Who's Who at Knight Prep

World History and Geography/English 7

I received my Associates Degree in Letters, Arts, and Sciences from Antelope Valley College. In addition, I received both my Bachelor’s Degree in History and Teaching Credential from California State University of Bakersfield. This will be my tenth year teaching in the Antelope Valley Union High School District. I started as a substitute teacher for the high schools and quickly became a long-term substitute teacher for Palmdale and Lancaster High Schools. This will be my Sixth year at AAV-Knight Prep Academy. These past few years working within the realm of middle school I have learned a great deal about what students' needs are in the technological world we find ourselves in for this age group. To help prepare the students for high school and beyond, I have adapted my way of thinking to better assist and engage the students to reach the goals set for them. I have been the Activities Advisor overseeing the Associated Student Body (ASB) and the 8th Grade Club for the past three years. In addition to this I have coached the schools Volleyball, Cross Country, Flag Football, and Track and Field teams for the past three years. I am looking forward to the upcoming 2024/2025 school year.

Hello, I am William Bell, and this is my second year at Knight Prep. I was born in Los Angeles and raised in the San Fernando Valley. My Chicago native wife (also a teacher) and I moved to the Antelope Valley in 2014. We have three cats.

Teaching is a second career for me after spending the first 35 years of my adult life working in construction all over California on the outside of 45-story buildings in L.A. as well as ten stories underground in a Pasadena reservoir.

While neither of my parents finished high school. I graduated from CSU Bakersfield (Magna Cum Laude) in 2017 and did post-grad teacher studies at CSU Fullerton.  I wanted a second career helping people and where I got to know a lot about families. Volunteering in my wife’s Resource classroom showed me how to connect with students and their parents and I knew teaching would be my new career.

Among my interests are; news, politics, real estate, the stock market, cars and psychology, Mrs. Bell and myself have travelled to England, Mexico over the years. I also speak Spanish fairly well.  Since I became a teacher with a challenging background, I know everyone has the potential to succeed in life. I do my very best to help provide students with an opportunity to do so.

Earth Science & Gateway to Technology

Hi and Welcome to KPA!
I'm Mrs. Copeland, your 7th Grade Integrated Science and Engineering teacher!  I’m curious about animals, humans, diseases and cures!  I love molecular, atomic and chemical exploration.  My favorite science is flight and space!!! In 7th grade, we learn a lot about all of these areas of Science!  When it comes to Engineering my lessons are based in design, processes, woodworking, 3D printing, Makey Makey kits and Vex Robotics.  
This will be my ninth year teaching!  Prior to that I was a Project Manager, Branch Manager VP, Executive Resolution Specialist, and a Legal Liaison in my former banking career. I loved helping people and customers in all areas of banking, but wanted to make a career change for a more meaningful impact in my community. I got my Science Credential, and was very fortunate to have landed here at KPA! Our school is home to the best teachers, staff and hands-on project based learning in the Antelope Valley. Plus, 7th grade students are awesome to teach and work with! 
Universities I’ve attended are Cal State Northridge and Cal State Bakersfield.  Aside from my teaching credentials, I have a Bachelor’s of Arts in English (Writing).  At our school, I also enjoy being a SkillsUSA Advisor, the EL Coordinator, and the Title 1 Coordinator, where I get to work with students, and support our Administration/Teachers and families outside of the classroom!
In the past, I have volunteered and held leadership positions in Civil Air Patrol and 4-H. On a personal note, I have three young adult children and an amazing husband, who works in the aerospace industry! Together, at home, we manage an organic cherry farm and up to 12 hives of honey bees!  I also have a big garden, can be found doing house/property construction projects, love to cook and bake, as well! I also find lots of time taking care of our fun-loving dog, Benton Blue! Ben or Bennie for short! 

English 7 & 8

Physical Education 6, 7, 8

Ancient Civilizations and Geography & English

Math & AVID

Physical Science & Gateway to Technology

Hello! My name is Michael White, and I am very excited about the opportunity to be a part of the Knight Prep Family! I am entering my 14th year of teaching. With a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education/Health and a Master's Degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion, I am dedicated to promoting lifelong habits and skills that will lead to a positive and healthy lifestyle.
 I am passionate about inspiring youth, as I value building positive relationships with students and parents. I am honored to be a PBIS team member and beyond excited to be a part of our brand new Student Support Center.  After leading Antelope Valley High School as the PBIS Coordinator for the last 6 years, I am equipped and eager to offer extra layers of support for our students at KPA through our tried and tested Multi Tiered Systems of Support.
In addition to teaching, my hobbies are training, hiking, biking, voice acting, playing music, being outdoors, and spending time with my wife and two sons.

