Third Grade
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Jennifer Johnson
3RD GRADE (3A)
Jennifer graduated from Rhode Island College with a B.S. in Music Education. While working as a paraprofessional in a special education classroom for grades 3-5 in Warwick, she discovered her passion for elementary education, which inspired her to complete her M.Ed. in Elementary Teacher Education at Merrimack College. She has served as a substitute teacher in Warwick, Cranston, Coventry, Scituate, and Lincoln, gaining experience across diverse school communities.
Outside of school, Jenn enjoys singing in her church choir, teaching religious education classes, traveling with her family, and, alongside her husband, watching and coaching their daughters' soccer games.
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Bethany Melo-Smith
3RD GRADE (3B)
Bethany graduated from Rhode Island College with a B.S. in Elementary and Special Education in 2016. She previously worked as a teacher in Fall River and discovered her love for teaching during her time as a behavior specialist, which led her to pursue a degree in education. The daughter of Azorean Portuguese immigrants, Bethany grew up in East Providence and Pawtucket. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting as a creative outlet when she’s not busy chasing after her toddler. She is also passionate about advocating for social and economic justice for all.
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Samantha Russell
3RD GRADE (3C)
Samantha graduated from Salve Regina University in 2025 with dual certifications in Elementary Education and Special Education. She has experience teaching elementary students in both general and special education settings. Samantha is from Warren, Rhode Island, and is the third oldest of seven children. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys participating in Special Olympics sports, such as bocce and bowling, with her older brother. She also likes listening to music, photography, and drawing.