forward to another great year at Midway!

Chelsie Landy

My name is Chelsie Landy and I am so excited about the upcoming school year and year 20 for me! Before joining MES, I taught in Richland District Two for 16 years. I served students in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade in the traditional setting, as well as the district's virtual school. 

I am a product of Lexington One, graduating from Lexington High School many years ago! I still currently live in Lexington with my husband Justin and our puppy, Dallas. 

I have a Bachelor's Degree from Lander University in Early Childhood Education, a Master's Degree from Capella University in Special Education Teaching, and a Master's Degree from Clemson University in Teaching and Learning- Instructional Coaching. I also hold a National Board Certification in Early Childhood Generalist.

Kendall Pearson

Hi, I am Kendall Pearson! I am so excited about beginning my third year teaching first grade at Midway! I grew up in Irmo and graduated from Dutch Fork High School. I received my Bachelor's in early childhood education and my Masters in Teaching from Clemson University, Go Tigers! In my spare time I love to spend time with family and friends, travel, and cheer on the tigers. I look forward to growing as a teacher and a learner and to creating relationships with all of my students and families! 

Beth Sellars

Hello, Mustangs! This is my ninth year at Midway, and I love being a Mustang! I grew up in Augusta, GA and live in Lexington with my family. My husband is also a teacher and the varsity boys’ basketball coach at Gilbert High School. We have a daughter in college and a son in 9th grade and enjoy spending time together as a family. I also enjoy reading, writing, drinking coffee, playing board games, and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs. I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Presbyterian College and from Furman University with a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction. I have been in education for 22 years teaching reading intervention, parenting, school readiness, kindergarten, and first grade. I love what I do and look forward to another great year of teaching and learning.