MISD would like to feature our new staff for the 2023-24 school year! We are so excited to introduce the talented new educators who will be joining our group! Please make them feel welcome to Moulton should you see them around town or in our local establishments. Stay tuned for more.
High School Principal: Penny Irwin
My name is Penny Irwin and I am the new principal for MHS. I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself and let you know that I am very excited to be joining your team and to become a part of the Moulton community. I recently moved to the area from Cypress, Texas, where I have lived most of my life. I graduated from St. Pius X High School, where I made my first connection to Moulton in a life-long friend with family ties to the area. I double majored at Houston Baptist University, graduating with Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and Human Kinetics. I received my Master of Education Administration from Prairie View A&M University. I have been making trips to Lavaca County for the past several years visiting friends, getting roped into helping with cows, burning brush piles and simply enjoying the country life.
I am blessed with two wonderful children. Sydney lives in Denver, Colorado. She is a graduate of UT Dallas where she played volleyball for four years and now works as an account development representative for Adobe. She is recently engaged and is planning a wedding for the fall of 2024. My son, Trey, just graduated from high school and will be attending Texas State University in the fall. His passions include theatre and men’s club volleyball. I also have a couple of fur babies, a cat named Lily and a dog named Banjo. I am a big animal lover!
I have lots of hobbies, but as a mom and an educator, the time spent doing them is scarce. I enjoy traveling, mainly to beautiful beaches, going snow skiing, being out on any body of water, reading, cheering on my favorite sports teams, listening to live music and exercising when I can find the time…or energy!
My career in education has taken me down many different paths, which have prepared me for what lies ahead. I started my career as a science teacher and a varsity volleyball and softball coach 28 years ago. Since then, some of the job titles I have earned along the way are testing coordinator, truancy officer, academic achievement specialist, and for the last 9 years, assistant principal. I look forward to learning from you in areas I have yet to experience and helping you grow as educators with my areas of expertise.
I look forward to meeting each and every one of you. Please do not hesitate to call, send an email or stop in my office with any questions or concerns, or just to say hello. I know by working together, we will accomplish the ultimate goal of a safe, fun and successful school year.
Nurse: Lindsey Muehr
Hi, my name is Lindsey Muehr. I live in Schulenburg, but I was born and raised in Moulton and am an MHS graduate class of 2007. I am married and have a daughter and a son. I am a recently graduated Registered Nurse with my Associate's Degree in Nursing, but have been a nurse for over 11 years as an LVN, with experience in pediatric home health, medical-surgical, home health, and clinic nursing. I am excited about joining MISD and look forward to a happy, healthy school year!
JHS History/Coach: Mackinly Kifer
Hello guys! My name is Mackinly Kifer (Coach Mack). I graduated from The University of Texas at San Antonio with a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Physical Education. I have been teaching and coaching the past 2 years and look forward to starting as a Moulton Bobkat this fall. I currently live in Shiner, have a little one, Chandler, and will be expecting late October. I am very passionate, energetic, and filled with energy. I can’t wait to share my passion and love for coaching, while watching each student/athlete grow. Looking forward to an amazing year!
Elementary Coach: John Patek
My name is John Patek. I will be the new Elementary Physical Education teacher. I graduated from Texas State University. I am married to my wife, Lindsay Patek. We have 3 boys, Jacob, Eli, and Jordan. This will be my 15th year teaching. I have been a coach for 14 years. I am very excited for this new opportunity and to be part of Moulton I.S.D.
Special Service: Mary Kay Fishbeck
My name is Mary Kay Fishbeck. I am so excited to be joining the staff at my Alma Mater, where pictures of 3 generations of my family hang in the halls of MHS! I previously taught Special Education for 24 years in Northside ISD in San Antonio, served as the Multi-District Coordinator at the DeWitt-Lavaca Special Education Cooperative for 3 years, taught Life Skills in Cuero ISD for 2 years, & was a Reading Resource teacher at Hallettsville Elementary for the past 3 years. I am thrilled to be starting my 32nd year of teaching Special Education at “home” in Moulton ISD! I have 2 sons, Brandon (25) & Ryan (22), who are my pride & joy!
Ag Science Teacher: Emaleigh Esterak
Hello, my name is Emaleigh Esterak, and I am excited to join the Bobkat family, and serve as one of the new agriculture science teachers! I graduated from Texas A&M University in 2018 with a bachelor's degree in Agriculture Science, and have been serving as an FFA Advisor and agriculture teacher since. I'm blessed to be starting my 5th year teaching in Moulton I.S.D. and can't wait to see what this year holds!
English/Theatre: Tara Shimek
Hey there! My name is Tara Shimek, and I'm thrilled to be joining the Bobkatz family this school year! I live in Hallettsville with my husband; we have a blended family of six children, aged 28-15. Actually, make that seven, because I can't leave out our 11-year-old baby--our Great Dane, Llewyn! This summer was spent between the beach on family vacation, fishing, reading, and workshops learning more about something I absolutely ADORE--theatre! If you've ever been to the Gaslight Theatre in Shiner, you've probably seen me on that stage, as I've been acting and directing there for over twenty years. I feel so incredibly blessed for the opportunity to share my love for all things theatre (in addition to my love for literature) with students in Moulton this year!
CTE Teacher: Ashley Bishop
Hello Good Friends!!! My name is Ashley Bishop and this will be my 11th year teaching ag and being and FFA Advisor. I am a loud and proud graduate from SHSU. I have a beautiful family and 3 awesome kids Dallynn, Bellamey and Stetson. I also have a strong love for all things floral and agricultural. I’m looking forward to my first year at MHS! Go Bobkatz!
2nd Grade: Pam Hamilton
Hi there! My name is Pamela Hamilton. I graduated from Oral Roberts University, and I have taught for 30 years. I have 6 beautiful daughters and a loving, amazing husband of 38 years. I also have 4 grandkids that keep my life full of fun! I will be teaching 2nd grade and look forward to becoming part of Moulton Nation! Go Katz!