Christy Turner named as next ELA/Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator

Veteran teacher and current Instructional Coach Christy Turner has been selected to replace Dena Downey as the district’s English Language Arts and Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator. Dena, who first began with DCS as a teacher in 1993, is retiring at the end of this month. While Christy will officially begin her role in the Coordinator’s office on July 1, 2025, she will be learning the ropes in her new position while continuing to fulfill her duties as an Instructional Coach at Hahn Intermediate.

“Christy Turner exemplified the qualities of a highly effective teacher when she was in the classroom,” said Superintendent Matt Lobban. “The same dedication to improving instruction and fostering positive relationships has carried with her over the past few years into her role as an instructional coach. Christy is well-respected, knowledgeable and dedicated to supporting teaching and learning. She takes on a critical role as the K-12 ELA & Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator and I know she will have a significant impact on our students and staff.”

Christy has been an educator for 26 years, beginning her career teaching first graders in Waterford for one year before accepting a job in her hometown of Davison as a Reading Recovery teacher. Christy spent the majority of her elementary teaching career at Siple Elementary. During the 2022-23 school year, she became the instructional coach at Siple and the following year she transitioned to her current role as instructional coach at Hahn Intermediate.

“Christy has a wide variety of teaching and coaching experience to bring to the coordinator position,” said Dr. Angela Hards, Director of Curriculum. “She understands the demands and needs of early elementary and the transitional process as students grow and the instruction evolves. She has provided professional development to new teachers on the importance of routines and procedures to assist in teaching and learning. Christy has a very strong understanding of the academic standards and will provide teachers with instructional support. She has extensive training in reading instruction, dyslexia and positive coaching practices.”

Christy said she is excited about her new position because it offers the opportunity to collaborate with teachers across all grade levels on two of her favorite subjects.

“Working side by side with such dedicated and talented educators will be both inspiring and rewarding,” she said. “I am excited to build strong relationships with the staff, collaborate with them, and provide meaningful support.

Christy has been married to her high school sweetheart, Dave, for 26 years. They met during her junior year at Davison High School. They have four children: Alex, 23, who works as an electrician; Colin, 21, who works in construction; and Cameron and Amanda, 18-year-old twins currently attending Davison High School. In her free time, Christy enjoys playing games, spending time with family, watching movies and taking walks with her dog, Rio.