Upper School - Meet The Teachers

Mike Coburn (Director of Marketing and Communications)

Teaching Background:

• Ten years of industry experience
• I've been a teacher since 2020

About Me:

In 2020, I left the corporate world to chase my dream of becoming a secondary teacher. I love spending time with students and building relationships that foster student growth, responsibility, and self-ownership. Beyond the classroom, I'm a massive fan of soccer. I coach for a local soccer club and watch as much soccer as possible. I love to spend time with my wife and two children playing board and card games… of course, I always win.

Munira Fidahussein

Teacher Background:

• Optometrist in UK
• Earned a degree in Mathematics and have been with LaGrange Academy for the last 5 years

About Me:

I love interacting with, learning from, and helping students understand and reach the “light bulb” moment. I also love it when they see the connections and relationships of content outside the subject itself. I have three girls at Lagrange Academy. We love being involved in all the things the Academy has to offer.

Britt Gaylor (Director of Middle and Upper School)

Teaching Background:

• 12 years of teaching experience
• The last 7 years have been spent in administration roles.
• 2016 Teacher of the Year
• 2022 GISA All-Star Coach

About Me:

The most important part of teaching for me is to build relationships with the students. I love basketball, The Dawgs, staying active by working out/running, and spending time with friends. 

Jamie Higgins

Teaching Background:

• I recently taught at Trinity Christian School and am a Professor at Georgia State University.

About Me:

I enjoy seeing the students every day and being a positive influence in their lives, and of course, I love math! I’m a proud parent of two toddler boys, a strawberry enthusiast, and a Survivor superfan. In my free time, I enjoy woodworking and restoring old furniture.

Teresa Krizay (Upper School Lead/College Counselor)

Teacher Background:

• 12th year at LaGrange Academy
• 19-20 Teacher of the Year at LaGrange Academy

About Me:

I love being able to interact with the students. My two children and I, alumni of LaGrange Academy, love to travel together. I also enjoy reading, knitting, and swimming in my free time.

Earl Marsch

Teacher Experience:

• 56 years of teaching experience
• TOTY 1x and Star teacher 5x at LaGrange High

About Me: 

I enjoy being with the students and watching them progress and mature. Our interaction keeps me from getting too ancient (at least mentally). I'm dedicated to improving their reading, thinking, and communication skills, the three basics for success. I enjoy reading and I also like to work in the yard.

Katie Stout

Teaching Background:

Most of Mrs. Stout's experience comes from industry.

About Me:

I enjoy sharing my favorite parts of the world with young minds. Being able to see how science can spark a connection with each student. My family and I enjoy spending time together in the outdoors, hiking, camping, and fishing. We have completed two cross-country camping trips: one to the Grand Canyon and another through the Badlands ending in Yellowstone. We hope to continue traveling to the various national parks across the United States.

Richard Wright

Teaching Background:

• 14 years of teaching experience
• Taught at prestigious schools such as Westminster (ATL) and  McCallie School

About Me:

Teaching history and literature allows me to share stories that entertain and inspire students to think critically, a passion that has made reconnecting with teaching deeply fulfilling. Honored with a yearbook dedication and commencement address early in my career, I’ve found joy in building meaningful connections with students. Now in LaGrange to be closer to family, I spend my free time enjoying music, theater, and working on my historical fiction novel, all with my corgi mix Stella by my side.