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Social Studies Department Faculty

Rickey Campbell - e-mail

Mr. Campbell, social studies department, has taught at HSPVA since 1981. He holds Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in history from Sam Houston State University. He has done extensive graduate study at the University of Houston. He is a member of Phi Alpha Theta (history) and Pi Gamma Mu (social sciences) academic fraternities. A member of the World History Association, his interests include "barbarism" vs. "civilization," the evolutionary impact of revolutionary change, and popular culture in historical trends. Presently, he is researching the life of his great, great grandfather Jesse Campbell, an illiterate farmer who traveled from South Carolina to Texas trying to find the "American Dream." Mr. Campbell's family includes wife Julie, daughters Amy and Abbey, and sons Kirke and Graeme. Campbell views much of his past life as a "diversion," and agrees with Joni Mitchell that "we've got to get ourselves back to the garden."

Carol Fennell - e-mail

Born in Jamaica, she emigrated to the U.S with her husband in 1983.The Mother of 5 children (4 girls, 1 boy), Kamilah, Khadijah, Maisha, Sabriyyay, and Shani. She returned to school and earned her teaching degree from University of Houston in 1994. She enjoys working with children of all ages, hence her past involvement as Daycare Director of various childcare agencies, and current involvement in her Church's Nursery.

Mrs. Fennell joined the H.I.S.D family in 1995 teaching at Thomas Middle School, Patrick Henry, and Sam Houston High School. Served in several leadership capacities: Model Lesson Coordinator, Curriculum Team Leader, History Fair Coordinator, Student and Teacher Mentor, and Junior Achievement Liaison. She holds Advance Placement (A.P) Certification in Pre-A.P. Geography, U.S. History, World History, Economics and American Government. She is an avid reader and loves to travel. Her philosophy is that motivation is the catalyst for change, and hopes she motivates each student to pursue, obtain, and utilize education to help achieve their dreams.

"We are born weak, we need strength; helpless we need aid; foolish we need reason. All that we lack at birth, all that we need when we come to man's estate is the gift of education." ~~ Jean Jacques Rousseau

Joshua Hill - e-mail

Originally of Pekin, Illinois, Mr. Hill earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Sciences from Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois. After earning his teaching certification in Illinois, he moved to Houston in 1997 to teach for HISD. Josh has taught Social Studies in grades 6 through 12 -- teaching everything from World Cultures and Texas History to World History and U.S. Government -- first at Jackson Middle School, then at Paul Revere Middle School, and most recently at Sharpstown High School. During this time he has participated in professional development opportunities at the Holocaust Museum Houston (Summer Institute for Educators), Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia (Teacher Institute in Early American History), and Rice University (Institute on East Asia) as well as serving as a Social Studies Department chairperson and mentor to several first and second year teachers.

In his spare time Josh enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife, Xuan, as well as reading (modern politics, history, popular psychology & philosophy, and military science fiction).

Sandra Johnson - e-mail

On June 29, 2007, Ms. Sandra Johnson decided to live her best life by leaving the familiarity of Odessa, TX and joining the students, faculty, and staff of HSPVA. Ms. Johnson is an avid traveler and a lover of life who has always had a desire to see the world. This burning wanderlust informed her decision to join the military shortly after graduating from high school. She has toured Japan, Korea, and many other places within the continental U.S. As a result of serving her country in foreign lands, Ms. Johnson learned much about herself and her fortitude. For these reasons, she is able to take a stand for justice as well as those individuals living on the margins of society.

Ms. Johnson has put her time and energy into advocating on the behalf of rape victims (and those traumatized by such acts of violence) with the Rape Crisis Center. She has also worked for SPARK, an organization offering HIV support services. While working for SPARK, Ms. Johnson was able to help those individuals living with or affected by HIV attain necessary survival skills and meet basic needs. While employed with SPARK, Ms. Johnson often found herself being a voice for the people while navigating the rocky bureaucratic terrains. True to her passion for advocacy, Ms. Johnson has also worked for Meals on Wheels and Children and Family Services. However, after completing her bachelors degree, Ms. Johnson decided to enter the teaching profession and advocate for a well-educated population of students.

In her spare time, the divorced mother of one son loves to read, watch sports (especially football), and (you guessed it) travel. Ms. Johnson is excited to be here, and she is committed to excellence.

Rolland Sanders - e-mail

Upon graduation from the University of Texas at Austin as a newly minted Social Studies teacher in 1994, Mr. Sanders decided to travel a bit before embarking on a career in education. He crewed on a yacht in the Caribbean and hiked the Appalachian Trail before moving to Osaka, Japan to teach English as a Second Language. After seven years of exploring Japanese culture and travelling Southeast Asia, he repatriated to his hometown of Fort Worth and taught at Eastern Hills High School. When an opportunity came to pursue his studies in graduate school, Mr. Sanders enrolled in Texas State University and expects to graduate this year with a Master of Arts in Geography.

Mr. Sanders is passionate about ecology conservation efforts in Texas and tries to do his part by supporting the Texas Land Conservancy and putting native trees and plants in the ground as often as possible. Cleaner pursuits include kayaking and taking in live performances, so he is very pleased to be a part of the HSPVA faculty.

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