Kindergarten

Courtney Barrett

Experience: I started in 1995 teaching Pre-K. I began my teaching career at Sweet Lily B. as a student teacher and became a Kindergarten teacher in 2005. 

Education: I am a graduate of Texas Wesleyan University. I have a degree in Early Childhood so I am certified to teach Pre-K through 6th grade. I also have ESL and GT certifications. 

Bio:  My history with Lily B. Clayton runs deep.  Not only did I do my student teaching here, but my father attended Lily B. and my mother's great aunt, Lulu Parker, was the first principal here, too.  Both of my daughters attended school here also.  My husband Kelly and I have lived in this community since 1990. My daughters, Kathryn and Emily both attended Lily B. Clayton, McLean, and Paschal. 

Teaching Kindergarten is very rewarding for me and my favorite thing about it is the fact that kindergarten is the beginning of each child's education and a launching pad for greater things to come.  I know that leaving a child to begin their first year in a great big new place is difficult and being sensitive to the parents and the student is so important.  Watching the child develop is the best reward a teacher can ask for and so much of that happens in kindergarten.

Email:  courtney.barrett@fwisd.org

Jennifer Bearden

Education: I am a graduate of Hardin-Simmons University with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, a Specialization in Reading and an Endorsement in Early Childhood.  I hold a certificate to teach Pre-K through 8th grade.  I also have ESL and GT certifications.  

Experience: I began teaching in 2000.  I have taught Pre-K, Kindergarten, Second, Third and Fourth grade.  I love teaching children at all grade levels, but Early Childhood is my absolute favorite!  Kindergarten is such an important year.  My desire is to make the beginning of their school career positive and memorable!  This year is geared towards social and emotional growth, building self-confidence, learning how to communicate and developing important foundational skills in reading, writing and math.  I like to tell my kindergarten students that Kindergarten is magical!  It is truly amazing how much they will learn and grow this year.  

Bio:  I grew up in a military family and moved seven times during my childhood (Hawaii, Kansas, Alaska, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Germany and Oklahoma).  It was quite the adventure!  My husband and I met at Hardin-Simmons (in Abilene, TX) and married shortly after graduating.  We have two children, Nathan and Kate, who attended Lily B. starting their kindergarten year.  We have loved the rich history, traditions and close friendships that Lily B. has given our children.  

Email:  jennifer.bearden@fwisd.org

Sara Filarowicz

Education: I am a graduate of TCU with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. I also have ESL and GT certifications.  

Experience: I have been teaching since 2004, all of those years in PreK, K, and 1st. I love Kindergarten! A child’s Kindergarten year is full of new experiences, new discoveries, and new friendships. It is an honor to be a part of such a formative year!

Bio:  My husband, John, and I are both Lily B. alumni so Lily B. is a very special place in our family! We both went to Paschal and love to cheer on our Horned Frogs and Aggies.  We have two daughters, Grace and Claire, and a dog named Roxy. 

Email:  sara.filarowicz@fwisd.org

Mariana Villegas - Dual Language Teacher