Curriculum department reorganizes to better support teachers and students

Curriculum department reorganizes to better support teachers and students
Posted on 06/21/2021
Michelle Niece and Briana TragerMehlville School District is reorganizing its curriculum department in the 2021-2022 school year to increase curriculum support for teachers and students. In the past, the district had two curriculum directors, one for elementary schools and one for middle and high schools. Going forward the district will have three curriculum directors by content area.

At its June 10, 2021, meeting, the Mehlville School District Board of Education unanimously voted to approve the hiring of two curriculum directors:
- Michele Niece, K-12 Mathematics Director
- Briana Trager, K-12 Science Director

Amanda Zink is transferring to K-12 English Language Arts Director with the 2021-2022 school year. She was previously the Director of Secondary Curriculum. The district plans to hire a social studies director in the 2022-2023 school year.

Michele Niece, K-12 Mathematics Director
Michele Niece will be Mehlville School District’s K-12 mathematics director beginning in the 2021-2022 school year. In her role as K-12 Mathematics Director, Niece will coordinate the planning, development and implementation, and evaluation of math curriculum. 

Niece has worked in Kirkwood School District since 2015, beginning as an instructional coach/interventionist before moving into her current position as district facilitator of math, business and wellness. She previously served as a teacher in her hometown of Plano, Texas, and nearby Allen, Texas. 

“We are extremely excited to have Michele as part of the curriculum team,” said Dr. Brian Smith, Assistant Superintendent, Teaching and Learning. “Her experience in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade will be a valuable resource for all of our math teachers. Her experience at her previous district will help us continue to grow in the eight mathematical practices and implement best instructional practices.”

“As a district instructional specialist, I have led teachers in the development and procurement of math K-12 curriculum and resources, overseen implementation of the curriculum, and coached teachers with ongoing support throughout the curriculum cycle,” Niece said. “I’m excited to use these skills to lead Mehlville School District educators to create an aligned and well-articulated mathematics instructional program.” 

Niece obtained her bachelor degree at Baylor University and her master degree in administration from Lamar University. Her position is a new role as the district has reorganized its curriculum department. 

Briana Trager, K-12 Science Director
Briana Trager will be Mehlville School District’s K-12 science director beginning in the 2021-2022 school year. In her role as K-12 Science Director, Trager will coordinate the planning, development and implementation and evaluation of science curriculum.

Trager is currently serving as Mehlville School District’s STEM Coordinator.

“Briana has done a tremendous job working with teachers to embed hands-on, engaging practices in the classroom,” Dr. Smith said. “I am excited she’s been promoted to this director role and am confident she will do an exceptional job supporting all of the science teachers.”

"I am really excited for the opportunity to work more closely with our K-12 science departments to bring students hands-on real world science experiences inside of the classroom and out,” Trager said. Science is a big passion of mine and I hope to share that with more teachers and students across the district."

Trager joined Mehlville School District in 2019. Prior to her work in the district, she was a fifth-grade teacher in Nixa, Missouri.

Trager obtained her bachelor degree at Missouri State University and her Master of Education in Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum  from University of Missouri, Columbia. She received her Educational Specialist in Teacher Leadership from Missouri State University.

The Mehlville School District strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or sex including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity and other characteristics protected by law. The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: contact Adam Smith at 314-467-5006 or [email protected].