English
Sarah Haskett, Department Chair
I have been a teacher at MHS for 20 years. I'm currently the AP Literature & Composition, Creative Writing, and Women's Studies teacher, as well as co-Department Chair, WASC chairperson, and MEA High School Director. Words are power and my goal is always to empower.
Marissa Kekke, Department Chair
This is my 15th year as an English teacher at MHS. I teach ERWC, Film as Literature, Popular Media, and ELD. I am also a co-chair of the English department.
Veronica Bollwerk, ELD Department Chair
I have been teaching English and English Language Development (ELD) since 2009 and currently work at Manteca High School, where I serve as the head of the ELD department. I previously taught in the San Francisco Bay Area, including nine years with the Puente Program, empowering underrepresented students to succeed in higher education. As a bilingual educator, I have also served as a club advisor, instructional coach, and parent supporter. In 2016, I was honored to be named Alameda County Teacher of the Year. I am grateful to serve the Manteca High School community.
Sabrina Ballin
This is my fourth year teaching English. I have been coaching boys volleyball for the past four years as well.
Jennifer Benson
This is my fourth year teaching English at Manteca High School and my third year coaching Academic Decathlon. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of the Pacific, along with minors in Philosophy, Political Science, and Teaching Professions. Outside of the classroom, you can often find me immersed in a good book.
Lucy Borba
This is my fifth year of teaching. I have been dedicating those years of teaching to our English Learner students. It comes full circle for me because I am an English Learner, even as an adult. I am teaching at my Alma Mater which comes with a sense of pride and homecoming. I look forward to encouraging our students to see the power of being multilingual.
James Burns
My name is James Burns and I teach multimedia and journalism at Manteca High. I oversee BuffTV, our weekly news show, and several of the school's social media platforms; advise MHSTheTower.com, the school's digital student newspaper; and coach the boys soccer program. I enjoy collaboration that leads to creative content that ripples through our campus community.
Stephanie Campiotti
I am in my fifth year of teaching English and currently serve as the MHS Yearbook Advisor. As a proud 2003 graduate of Manteca High School, I am happy to be a part of the school community, working together to embrace our rich tradition and legacy and promote school spirit. GO BUFFS!
Eli Gibbs
This is my 9th year of teaching; 4th year at the high school level. I previously instructed 7th and 8th grade English before moving to MHS to teach primarily English I. I have also instructed English II and multiple levels of English Language Development. Additionally, I am a freshman football coach (offensive coordinator) and I'm the head coach of the Boys Golf team here at MHS.
Chad Henderson
Though I started working with teens in 2003, I've worked at Manteca High for four years and have taught ELD, general education English, and English Honors. I'm SO grateful that I get to work with our team and students.
Stephanie Hjelmstad
I graduated from San Jose State with a BA in English, and from University of the Pacific with a Masters in Education. I have been teaching English at MHS for 20 years and have been the Activity Director for 12 years.
Timothy Jensen
Timothy Jensen has been a dedicated English teacher at Manteca High School since 1998. Known for his engaging storytelling and approachable demeanor, he draws from his diverse experiences, including seven years in the U.S. Army, to create a dynamic and supportive learning environment for his students.
Aaron Moren
This is my ninth year in education. I spent the first year of my career as a middle school custodian and from there took a job as a paraprofessional with the San Joaquin County. I stayed there for three years before making the permanent switch to high school general education English. I love working with students, studying texts, engaging in in-depth discussions with students, and watching them grow as individuals.
Jessica Teicheira
This is my 12th year teaching. Two years ago, I decided to join my alma mater and teach English here at MHS. Last year I also took the role of Cheer Coordinator and Coach. I am excited to be back as a buffalo and help all my students and athletes achieve their goals.
