Meagan Brocato is a Kindergarten teacher at Tharptown Elementary School. She began her teaching career in 2024 and joined the TES family in 2025. Mrs. Brocato earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (K–6) after attending Wallace State Community College and graduating from Athens State University in 2024. She is also trained in LETRS, strengthening her ability to support early literacy development. Prior to teaching in elementary school, she spent three years as a preschool teacher, an experience that helped prepare her for working with young learners and building strong classroom foundations. Mrs. Brocato was inspired to pursue education because of her deep love for children and her desire to make a meaningful difference in their lives. She believes in creating a supportive and inclusive classroom where every student feels valued. By building strong relationships and providing engaging learning experiences, she works to foster confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. Originally from Cullman, Alabama, Mrs. Brocato is proud to be part of a school community that is kind, supportive, and dedicated to doing what is best for students. She is married to her husband, Matthew, and they have a sweet dog named Millie.

Taylor Royce is a Kindergarten teacher at Tharptown Elementary School. She began her teaching career in 2020 and joined the TES family in 2023. Mrs. Royce earned her Associate Degree in Science from Northwest Shoals Community College in 2017, followed by a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of North Alabama in 2019 and 2021. She recently completed her Education Specialist Degree in Teacher Leader from the University of West Alabama in 2025. Her background also includes leadership and management experience, as well as the invaluable perspective she gains from being a mother. Mrs. Royce was inspired to pursue education because of a teacher who profoundly changed the direction of her life. She strives to be that same positive influence for her students each day. Her teaching philosophy centers on helping every child succeed by identifying their strengths and building from them, ensuring each student feels capable and confident. She values the close-knit, small-town atmosphere of Tharptown, where everyone supports and uplifts one another. In addition to teaching, she assists the high school majorettes and color guard alongside Ms. Brianna Wood. Mrs. Royce is married and the proud mother of two young daughters, both of whom attend Tharptown Elementary.

Misty Terry is a Kindergarten teacher at Tharptown Elementary School, where she began serving in 2025. She started her teaching career in 2015 and brings a decade of experience in early childhood education to her classroom. Mrs. Terry holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, a Master’s degree in English as a Second Language, and an Education Specialist (EdS) degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. She studied at Athens State University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Throughout her career, she has worked with diverse learners, including multilingual students, and has focused on designing developmentally appropriate instruction that supports both academic growth and language development. She remains committed to professional growth through ongoing study of research-based strategies and innovative instructional practices. Mrs. Terry was inspired to pursue education because of her passion for working with children and her desire to help build a strong foundation for their future success. She believes early education lays the groundwork for lifelong achievement and is dedicated to creating a structured, engaging, and inclusive classroom where students feel safe, valued, and capable. Through strong relationships, high expectations, and meaningful instruction, she strives to foster confidence, character, and curiosity in her students. She values open communication with families and believes that strong home-school partnerships are essential, recognizing that parents and guardians are a child’s first and most important teachers. Mrs. Terry loves the welcoming, family-like atmosphere at TES, where both small and big victories are celebrated. Outside of school, she enjoys an active family life supporting her son’s involvement in sports and spending quality time hosting friends, playing games, and making lasting memories together.

Brianna Wood teaches early childhood education at Tharptown Elementary School, where she joined the TES family in 2025 as a Pre-K teacher before moving into Kindergarten. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (P–3) from the University of North Alabama and is LETRS certified, which directly supports her work in building strong literacy foundations for young learners. Brianna brings broad instructional experience across multiple grade levels, having spent six years as a preschool teacher as well as time teaching 3rd grade prior to joining Tharptown. Her passion for education was deeply inspired by her grandmother, a long-time educator in Franklin County Schools, whose classroom left a lasting impression on Brianna throughout her childhood. In addition to her work in the elementary school, Brianna serves as an auxiliary sponsor for the Tharptown High School marching band color guard and majorettes alongside Mrs. Royce. She appreciates the welcoming, supportive environment at TES and thrives on being part of a caring school community. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her pets - two dogs, Dixie and Clover, and a cat named Bell Pepper.