Mary Beth Becker- Early Learners Teacher

Master of Arts in Teaching from Austin Peay State University

Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communications and Minor in Agribusiness and Communication Studies from Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Mary Beth lives in rural Hopkinsville with her husband and four children. She is excited to join the team as the Early Learners teacher and brings experience in both traditional classroom education and homeschooling.

Her background has taught her the importance of blending strong, literacy foundations with STEM exploration. She will be implementing play-based and multisensory opportunities to build early reading, number sense, and social-emotional skills for her students. She especially loves creating warm, engaging environments where curiosity, imagination, and childhood wonder are encouraged. 

Mary Beth is pursuing a second master’s degree in education at Murray State University in the Reading and Writing program with a Reading Specialist endorsement to deepen her knowledge of literacy instruction and how to support all learners.

Outside the classroom, Mary Beth enjoys spending time outdoors with her children, kayaking, baking, reading, and caring for her family’s animals. Her favorite subjects, as both a student and teacher, have always been reading and science!

Connie Ballard- Level 1 Science and Social Studies

Bachelor of Elementary Education from Indiana University

Connie, her husband, and two children live in the Hopkinsville area and she joins us as our Level 1 Science and Social Studies teacher. She has experience teaching both 3rd and 6th grade in a traditional classroom and has also worked with students from preschool through 8th grade through tutoring individually and in small groups.

As a mom of two, she values creating engaging, meaningful learning experiences and is passionate about hands-on learning. Connie’s classroom model fosters confidence while encouraging a joy of learning. She looks forward to homeschooling her children when they are school age!

Angela Robertson- Level 2 Science and Social Studies

Masters of Education from Murray State University with an Endorsement in Gifted Education 

Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education from University of Kentucky 

Angela, her husband, and four children live in the Hopkinsville area where she has been teaching for the past 20 years. She will be joining us as the Level 2 Science and Social Studies teacher. Angela has taught grade K-6 in the public school system and is now homeschooling her children full time. 

Angela is excited to use her extensive experience in education to cultivate a unique experience at the Commonwealth Academy using not only her knowledge in teaching but her experience in homeschooling. 

Laura Sullivan- Level 1 and Level 2 Literature

Masters of Education from Lipscomb University

Laura and her husband have fully restored a 120+ year old farmhouse in Christian County while rearing their two children and spending as much time as possible outside on the farm. She loves all things vintage: gardening, reading, crafting, and an excellent cup of coffee. She was homeschooled K-12 and intends to homeschool her children when they reach school age. Her outstanding educational background coupled with her experience in the public school system gives her a unique perspective on transforming curriculum into hands-on learning.

Laura taught in both urban and rural communities for 4 years. She believes literacy is the great equalizer - it can take you anywhere you want to go. She looks forward to instilling a love of reading in your students.

Rachel Caro- Wildroots Coordinator

Rachel's background is deeply rooted in both nature and education. An eager learner, she holds four college degrees, including a B.S. in Wildlife Science and a B.S. in Arts Studies. Prior to moving to the Hopkinsville area, Rachel worked for a non-profit natural history education organization in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, connecting children and adults to the wonders of the natural world. While in Virginia, she also earned her Master Naturalist certification. Rachel has worked in sea turtle conservation in Greece and Costa Rica, conducted field studies focused on wetlands, amphibians, snakes, and butterflies, and worked with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers as a nanny, teacher, and social worker. Rachel now raises a worldschooled wildling of her own on their 14-acre farmstead surrounded by chickens, fruit-bearing plants, and craft supplies.

Auleria Young- Substitute Teacher

Auleria and her two children live in the Hopkinsville area, and she is excited to join Commonwealth Academy. She brings experience as a permanent substitute teacher and tutor, working with elementary-aged students.

Auleria is currently completing her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at Eastern Kentucky University. As a mother of two, Auleria understands the importance of creating a supportive and engaging learning environment where students feel confident, valued, and excited to learn. She looks forward to using her experience and passion for education to help students grow.

Interested in teaching at the Commonwealth Academy?

Contact Tori Samuels at tsamuels@commonwealthacademyky.org for information on how to apply.