Greetings! My name is Trish White, and I am thrilled to be a part of the Knight Prep family as a middle school math and AVID teacher. I am originally from the heartland of Missouri, but my journey has led me to California, where my husband, our two sons, and I have happily resided since 2015.
With a passion for mathematics and a commitment to helping students, I have been dedicated to the teaching profession since 2001. Over the years, I've had the privilege of guiding students through the intricacies of middle school math, aiming not only to present them knowledge but also to foster a love for learning and problem-solving.
Beyond the classroom, you'll often find me exploring the great outdoors. Hiking has become a cherished pastime of mine, allowing me to connect with nature and rejuvenate my spirit. I also enjoy watching my boys pursue their passion on the basketball court.
I am excited for this school year and am committed to making a positive impact in the lives of our KPA students. Should you have any questions or would like to connect, please feel free to reach out to me at twhite@avhsd.org.
 

I’m Dr. Andy Glatfelter, your principal! This is my 16th year as a school principal, and I LOVE my job! It’s truly a joy to work with teachers and staff who care so much about our students and who give them their all.

We live in an amazing place, the Aerospace Valley. It’s the world headquarters of flight test. The B-21, the B-2, the Space Shuttle, and so many more planes were designed, built, and tested right here.

We’re the home to the F-35 production site at Northrop Grumman, to Skunk Works, and the first breaking of Mach 1, Mach 2, Mach 3, Mach 4, Mach 5, and Mach 6.7 by Pete Knight, the father of our Knight Prep namesake Congressman Steve Knight. Our students have hundreds of options for very high paying STEM jobs right in our own backyard, and Academies of the Antelope Valley is setting students on a course for success. Not all will become engineers. Jalen Nailor, one of our AAV alumni, plays in the NFL for the Minnesota Vikings!

Knight Prep, SOAR Prep, and Virtual Academy are amazing campuses because of our amazing staff. Our teachers work diligently for our kids, and the results are borne out in our high academic achievement, our safe school environment, and our ability to help our students become creative problem solvers. Their ability to collaborate in teams, to speak in front of a group, to give a proper hand shake, and to think outside of the box will be valuable professional skills in whatever path they ultimately choose to take.

If you’re interested in learning more about our school, please give me a call. I’d be happy to talk with you, and if you’d like, to show you around. Our students will one day look back and say, “I’m so glad I had that as a kid.”

Best regards,

Dr. Andy Glatfelter

(661) 943-2091

aglatfelter@avhsd.org

I suppose a little biographical background might be interesting to share:

• Mission Viejo High School, IB full diploma.
• B.A., The Master’s University. Biblical Studies major with an emphasis in Missions and Biblical Languages.
• M.A., CSU Bakersfield. Master’s in Education: Curriculum and Instruction, core emphasis in educational technology.
• Ed.D., UCLA. Doctorate in Educational Leadership. 
• Certificate in School Management and Leadership, Harvard University.

Experience:

• Antelope Valley Christian School. 5th Grade. 1999-2000.
• Desert View Elementary. 4th Grade. 2000-2006.
• Assistant Principal. Piute Middle School. 2006-2009.
• Principal. Piute Middle School. 2009-2011.
• Principal. Discovery School. 2011-2016. Founding principal.
• Principal. Fulton & Alsbury Academy. 2016-2023. Founding principal.
• Principal. Academies of the Antelope Valley: Knight Prep, SOAR Prep, and Virtual Academy

I teach a course called Instructional Leadership for CSU Bakersfield’s master’s degree program in administration. I’ve also taught Educational Research and Educational Statistics at CSUB.

Other interesting things:

• I was an honorary commander at Edwards AFB for two years, assigned to the Electronic Warfare Group.
• I’ve climbed Mt. Whitney three times, once with my brother-in-law, once with my wife, and once with a group of teachers. 
• I crossed the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim in a day
• I rode my bicycle 137 miles in a day, from Seaport Village to the Santa Monica Pier.
• In 2021 I ran 5 marathons.
• I finished my first triathlon, Olympic distance, last summer.
• My mother’s cousin’s husband’s great-uncle is Ernest Hemmingway. True story.
• I’m known to run outside when I hear the rumble of unusual aircraft!
• I like to tell Dad jokes. Usually he laughs.
• And I’ve never been to Boston in the fall.

Vice Principal
Academies of the Antelope Valley

jnajar@avhsd.org