Morningside
Middle School
Meet Our Team
Mrs. Amanda Duca
Teacher - Science
Department Chair - Science
amanda_duca@charleston.k12.sc.us
Course taught:
8th grade Science
This year will be my 2nd year at Morningside. I moved here last summer from Southern California.
College: California State University Fullerton (BA)
Industries: Retail, Food Industry, Pest Control, Education
About Me: I am full of jokes!
Ms. Jayanna Smith
Teacher - Math
School Improvement Committee Member
jayanna_smith@charleston.k12.sc.us
Courses taught:
8th grade - Math
8th grade - Algebra
I am originally from Columbus, Georgia. I began my education career here at Morningside and I am honored to have been Morningside's Rookie Teacher of the Year from 2024-2025!
Colleges: Georgia Southern University (BS Education - Middle Grades)
Industries: Retail, Hospitality, Education
About Me: I have 2 pets, a bearded dragon and a leopard gecko!
Mrs. Cynthia Williams
Teacher - ELA
former Department Chair - ELA, Ladies of the Community Club Co-Chair, and Teacher of the Year
cynthia_williams@charleston.k12.sc.us
Course taught:
8th grade ELA
Hello! I am delighted to be a teacher at MMS. This year makes my 23rd year. I love what I do and who I do it with.
Colleges: St. Andrews Presbyterian College and Lesley University (Masters)
Industries: Education
About Me: Before teaching, I worked at my mother's daycare center.
Mrs. Vintosha Eldridge
Teacher - ELA
vintosha_eldridge@charleston.k12.sc.us
Course taught:
8th grade ELA
I have been in education for three years. I am from Richmond, VA but I have been back and forth to South Carolina for 15 years.
Colleges: Francis Marion University (BA English/ Professional Writing)
Industries: Healthcare, Education
About Me: Scholastic Writing Awards Winner 2004
Ms. Latoya Dent
Teacher - Math
Department Chair 8th Grade
latoya_dent@charleston.k12.sc.us
Course taught:
8th grade Math
I’ve been teaching at Morningside for 16 years. I believe in building relationships and making a lasting impression on my scholars’ life.
Colleges: SC State University (BS Professional Mathematics)
Industries: Education, Healthcare
About Me: Block Blast is my go to game everyday.
Mr. Jesse Murray
Teacher - Social Studies
jesse_murray@charleston.k12.sc.us
Course taught:
8th grade Social Studies
I was born in Charleston but grew up in Rapid City, South Dakota. This is my third year at Morningside and third year with CCSD.
College: Bryan College (BA in History & Journalism)
Industries: Education, Non-Profit, Contractor, Arts
About Me: I have a band and play music weekly!
Ms. Lekisha Jones
Teacher - Social Studies
lekisha_jones@charleston.k12.sc.us
Course taught:
8th grade Social Studies
Mrs. Shelia Brock
Teacher - Science
shelia_brock@charleston.k12.sc.us
Course taught:
8th grade Science
I moved to South Carolina 5 years ago to enjoy more sunshine. I have taught both in high school and middle school.
Colleges: University Of Louisville (BS Chemistry with a minor in Math & Biology) Bellarmine University (Masters in Teaching)
Industries: Education, Chemical Industry
About Me: I like playing video games.