Mr. Hessong is a math and computer science teacher that currently works at both De Soto High School and Cedar Trails Exploration Center. He has taught Integrated Math II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Math Applications, CSP, CSA, and Cybersecurity. Additionally, Mr. Hessong serves several coaching roles including assistant football at DHS, head boys basketball at Lexington Trails Middle School, and head boys golf coach at DHS.

> Courses taught by Mr. Hessong

Mrs. Millie Laughlin is the Bioscience instructor at CTEC-CAPS. She teaches Applied Biochemistry, Biomedical Innovations (a Project Lead The Way course), and Biotechnology. Previously, she taught Anatomy & Physiology, Biology, Robotics, Forensics Science, Chemistry and Physics. Mrs. Laughlin graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University with a bachelor's degree in biology and a masters' degree in education. As a new resident in the Kansas City area, she enjoys exploring the museums and exhibits at Union Station, wandering around car shows with her husband and taking her granddaughter to the Zoo. 

> Visit Mrs. Laughlin's webpage

• Mr. McLeod is a science and robotics teacher that currently works at both Mill Valley High School and Cedar Trails Exploration center. He has taught chemistry, AP Chemistry, Introduction to Organic Chemistry, Physics, and Robotics.

  Additionally, Mr. McLeod is involved with the band program at Mill Valley and teaches private music lessons in the evenings. Finally, Mr. McLeod is the lead sponsor of the district's First Robotics Teams.

  >Courses taught by Mr. McLeod

• Mr. McLeod started as the Manufacturing Instructor in January, 2022, and is currently teaching Emerging Technologies and Blueprint Reading & Welding. He is a lead mentor for the district's First Robotics Team, and works full time at Cedar Trails Exploration Center. Mr. McLeod has a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology and has spent the last 5 years of his career working closely with Kansas City area companies as a Skilled Trades Recruiter.

• Tim Mispagel began his design and illustration career working as a graphic designer for Gear for Sports Inc. He then worked as a visual artist for Hallmark Cards Inc. and wrapped up his industry experience as the Art Director for Ingrams Magazine prior to entering the field of education. Tim has taught in the De Soto school district since 2000 and is now one of the building administrators at the newest USD232 building, Cedar Trails Exploration Center. In addition to his leadership position at CTEC, Tim is teaching Principles Illustration, Graphic Design and Emerging Technologies. He also manages CTEC's state of the art MakerSpace which has provided him the opportunity to stay contemporary with industry equipment and software.

  Outside of his career in education, Tim works as a professional visual artist in various media, such as bronze and welded steel sculpture and 2D design and illustration. To see examples of his current art projects, please visit his Instagram at Mispagel Art.

Mr. Proctor teaches at both CTEC and De Soto High School. He teaches Animation and Game Design at CTEC and Computer Graphics at De Soto High School. He also spent a year teaching middle school computer applications and yearbook at Lexington Trails Middle School during the 2017-18 school year. Mr. Proctor is also the head boys soccer coach at DHS as well the sponsor for the Esports Club. Mr. Proctor graduated from Kansas State University with a BS in Business Administration in 2011 and a BS in Secondary Education in 2013 and completed his Master's degree in Learning and Technology from Western Governor's University in 2022. 

> Courses taught by Mr. Proctor

Ms. Taliaferro teaches PLTW Digital Electronics at Cedar Trails Exploration Center. She also teaches Introduction to Engineering Design, Principles of Applied Engineering and Drafting/CAD at De Soto High School. Ms. Taliaferro graduated from Clemson University earning a BS and Master's degree in Education, and was also a member of the Women's Track & Field team. She serves as an assistant track coach at De Soto coaching the discus, javelin and shot put. She loves spending time with both her daughters and two dogs.

> Visit Ms. Taliaferro's page