North Sand Mountain School Welcomes New Faculty and Staff for 2026-27 School Year
HIGDON, Ala. — North Sand Mountain School is welcoming five new faculty and staff members as preparations continue for the start of the 2026-27 school year.
The new additions bring experience in education, coaching, technology, and student support while also including several graduates returning to serve the school they once attended.
Among the new hires is Dallen Atchley, a North Sand Mountain graduate who will teach fifth and sixth-grade math. After earning a degree in Computer Science from Jacksonville State University and spending six years as a software engineer, Atchley is returning to education and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Secondary Math Education.
Joining the front office is Constance Cooper, who has served as a substitute clerical aide for several years. School officials say Cooper will be a familiar face for students, staff, and families as she assumes the full-time role.
Also returning home is Landon Keller, another North Sand Mountain graduate, who will serve as an aide and paraprofessional. Keller says he looks forward to helping students reach their full potential and giving back to the school that helped shape his life.
The school is also welcoming Justin Lynch as its new head baseball coach and history teacher for grades 9 through 12. Lynch is a graduate of Scottsboro High School and holds degrees from Lee University and Clemson University. He brings six years of coaching experience from successful baseball programs throughout northeast Alabama.
Rounding out the new staff is Tyson Welden, who returns to his alma mater after spending the past 12 years at North Jackson High School. Welden will teach high school history and brings experience as a coach, technology coordinator, and building test coordinator. He says he’s excited for the opportunity to give back to the school and community that helped shape his career.
North Sand Mountain administrators say they are excited to welcome the new faculty and staff members and look forward to the positive impact they will have on students throughout the upcoming school year.
The school encouraged the community to join them in welcoming the new members of the Bison family as they prepare for another successful year.