1st Grade
Casi Alley
1st Grade
Email: casi.alley@wacoisd.org
Cristina Dresner
1st Grade Bilingual
Email: cristina.dresner@wacoisd.org
Welcome to first grade! I am excited to have your child in my first class at Brook Avenue. I have taught for 8 years- all for Waco ISD- 6 of them being in first grade. Throughout the years, I have served as a mentor for new teachers, Math cohort leader, received multiple grants and have had projects fully funded on Donor’s Choose, and hold a Teacher Incentive Allotment recognition as an Exemplary Teacher.
I thrive in structure and routines and with your help in ensuring we follow our core values of respect, responsibility, and safety- we will learn not only academically, but also beyond the curriculum.
I enjoy incorporating real world experiences in learning and can’t wait to learn alongside your child. This year we will shine bright while learning and laughing together.
Shianne Rankin
1st Grade
Email: shianne.rankin@wacoisd.org
Hello, my name is Shianne Rankin and I teach 1st grade here at Brook Avenue Elementary. I have been a teacher at this school for four years, teaching 2nd grade for three years before moving to 1st grade. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas Tech University and became certified through an alternative teaching certification.
From the moment I was hired, I fell in love with my Brook Avenue community and have gone above and beyond to create a space where my students feel loved and supported. I believe that with hard work and consistency, every student is destined for greatness and it is my job to help them find their unique gifts. In my class, we love hard, work hard, and dream big!
Melissa Czajkowski
1st Grade ESL
Email: melissa.czajkowski@wacoisd.org
Hello First grade families! My name is Melissa Czajkowski and I’m thrilled to be joining Brook Avenue this year as a 1st grade teacher! I have a Bachelor’s degree from Baylor and a Master’s of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Tarleton. This is my sixth year in education and my fourth year teaching 1st grade — a year I truly love because of the incredible growth students make both academically and personally. Teaching first grade is my passion, and I thrive on the remarkable growth and learning I see in my students every day. I’m all about creating a warm, friendly, and inclusive classroom where every child feels at home and excited to learn. I strive to create a warm, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environment where children can learn and have fun. I’m especially passionate about guiding young readers on their reading journeys and creating a classroom where every child feels seen, supported, and excited to learn.
Outside of the classroom, I have a beautiful family I love spending time with. I also enjoy reading and binge-watching a good series when I can find a quiet moment.
I’m so excited to be part of this amazing community and can’t wait to get to know all of my students and families this year!