In our latest installment of Hometown Pride, we take a look at Richard J. Allie Middle School teacher Natalie Whisenant. Whisenant is a 2009 North Crowley High School graduate. She also attended Jackie Carden Elementary, Crowley Middle School and North Crowley 9th Grade.

Whisenant currently teaches seventh grade science at Richard Allie, while also being the RAMS sciencedepartment head. She began working in the district in 2014 as a fifth grade science tutor at Mary Harris Intermediate. During that time, Whisenant was enrolled in Region 11’s Alternative Certification program, which ultimately helped her began her teaching career as a seventh grade science teacher at H.F. Stevens Middle School where she was named the 2018 Teacher of the Year.

She was involved in numerous clubs and activities during her time roaming the hallways of North Crowley, including swimming and teen leadership, while also emceeing the 2009 NCHS senior show. Whisenant had a standout swimming career as a Panther. She was a varsity student-athlete all four years of her high school career and was named a team co-captain during her senior season.  

Whisenant also excelled in the classroom as she was a member of the NCHS National Honor Society, Daughters of the American Revolution and graduated in the top 5 percent of her class.

Her family ties to Jackie Carden Elementary spans three generations as her mother and current Dallas Park Elementary teacher Ann Parker began her teaching career in the district as a Cougar. Fast forward and Whisenant, who was a part of the very first honor choir in Crowley ISD at Jackie Carden, now has a son who attends the Crowley ISD Employee Child Development Center at JCE.

“Teaching in the same district I grew up in means I have the ability to connect with my students on a level that goes way beyond the classroom. I understand what they are going through and they know I am here because I truly love this district and them. I believe that helps build connections deeper than any curriculum can,” said Whisenant.

If you are a graduate of either high school and would like to be featured in this series, please email information including your high school, graduation year and a photo to news@crowley.k12.tx.us.