Hi, my name is Dana Bearden and I have been teaching in the Oxford City School system since 1998. I am a graduate of Weaver High School and Jacksonville State University where I received my degree in Elementary Education. I completed work on my Masters Degree in Elementary Education at JSU in July 2002.

My family and I live in the Saks area. We attend church at Weaver First Methodist where I am actively involved with the Children's Program and Praise Band ministry. I have a 24-year-old son named Mitchell who is a graduate of Oxford High School. I also have a 17-year-old son, Cameron, who is a Senior and varsity football player at OHS.  My husband , Roy, is employed at the Anniston Army Depot where he works as a welder.

I feel that teaching is a gift. It is what I have always wanted to do with my professional life. Becoming a mother myself has made me a better teacher - more compassionate, more understanding, more patient. I believe that all children should be treated fairly and with respect and , in return, I expect the same behavior from them in my classroom. All children can learn. We may not all reach the SAME goals at the SAME time or in the SAME way, but we will ALL SUCCEED.