Network Charter School’s Team
Meet Our Teachers
Billy Hughes
Nature is literally the “classroom” for all of Billy's courses. Through his unique approach to PE, students enjoy fishing, playing ultimate frisbee, go on urban hikes. Gardening community service is also part of Billy’s recipe for a complete classroom experience, and his students often spend time helping out Walama Restoration and at Food for Lane County gardens.
Billy teaches PE, Health and other outdoor elective courses though Network Charter School’s member organization Nearby Nature.
Contact: billy@networkcharterschool.net
Chase Clark
Chase was born and raised in Eugene, OR. He began teaching music lessons in May 2010 while attending college. After graduating with a BA in Music Business in 2013, he continued teaching music and worked as an Educational Assistant. With a growing passion for teaching, Chase earned his Master’s in Teaching in 2016 and started teaching music that same year. In 2021, he joined NCS where he found a supportive environment.
When not teaching, you can find Chase playing music with his band, at a fishing hole, or around the poker table.
Chase coordinates the music program through Network Charter School’s member organization Heartwise.
Contact: chase@networkcharterschool.net
Jami Teran
Jami offers students an opportunity to learn in an environment that promotes thoughtful awareness. By incorporating philosophy, yoga, and performance into many of her classes, she encourages communication and personal growth. Always calm and collected, her unique teaching method effectively helps students learn how to express themselves creatively through writing.
Jami teaches Language Arts and PE through Network Charter School’s member organization Heartwise.
Contact: jami@networkcharterschool.net
Wendy McKenzie
In Wendy’s classes, students develop a keen appreciation of the natural world as well as a clear understanding of the many threats that currently face it. Hands-on work in nature is a common project for students in her classes, who spend lots of time in Nearby Nature’s Learnscape Outdoor Classroom. Wendy is “amazing” according to the students who take her classes and the colleagues who get a chance to see her in action.
Wendy facilitates Network’s Natural Resources Program and teaches Science and Language Arts through NCS’s member organization Nearby Nature.
Contact: wendy@networkcharterschool.net
Caitlyn Vermillion
Caitlyn teaches with the hope of getting her students truly interested in the content of her classes. In all of her work, she tries hard to be engaging as well as informative. Caitlyn reaches beyond providing classroom content and works to prepare students for life beyond high-school (college, traveling, the work-force, etc.). Caitlyn promotes a learning environment that is open, safe, and respectful for everyone in the classroom.
Caitlyn teaches Language Arts and Social Studies courses through Network Charter School’s member organization Le Petite Culinary.
Contact: Caitlyn@networkcharterschool.net
Ethan Krueger
Ethan is a Network Charter School graduate and current mathematics major at the University of Oregon. He hopes to instill in his students the desire to learn that he discovered at NCS, and in doing so, help inspire students to consider math less of a chore and more of a hobby.
Ethan teaches Math and Language Arts courses through Network Charter School’s member organization Nearby Nature.
Contact: ethan@networkcharterschool.net
Kim Wong
Kim is a dedicated educator who facilitates a GED program and teaches language arts and social studies. With a strong commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment, she focuses on developing a curriculum that meets the diverse needs of her students. Kim's engaging instruction style ensures that each student feels valued and supported, fostering a positive and dynamic classroom atmosphere.
Kim teaches Language Arts and Social Studies through Network Charter School’s member organization Le Petite Culinary.
Contact: kimberly@networkcharterschool,net
Carly Rodgers
I went to culinary school to gain mad skills,
Once graduated I realized I hated paying bills.
So I ran away to an intentional community in the Virginia hills.
I wanted to feed my community here in Eugene,
So I went back to where I was when I was sixteen.
Now I run a kitchen with amazing teens,
and even though they fight it, they eat a lot of greens!
Carly facilitates Network’s Culinary Arts program through Network Charter School’s member organization Le Petite Culinary.
Contact: Carly@networkcharterschool.net
Isaac Paris
Isaac teaches art. He is a gamer, an artist and a musician. He is excited to share his passions with students and get them making cool and amazing art.
Isaac has been in Eugene 8 years after moving here from Fairbanks, Alaska. You may recognize him from his efforts organizing events at Spectrum downtown.
Issac teaches art classes through Network Charter School’s member organization MECCA.
Contact: isaac@networkcharterschool.net
Matthew Palotti
Matthew started his journey at Network Charter School in 2022. He teaches math, coding, and physical science. After earning his PhD in physics, Matthew spent seven years teaching physics and physical science at Southwest Tennessee Community College in Memphis, Tennessee. He brings the same student-centered, equity-minded approach to education that he used in his college level classes to his work at Network Charter School. Matthew looks forward to incorporating the natural world into all of his classes. When not teaching, Matthew enjoys exploring the wonders of Oregon with his wife, twin daughters, and two dogs.
Matthew teaches Math, Science and Social Studies through Network Charter School’s member organization Nearby Nature.
Contact: matthew@networkcharterschool.net