New to the Oxford School District this year are six teachers anxious to delve into their job of molding young minds.
No matter what subject they’re teaching, it’s obvious these classroom leaders are willing to give 110 percent.
Let’s meet the freshman teachers:
Rachel Goci
Residence: Rochester Hills
Originally from/Coming from: Rochester Hills
Educational background: Rochester Adams High School, Michigan State University.
Work background: Internship at Henry Ford II High School in Utica, Internship for Academic Study Associates, High School Language Immersion Program in Barcelona, Spain.
Position hired: Math/Spanish at Oxford High School.
Educational philosophy: I want to equip students with not only knowledge, but with the ability to utilize that knowledge in whatever field the student wants to pursue.
Why you wanted to work for Oxford schools: I love the area and the school district has a strong reputation for excellence.
Personal goals for the school year: To get to know my students by getting involved in extra-curricular activities and to help my students appreciate math and Spanish by getting them involved in the classroom.
Lisa Schneider
Family: Husband Eric
Residence: Oxford
Originally from/Coming from: Sterling Heights
Educational background: Michigan State University B.A. and M.A.
Work background: I’ve worked in a variety of settings, including schools, clinics and nursing facilities.
Position hired: Speech Pathologist at Leonard Elementary and Daniel Axford Elementary
Educational philosophy: Working together with parents and teachers makes all the difference in the progress of a child, in all aspects of his/her schooling.
Why you wanted to work for Oxford schools: I wanted to be more involved in my community.
Personal goals for this school year: To successfully integrate into Oxford schools while having fun and learning with the kids.
Jeff Schindler
Residence: Oak Park
Educational background: Bachelor of Science in mathematics, minor in physics.
Work background: Student teaching in Chicago, Illinois and Ferndale, Michigan.
Position hired: Mathematics at Oxford High School
Educational philosophy: To support student growth as lifelong learners. I believe all students have the capacity to learn, with the condition that successful students put forth a thoughtful effort.
Why you wanted to work for Oxford schools: Because of their excellent reputation and student success.
Perosnal goals for this school year: High student achievement in math, as well as in other school class activities.

Maureen Magdaleno
Family: Husband Tony, daughter Jacqueline, sons Michael (late) and Benjamin
Residence: Oxford
Originally from/Coming from: Lincoln, Nebraska
Educational background: Graduated from University of Nebraska
Work background: Taught for three years in a 3-4 split class in Lincoln, NE, substitute for several years in Oxford, taught summer school for two years in Oxford, taught at Camp Invention at Clear Lake.
Position hired: Kindergarten at Lakeville Elementary
Educational philosophy: My philosophy is to create lifelong learners by using an experiential-based curriculum.
Why you wanted to work for Oxford schools: My children have all attended Oxford schools. In that time I have observed a district that is a winning team. Oxford is a district that matches my philosophy of experiential-based learning. I feel as though I am part of a winning team.
Personal goals for this school year: My goals this year are to create an atmosphere of learning where children feel safe to experience multisensory learning and are motivated to become lifelong learners.
Amy Devin
Family:Husband Jon, daughter Keeley, 2.
Residence: Berkley
Educational background: B.S. in education with a major in special education from Wayne State University.
Work background: During the pursuit of my degree I had teaching experience in Detroit, Southfield and Birmingham schools.
Position hired: LRC teacher at both Lakeville and Leonard elementary.
Educational philosophy: I believe in meeting the student at their learning level and helping them realize the strengths they hold within.
Why you wanted to work for Oxford schools: I loved the learning atmosphere I encountered. It already feels like home.
Personal goals for this school year: To make this year a year of growth for myself as well as many students.
Rita Upshur
Residence: Oxford
Originally from/Coming from: Oxford
Educational background: Oakland Community College, Oakland University
Work background: Oxford cheerleading coach, teacher’s assistant, Rochester cheerleading coach, student teacher.
Position hired: Kindergarten teacher at Daniel Axford Elementary.
Educational philosophy: To inspire my students to become lifelong learners.
Why you wanted to work for Oxford schools: I have always been a fan of Oxford. I have been involved in the school system since I graduated high school. Oxford is a great community with passionate educators.
Personal goals for this school year: My goal is to set an example for my students academically, while keeping them engaged.
Educational philosophy: Working together with parents and teachers makes all the difference in the progress of a child, in all aspects of his/her schooling.
Why you wanted to work for Oxford schools: I wanted to be more involved in my community.
Goals for yourself this school year: To successfully integrate into Oxford schools while having fun and learning with the kids.
Jeff Schindler
Residence: Oak Park
Educational background: Bachelor of Science in mathematics, minor in physics.
Work background: Student teaching in Chicago, Illinois and Ferndale, Michigan.
Position hired: Mathematics at Oxford High School
Educational philosophy: To support student growth as lifelong learners. I believe all students have the capacity to learn, with the condition that successful students put for a thoughtful effort.
Why you wanted to work for Oxford schools: Because of their excellent reputation and student success.
Goals for yourself this school year: High student achievement in math, as well as in other school class activities.
Maureen Magdaleno
Family: Husband Tony, daughter Jacqueline, sons Michael (late) and Benjamin
Residence: Oxford
Originally from/Coming from: Lincoln, Nebraska
Educational background: Graduated from University of Nebraska
Work background: Taught for three years in a 3-4 split class in Lincoln, NE, substitute for several years in Oxford, taught summer school for two years in Oxford, taught at Camp Invention at Clear Lake.
Position hired: Kindergarten at Lakeville Elementary
Educational philosophy: My philosophy is to create lifelong learners by using an experiential-based curriculum.
Why you wanted to work for Oxford schools: My children have all attended Oxford schools. In that time I have observed a district that is a winning team. Oxford is a district that matches my philosophy of experiential-based learning. I feel as though I am part of a winning team.
Goals for yourself this school year: My goals this year are to create an atmosphere of learning where children feel safe to experience multisensory learning and are motivated to become lifelong learners.
Amy Devin
Family:Husband Jon, daughter Keeley, 2.
Residence: Berkley
Educational background: B.S. in education with a major in special education from Wayne State University.
Work background: During the pursuit of my degree I had teaching experience in Detroit, Southfield and Birmingham schools.
Position hired: LRC teacher at both Lakeville and Leonard elementary.
Educational philosophy: I believe in meeting the student at their learning level and helping them realize the strengths they hold within.
Why you wanted to work for Oxford schools: I loved the learning atmosphere I encountered. It already feels like home.
Goals for yourself this school year: To make this year a year of growth for myself as well as many students.
Rita Upshur
Residence: Oxford
Originally from/Coming from: Oxford
Educational background: Oakland Community College, Oakland University
Work background: Oxford cheerleading coach, teacher’s assistant, Rochester cheerleading coach, student teacher.
Position hired: Kindergarten teacher at Daniel Axford Elementary.
Educational philosophy: To inspire my students to become lifelong learners.
Why you wanted to work for Oxford schools: I have always been a fan of Oxford. I have been involved in the school system since I graduated high school. Oxford is a great community with passionate educators.
Goals for yourself this school year: My goal is to set an example for my students academically, while keeping them engaged.
Welcome to the district!