Joining the Jaguar Pride

As the 2025–2026 school year begins, JA is welcoming not just new students but also several new teachers. Just like students, teachers often feel the nerves of starting fresh, but their excitement to join the JA community stands out.

One of the new math teachers, Ms. Cretsinger, moved to Colorado from Iowa, drawn by a love of hiking, nature, and the mountains. She now teaches Algebra 1, Geometry, and junior high Communications. Outside of math, she has experience working with dogs.

“Before I came to JA I helped run a doggy hotel/daycare down in Colorado Springs,” she shared.

Joining the math department as well is Mr. Videtich, a familiar face who has substituted at JA for years. Originally from Leadville, Colorado, he brings more than 30 years of teaching experience. After retiring, he returned to the classroom because of his love for education but also with an eye to the future.

“I don’t plan on ending my career with teaching,” he said. “I hope to end it working in animal welfare somehow.” 

Outside of school, he enjoys family time, playing tennis, and pursuing his passion for animal advocacy.

Mr. Fire is stepping into the tech classroom after Mrs. Davis moved into the library. He describes himself as an enthusiastic, optimistic teacher who believes every person has value and that “life is a wacky, fun journey.” His hobbies include reading, hiking, listening to music, and windsurfing, a passion passed down from his father.

“I like spending time with my family as much as possible, and also windsurfing. My dad was a windsurfer for as long as I can remember and he shared that with me,” he said.

Also joining the math department is Mr. Hightower, who grew up in New Mexico before moving to Colorado three years ago. With experience teaching everything from Algebra through Calculus 2, he brings a wide range of knowledge to the classroom. What excites him most about JA is the culture of self-expression.

“Everyone seems to express themselves both physically and verbally and I love that,” he said.  “I thrive on that as a teacher.” 

A fan of science fiction, space, and gaming, he is eager to stop by JA’s gaming club. All of the new teachers expressed excitement to be part of JA and to get involved with school events once they are settled in. 

As Ms. Cretsinger advised, “Be kind to everyone, you never know what someone may be going through, so always lead with kindness and compassion.”