JAYSON MARCHANT | FIFTH GRADE TRADITIONAL TEACHER

My Email: jayson.marchant@washk12.org

I have been married to my beautiful wife now for 27 years.  We have 3 children Alec (25) who is a computer programmer, Aubrey (20) who is a nurse, and Aidan (16) who is a Junior at Snow Canyon High School and runs Cross Country and Track.  I graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in Liberal Studies (Teaching), after a 5th year of Student Teaching in Kindergarten and 6th Grade, I earned my teaching certificate (this is how they do the teaching program in California).  We then moved to Las Vegas where I taught 1 year in 5th Grade and then had an opportunity to teach 8th Grade Science and 6th Grade Math at a new Middle School.  After 2 years, we decided to move to St. George where I taught at Panorama (5th Grade) for 3 years and then at Diamond Valley for 15 years teaching 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grades.  I have a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership and Endorsements in Gifted and Talented, STEM Education, and Educational Technology.

GEN FREEBAIRN | FIFTH GRADE ENGLISH DUAL IMMERSION/ALP TEACHER

My Email: kgen.winterton@washk12.org

My name is Genevielle Freebairn, a.k.a. “Gen”. This is my 17th year teaching at the elementary level. I have taught 2nd, 4th, 5th grades. I have a passion for gifted education and have been involved with the program for several years now. I have finally acquired my PhD degree in K-12 Curriculum and Studies, with an emphasis on the district’s gifted program. I also have my Gifted and Talented Endorsement and Technology Endorsement. I consider myself to be a lifelong learner and continue to learn whenever I have an opportunity. 

I love to spend time with my family, listen to music, go running, play volleyball, and go country dancing with my husband. I am a kid at heart and am always up for a game of nerf battles, water wars, and more. I have four children, ages 19, 17, 5, and a 1 year old. We have two daughters and two sons that keep us super busy with the age gap. Although I grew up in the city, I love living here in the valley with my family. I love teaching and consider my profession to be the best job ever!

TAMARA ORTS PÉREZ | 5TH GRADE SPANISH DUAL IMMERSION TEACHER

My Email: tamara.ortsperez@washk12.org

My name is Tamara Orts Pérez and I am from “La millor terreta del món” (“The best place in the world”). Yes, that’s my city, Alicante, motto. There it is where I grew up, went to college and completed my Master’s degree. Alicante is a city in the SE coast of Spain where you can find from beautiful beaches, mountains, forests and cute little towns, to incredible local food. The sun shines along the year giving its people the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and cities no matter which month.

As a newbie to the place, I am very excited to be part of the DVES and Saint George community. The city and surroundings are absolutely incredible with all its colors and shapes and Diamond Valley is just the perfect place to be. After getting to know the Dual Immersion program I fell in love with it and I feel so lucky to be a Diamondback dual immersion teacher.