Welcoming New Upper School Faculty for the 2026–27 School Year
August 14, 2026
As summer winds down and we prepare to welcome our Eagles back to the Nest, there is plenty of excitement building in the Upper School. The start of a new school year brings new classes, new opportunities and, this year, several new faces joining a faculty deeply committed to our students.
“Whether it’s in the classroom or on the stage or playing field, there are those moments when our heart rate increases, and we’re on the edge of euphoric highs and crushing lows right alongside our kiddos,” says Clark Family Head of Upper School Matt Peal. “I see this kind of love play out daily at ESD, and the work we do here fills me with a sense of pride and purpose.”
This year’s Upper School faculty additions include educators bringing expertise in English, science, history, engineering, and music, as well as familiar ESD faculty members stepping into new roles within the division. Together, they add new perspectives and experiences to a community of educators who know that teaching is about far more than what happens in a classroom. It is about knowing students, supporting their growth, and partnering with families throughout their Upper School journey.
We invite you to get to know the educators joining the Upper School team for the 2026-27 school year and join us in welcoming them to the Nest.
April Harrell joins ESD as an Upper School English Teacher, bringing 25 years of experience in education and a lifelong love of literature. A graduate of the University of Arkansas and the University of Central Arkansas, Ms. Harrell was inspired by both her father’s love of reading and her mother’s career as a third-grade teacher. She believes every student deserves a voice in the classroom and emphasizes a balance of critical analysis and empathy in discussion and inquiry. A former senior team lead, district Teacher of the Year and International Baccalaureate examiner, Ms. Harrell brings a wealth of experience to ESD. Outside the classroom, she loves to travel and has visited destinations around the world, including South Africa.
Nicole Lyssy joins the Upper School as a Science Teacher, bringing a passion for chemistry and more than a decade of experience in science education. A Texas A&M graduate with a degree in biochemistry, Ms. Lyssy originally planned to pursue medicine before discovering her love of teaching while working as an EMT and teaching introductory first aid. She is passionate about creating a classroom where students feel safe to take risks, collaborate and view failure as an important part of learning. Her contributions to science education have earned several honors, including the Texas Instruments STEM Award and Yale Educator Award. Outside of school, Ms. Lyssy enjoys yoga, baking and beekeeping and is working toward her Texas Master Beekeeper certification.
Brad Sanders joins ESD as an Upper School History Teacher, bringing 29 years of experience in education and a deep passion for helping students connect with the past. A graduate of the University of Richmond and Lamar University, Mr. Sanders spent much of his career at Highland Park High School, where he served as Social Studies department chair and was honored as the 2018 Preservation Park Cities Distinguished Chair for History. Inspired by professors who modeled a genuine love of both their students and their subject, he hopes to create a classroom where students feel valued and can further their own appreciation for history. Outside the classroom, Mr. Sanders enjoys spending time with his wife, Laura, and their three daughters.
Tanya Snook is making the move from Middle School to Upper School, where she will teach a variety of Engineering courses. With 30 years in education and a career spanning the classroom, school administration and district leadership, Dr. Snook brings extensive experience in STEM education and a passion for hands-on, project-based learning. At ESD, she has taught Middle School Engineering while also supporting programs including GEARS and the Technology Student Association. Her many Project Lead The Way certifications reflect her breadth of expertise, from aerospace and civil engineering to robotics and architecture. At the heart of her teaching philosophy is a simple belief: Students learn by doing, and every student deserves the opportunity to find their purpose and place in the community.
Susan Wiles is also transitioning from Middle School to Upper School, where she will serve as Choir Director. Mrs. Wiles has been part of the ESD community since 2014 and brings more than 40 years of experience as a music educator. Before joining ESD, Ms. Wiles taught Upper School choir at All Saints Fort Worth and served as Arts Coordinator at The Country School in Madison, Connecticut. She also taught Concert Choir and Music Theory at Trinity College in Hartford. A graduate of Sewanee: The University of the South with a master’s degree in choral conducting from Yale University, Ms. Wiles is especially excited to guide ninth graders through their first year of Upper School as they begin exploring where their academic, artistic, and athletic interests may lead.
