Inspired to Teach

Martha Evans is an Assistant Professor of Instruction of Early and Middle Childhood Education at the Ohio University Southern campus.

Melody Craft is an Assistant Professor of Instruction of Early and Middle Childhood Education at the Ohio University Southern campus.

Brea Kitts has been teaching for 27 years, including 23 years in Gallia County Local Schools and the past four years at Chesapeake High School. She began her career in special education, where she taught for eight years, before moving into American history, which she has now taught for 19 years. She has also taught College Credit Plus courses in American State Government, American National Government and Politics, and Ohio History, as well as AP U.S. National Government and Politics and Geography 317 at Marshall University.

Kitts is certified in elementary education, grades K through 8, social studies comprehensive, grades 7 through 12, and as an intervention specialist, K through 12. She also holds a master’s degree in secondary education.

She and her husband, Brandon, have a blended family that includes her son, Gunnar, her bonus daughter, Tosha, and two stepchildren, Malaysha and Israel.

Jessie Rigsby is an Early Childhood Education graduate from Ohio University Southern and the 2014 recipient of the Outstanding Achievement in Early Childhood Education Award. Over the past 12 years at Summit Elementary, she has taught second, third and fifth grades, building classrooms grounded in joy, connection and high expectations. She is known for creating engaging learning environments, forming strong relationships with students and using data and creativity to meet diverse learning needs.

Rigsby also has two years of experience in reading intervention and is LETRS certified, with Rank 2, CEO II credentials in early literacy. A dedicated lifelong learner and collaborative teammate, she is currently awaiting her National Board Certification results.

Eric Floyd is a first-generation college graduate and lifelong educator with more than 30 years of service in Ohio’s public schools. A graduate of Ohio University Southern, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Floyd began his career as a classroom aide with Ironton City Schools. He later spent 13 years at the Ohio River Valley Juvenile Correctional Facility, serving in leadership roles including Title I reading teacher, assistant principal, acting principal, instructional coach and deputy superintendent.

Following his tenure there, Floyd served 13 years as assistant superintendent of the Rock Hill Local School District, overseeing federal programs and supporting districtwide improvement efforts. He then joined the State Support Team, assisting schools across Pike, Ross, Lawrence and Scioto counties.

Floyd currently serves as Lawrence County superintendent, marking his 32nd year in education. A lifelong resident of Lawrence County, he lives in Ironton with his wife, Abby.

Todd Alexander is superintendent of Wayne County Schools in Barboursville, West Virginia. An experienced educational administrator, he focuses on creating safe, supportive school environments and leading student and employee disciplinary processes with clarity and consistency.

Throughout his career, Alexander has collaborated with district leaders and community partners to develop drug testing programs, implement threat assessment procedures and respond to legally sensitive matters. His work centers on proactive safety planning, sound judgment and fair practices that help protect students and staff while supporting the educational mission of the district.