Visual and Performing Arts

Allen Moody is the Orff Music specialist at Idlewild Elementary where he teaches music to kindergarten through fifth grade students. Under his direction, the Idlewild Recorder Ensemble has performed at the 2014 AOSA National Conference in Nashville, TN and at the TNMEA state conference. Allen is an active member in the Memphis Chapter of AOSA and is a past president. He currently serves as Vice President of the West Tennessee General Music Education Association. At the national level, he serves on the AOSA Curriculum Overview and Research subcommittee and is an approved teacher educator. Allen is a sought after clinician who serves as the recorder instructor for summer Orff levels course at Lee University and at the University of Memphis he is the course director and recorder instructor for the Summer Orff Institute for teacher training. He received his Master’s of Music in Music Education from the University of Memphis in December 2018. He serves on the Executive Board for Summer at the Scheidt, through the University of Memphis, pioneering their inaugural Elementary Music Camp last summer. Allen is a National Board Certified Teacher. 

Visual Arts

Kelly Lindsey is an artist and an art educator who lives in midtown Memphis. Mrs. Lindsey has been an art educator for 20 years and is coming to us from Snowden school. Her strengths are sharing her love of art with her students, connecting with the community, and gardening. She is excited to be an Idlewild Eagle. 

Visual Arts

Dawn Weaver has been an art educator in Memphis Shelby County Schools for twenty-five years. Mrs. Weaver attended the University of Mississippi, where she received her BFA in Art Education. During her tenure, Mrs. Weaver has enriched the lives of thousands of students connecting art in their everyday lives. Mrs. Weaver has served as a new teacher mentor for the past ten years, providing new teachers with coaching and best practices in visual art education. Mrs. Weaver also serves in the Children’s Ministry at Christ Church Memphis, where she has been the director for Vacation Bible School for many years. Her involvement in the community has provided her students the opportunity to showcase their artwork using bottle caps for both indoor and outdoor murals. These murals have been highlighted throughout the city for public viewing and published in the Memphis Magazine. Mrs. Weaver’s passion for teaching art is evident in the connection she makes with her students and their families. She strives to foster a love and appreciation for creativity by encouraging her students to be aware of art in their everyday lives. Mrs. Weaver is married with two children, and two fur babies. In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors, spending time with family, and volunteering for various organizations serving children in Memphis.

Physical Education

My name is James Cull. I am a native Memphian. I have been teaching for 16 years. However, this is my first year at Idlewild and I am greatly looking forward to working here! I am a certified physical edcation instructor with degrees in edcation, criminology, sociology and applied sports health and science. I also have my Masters degree in education. Looking foward to soon starting my PHD.  My passion lies in helping young minds discover the joys and benefits of physical activity. From fostering strong, healthy bodies to creating unforgettable moments of fun and teamwork, I'm dedicated to nurturing a love for exercise in our students.  I truly believe physical education teaches so many valuable skills and lessons that can help children be more successful in all areas of their life. When I am not at school I love being with my family, my dogs and  friends. My other loves are music, thrifting, riding my bike, skateboarding, working out, anything 80s and all things Patrick Swayze!

Physical Education

Library

Spanish (3rd-5th Grade)

My name is Ana Torres, and I am the 3rd to 5^th  Spanish teacher. I am originally from Mexico, but I grew up in Memphis. I graduated from the University of Memphis in 2022 with a bachelor's degree in social work and a minor in Spanish. During my degree, I completed an internship at a school, which inspired me to pursue a career in education. This will be my third year teaching, and I am excited to continue introducing young children to the Spanish language!

Optional - Tech. Lab

I have been an educator for 11 years.  I have taught first and second grades.  I was the interventionist at my previous school last year.  I received my Bachelors degree in Elementary Education from the University of Mississippi and Masters degree in Administration from Arkansas State University.  In my spare time, I travel with my adult softball team.