Structure Teachers

Sarah McWilliams

Hi! I am so excited to be teaching in the Structure Classroom this year. This is my 13th year of teaching and my 13th year at Armstrong. I was an Instructional Assistant in my first year in the Resource and Fundamentals classrooms. I then taught First Grade for six years and Kindergarten for two years. This is my fourth year as the Structure Teacher at Armstrong, and I am grateful to teach alongside two amazing teachers, Shamela Thompson and Trenia Jefferson. I am passionate about inclusion and my role here at Armstrong.

I went to Baylor University where I majored in Elementary Education, and I have my Master's Degree in Special Education with a focus on Autism through the University of Missouri.

I have two children who both attend Armstrong. My son, Ace is in 2nd Grade, and my daughter, Penny is in Kindergarten. I was born and raised in Highland Park and went to Bradfield Elementary. I love the community of Highland Park and I feel so blessed to teach in a district that taught me so much.

Shamela Thompson

Shamela grew up in Garland Texas, where she graduated from high school in 2005.  She promptly began her career in education as an early preschool assistant. Shamela joined the HPISD family in 2011 when she worked with students in the Life Skills/Transition class at Highland Park High School. Shamela brings to our team more than 11 years of experience working with children with special needs.  Shamela is currently in her last year at Texas A&M Commerce where she is pursuing her degree in Organizational Leadership. When not studying or spending time with family, Shamela volunteers with Best Buddies, Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity, and the Make-a-Wish Foundation of North Texas as a Wish Granter.

Trenia Jefferson 

Trenia grew up in Jackson, Mississippi, and later lived in New Orleans.  She worked as a Special Education Paraprofessional and Activity Specialist in Plano ISD from 2005 to 2015. Trenia graduated from Texas A&M Commerce with a Bachelor of Science in Global Learning.  Trenia earned a master's degree in autism spectrum disorders from Grand Canyon University in October 2017.  Recently, she completed her Board Registered Certification program as a Behavior Technician. She has a great passion for serving students with special needs. Trenia joined the Armstrong team in 2015.