LISA FEGEN: lisa@raisingthebarcc.com

Lisa Fegen has taught middle school science in HISD for 10 years. She is currently seeking her Masters in Middle School Science Instruction at The University of Houston. She has created and implemented a series of successful camps at Lanier Middle School, including all levels of science instruction ranging from grades 6-8. One of her biggest accomplishments has been the development and execution of a comprehensive sixth grade orientation packed with activities to help incoming students make the often stressful transition from elementary to middle school a memorable and enjoyable experience for both students and parents. When she is not teaching, learning or running her own business, Lisa’s secret ambition is to compete on Dancing with the Stars.

MIKEY KEATING: mikey@raisingthebarcc.com

Mikey Keating has taught in HISD for 5 years, currently teaching both English and Home Economics at Pin Oak Middle School. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from Penn State with a minor in American Studies. She is a member of Houston Teachers Institute and has published two curriculum units on working in book clubs and has hosted summer book club programs for middle school students as well. Mikey also works with Houston Tutorial Association, providing students instruction in all facets of the writing process as well as study skills and organization. She is a Gemini, has a dog named Cleo, and enjoys cooking and running.

POLO VIGIL

Polo Vigil is a seventh grade vanguard math teacher at Lanier Middle School, where he has worked for 6 years at a variety of grade levels. He enjoys teaching middle school and preparing students for their academic journeys from high school to college and beyond. Before becoming a teacher, he worked in many areas of chemistry, including as a Forensic Chemist with the Houston Police Department Crime Lab. He has a degree in Chemistry with a minor in Mathematics from the University of New Mexico. He is an identical twin (older by 5 minutes) and an avid coffee fan who worked as a barista at Starbuck’s for four years but has learned to balance out the caffeine by practicing yoga
several times a week.

DANA LUTERMAN

Dana Luterman has taught elementary and middle school for 7 years. She currently teaches 8th grade science at Hogg Middle School. She has a bachelor’s Degree in Human Nutrition and Foods with a minor in Psychology. Besides being a member of several professional science organizations, she was a resident at Lanier Middle School’s Rice Model Science Lab in 2006-2007. She has also presented at several professional Science conferences. In her spare time she loves mountain biking and yoga, but her real talent is making doilies out of flour tortillas!