Meet Our Faculty
Jacob Staley
Jacob Staley holds a B.A. in History from Southern Illinois University and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Urban Education from Union University. He has served as a U.S. History instructor, instructional coach, and co-department chair at Compass Community High School in Memphis before serving as a secondary school administrator at Veritas
Jacob Staley holds a B.A. in History from Southern Illinois University and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Urban Education from Union University. He has served as a U.S. History instructor, instructional coach, and co-department chair at Compass Community High School in Memphis before serving as a secondary school administrator at Veritas Classical Christian School. At Covenant Classical Academy, he serves as Head of School and Form II Instructor.
Mr. Staley is passionate about helping students discover the enduring truth and wisdom that have been faithfully passed down through the ages. He believes a Christ-centered classical education equips students to look beyond the assumptions of the present, cultivating discernment, virtue, and a love for what is true, good, and beautiful. He is honored to help build a school where the timeless truths of Scripture and the riches of the classical tradition prepare the next generation to know, love, and faithfully serve Christ.
Michelle McDaniel
Dr. Michelle McDaniel holds a B.S. in Business from Colorado Christian University, an M.S. in Economics, and a Ph.D. in Population Health from Southern Illinois University. She has more than 15 years of experience in education, including serving as a K–12 educator with the University of Illinois Extension and teaching economics as an adju
Dr. Michelle McDaniel holds a B.S. in Business from Colorado Christian University, an M.S. in Economics, and a Ph.D. in Population Health from Southern Illinois University. She has more than 15 years of experience in education, including serving as a K–12 educator with the University of Illinois Extension and teaching economics as an adjunct professor at John A. Logan College, Georgia Military College, Colorado Christian University, and Charleston Southern University. She also serves as the Kids Program Director at Vine Church. At Covenant Classical Academy, she serves as the Dean of Academics.
Dr. McDaniel believes education is about far more than preparing students for a career—it is about shaping their hearts, minds, and character. She is excited to help build Covenant Classical Academy, where students are challenged academically, grounded in biblical truth, and equipped to serve God faithfully through a Christ-centered classical education.
Mary Clutts
Jordan Doolittle
Mary Clutts holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Winthrop University. She brings more than 15 years of experience in early childhood education, having served as a kindergarten teacher, preschool teacher, and preschool director in South Carolina and Kentucky. Most recently, she served as Preschool Director at First Kids Preschool
Mary Clutts holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Winthrop University. She brings more than 15 years of experience in early childhood education, having served as a kindergarten teacher, preschool teacher, and preschool director in South Carolina and Kentucky. Most recently, she served as Preschool Director at First Kids Preschool in Henderson, Kentucky. At Covenant Classical Academy, Mary serves as Form I Instructor.
Mary's deep appreciation for classical Christian education has grown through both the classroom and her own home, where she has classically homeschooled her three children for the past several years. Having experienced the rich community of a classical Christian school firsthand, she is excited to help cultivate that same environment at Covenant Classical Academy. She especially loves teaching young children and finds great joy in watching them discover new ideas, grow in confidence, and delight in learning.
Jordan Doolittle
Jordan Doolittle
Jordan Doolittle holds a B.A. in Piano Performance from Southern Illinois University and a Master of Music Education from Silver Lake College of the Holy Family. Jordan has also earned Kodály certification through Indiana University, Seattle Pacific University, and Silver Lake College of the Holy Family. With nearly two decades of experie
Jordan Doolittle holds a B.A. in Piano Performance from Southern Illinois University and a Master of Music Education from Silver Lake College of the Holy Family. Jordan has also earned Kodály certification through Indiana University, Seattle Pacific University, and Silver Lake College of the Holy Family. With nearly two decades of experience in music education, Jordan has served as a music department head, general music teacher, and choir director at Providence Classical Christian School, and currently serves as head musician at Cornerstone Reformed Church and a Kodály instructor at Sandpiper Music Studio. At Covenant Classical Academy, Jordan serves as Music Instructor.
Mr. Doolittle believes music education is a means of strengthening the worship of Christ's Church for generations to come. Through the Kodály method and a rich repertoire of folk songs, Jordan equips students with musical skills and songs that will remain with them throughout their lives, preparing them to become joyful, confident singers in their churches, homes, and communities.