Sonya Huff, adjunct instructor of concert band.

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. —School of the Ozarks started the 2020-2021 academic year with three new faculty members. Brad Dolloff, dean of School of the Ozarks, said the new faculty bring strong academic credentials. This past year showed a good retention rate among faculty.

“The primary focus on hiring faculty is their commitment to Christian education,” Dolloff said. “Secondly, we look for academic credentials and giftedness in teaching. We are blessed in that all three of these individuals rate high in all of those areas.”

Dr. Brian Polk will serve School of the Ozarks as a full-time science teacher. He will teach science and natural philosophy to eighth, ninth, eleventh, and twelfth graders. Polk received a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from the University of Southern Mississippi Honor’s College, a Master of Science in industrial chemistry from the University of Central Florida, and a Doctorate of Education from Vanderbilt University. He has close to 20 years of experience teaching and serving in administration, primarily in classical Christian schools. Polk and his wife, Christi, have two sons.

Sonya Huff will serve School of the Ozarks as an adjunct instructor of concert band. She received a Bachelor of Arts in major instrumental music from the University of Colorado, Pueblo, and a Master of Music in conducting from Missouri State University in   Springfield. From 1993-2001, Huff was a band and color guard director at Joplin High School. Most recently, she has served as a substitute teacher for band, orchestra, and special education. She and her husband, John, have three sons together.

Jamin Pyatt will serve School of the Ozarks as the 12th grade patriotic education instructor. Pyatt received a Bachelor of Science in physical education (K-12) from College of the Ozarks. Upon graduation, he attended U.S. Army Aviation Flight School XXI to become a UH 60 Blackhawk pilot and an Aviation officer for the Missouri National Guard. Currently, he is taking master’s classes for a Master of Professional Studies: Sport Management through Missouri State University. Last year, he taught Patriotic Education and assisted in the Military Science Department at College of the Ozarks. Prior to that, he served as a training officer for the Missouri National Guard.