Coaches

Mr. Branson, Pine Tree ISD UIL Academics and Fine Arts Director

I am from Longview, TX. After graduating from Pine Tree High School, I attended Kilgore College and The University of Texas–Tyler, participating in choir at both colleges while majoring in biology and minoring in music. I graduated from The University of Texas–Arlington with a B.S. in biology.

I taught science at Hallsville for 17 years and served as their UIL Academics Coordinator for nine, leading the team to two academic state championships (2014, 2016), several top 5 finishes, 10 district championships, and 8 region championships.

I gladly returned to my alma mater when offered the chance. Since 2018, I have enjoyed working with staff and students to grow our district program, earn first place in our district for the elementary and junior high district competitions, and lead the high school to a return to state competitions. Our district program has increased student participation in all grades and events. Our high school program now has doubled in the number of participants. As a former biology teacher, I also enjoy helping the science team when I have time.

I have a beautiful wife, Melissa, and 3 sons. My sons and wife are all Pine Tree Pirates. Go Pirates!!!

Mrs. Harrington–Number Sense and Mathematics

I am originally from south Louisiana. I graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a Bachelor's of Science in electrical engineering, a minor in technical writing, and a Master's Degree in Business Administration. In 2016, I graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a Master's in Natural Sciences (Math + Math Education).

I currently teach AP Calculus AB, Honors PreCalculus, and PreCalculus. I have been teaching at Pine Tree High School since 2009, and I absolutely love it here!

GO PIRATES!
ALL IN!!

Ms. Davis–Ready Writing, Spelling and Vocabulary, Barbara Jordan Research Essay, Literary Criticism, Student Coordinator

Hi! I am glad you are interested in UIL Academics. Our program is a great place to grow and learn.

My goal as a sponsor is to help my students develop as writers and readers, to question the world, and to find their voice, so we are always looking for competitions to enter. This year, we are working on creating an online literary blog/magazine where all of our Pine Tree students can share their writing.

I have a communications and English B.S. from SFASU and an M.Ed. from Lamar University in Educational Leadership.

My sons are recent Pine Tree graduates and current LeTourneau University students, one a math major and the other an aviation maintenance major.

Mr. Stokes–Debate, Congress, Extemporaneous Speaking

Hello! My name is Ryan Stokes. I have been at Pine Tree since 2016, and I coach speech and debate. I’m originally from Nacogdoches. TX, and a proud graduate of Central Heights ISD and East Texas Baptist University. I competed in speech and debate in high school and continued in college. I love working with students and helping them see both sides of an issue. I believe speech and debate raise the academic achievement of every student who competes in it. If you have a student who loves to keep up with news and politics, I would love to talk with them about joining our debate team. Go Pirates!

Mr. Dickson–PTHS UIL Assistant Director, Oral Interpretation

I have worked in and with theatrical productions all over East Texas for 30+ years. Originally from Troup, I am a director, an actor, a playwright, a visual artist, and a voice coach. I have also directed and acted in multiple short films. I have won numerous awards directing students in UIL One Act Play competitions who have advanced to the Regional UIL One Act Play competition in the past two years. I have coached students at the state and national levels in speech, debate, and theatrical academic competitions earning students awards and scholarships for their efforts. In addition to coaching UIL events, I also serve as one of the directors for the UIL One Act Play.

My proudest achievement is my family: my marriage of 24 years to my wife, Nicole, and my two amazing kids.

Mrs. Dickson–Computer Applications, Theatrical Design, Oral Interpretation

I have worked in and with theatrical and dance productions all over east Texas for 25+ years. Originally from Rockwall, I am a director, choreographer, graphic artist, scenic and prop designer, crew manager, and carpenter. I am passionate about art as a means to build a team. I have choreographed and coached students to reach their full potential as competitors in state and national drill and theatrical competitions, earning them top honors. I am trained in lyrical, hip-hop, jazz, and contemporary genres of dance. I have coached students at the state and national levels in oral interpretation at academic competitions. In addition to coaching UIL, I am one of the directors for the UIL One Act Play.

My proudest achievement is my family: my marriage of 24 years to my husband, Chris, and my two amazing kids.

Mrs. Wright–Journalism and Latino Research Essay

Welcome to PTHS! I am thrilled you’re joining us this year.

I have taught at PTHS since 2015. Prior to that, I spent 12 years as an instructor in adult vocational courses at Kilgore College, and I taught public school for 10 years before that.

I have B.A. degrees in psychology and English from Texas A&M and a B.A. in Spanish from UT–Tyler. I enjoy reading and teaching literature from various backgrounds and in both languages.

My husband, Mike, is a 1982 PT graduate. We have 4 grown children and 2 granddaughters. We own a cattle business and spend our time together pursuing many outdoor activities for both work and pleasure.

Mr. Jones–Computer Science

I am a Pine Tree Alum, class of ‘92. I attended several colleges: Blinn, Kilgore, Tarleton CT, Texas A&M, and UT–Tyler. I have been teaching since 2004. I am proud to be back at Pine Tree.

Ms. Ritch–Accounting

I look forward to a great year teaching Principles of Business, Marketing and Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Accounting. I have a varied background in finance, accounting, and marketing. I have worked as an accountant and have a CPA license. I have also worked as a Business Analyst and Marketing Manager. My husband and I have had a small business for many years, and I hope to share insights from experience and education to give students a solid foundation as they seek to enter the world of business. My interests include reading, writing, playing tennis, participating in church activities, and playing music. I also enjoy watching sports, including football, baseball, and tennis. Go Pirates!

Mr. Kelley–Social Studies

I have been a Social Studies teacher at Pine Tree High School since 2018. I teach Psychology, AP Psychology, Sociology, and AP World History, and I sponsor the UIL Social Studies Academic Team. I have a passion for teaching about people, relationships, and the challenges of diversity. I grew up in Massachusetts and joined the US Navy at the age of 17. After 6 years of service as a Cryptologist, I worked briefly as a technician for a large ATM manufacturer. With bigger goals in mind, I decided to return to school to receive a history and social studies degree from the University of Texas–Tyler.

I am a father, a husband, and a proud member of the Pine Tree community.

Mr. Robertson–Current Issues and Events

Greetings! My name is Collin Robertson, and I am the Social Studies Lead Teacher. I currently teach AP US History, AP Government, US Government, and Economics. I have been at Pine Tree High since 2013, and I couldn't be more excited! I am not a native East Texan—I was raised in McKinney, TX, just outside of Dallas. I received my degree in history from The University of Texas–Tyler with a minor in social studies.

I am blessed to celebrate seven years of marriage to my beautiful wife, Tabitha, who is a PTHS science teacher. We live in Longview with our daughters, Evelyn and Alley, and dog, Nattie. In my free time, I enjoy reading, shooting sporting clays, playing with my daughters and my pets, and playing the occasional round of golf. I also enjoy traveling. I have so far had the chance to visit Australia, New Zealand, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Luxembourg, Belgium, and several other European countries.

I want my students to look forward to coming to my class and enjoy learning about social studies through critical thinking. I truly believe it is one of the most important subjects they take throughout their education. My goal is to teach future leaders what it means to be an American and the responsibilities of being a citizen in the modern world. Please feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns you might have.

Ms. Urban–Calculator and Science

I first competed in UIL in junior high and continued until I graduated from Alvarado High School in Alvarado, Texas. I then earned a B.S. in mathematics from Missouri Western State University before returning home to Texas. I obtained an M.S. in mathematics from UT–Tyler in April of 2021. I enjoyed research and participated in several research opportunities throughout both my undergraduate and graduate studies.

Ms. Rutledge–Film

Kilgore College is where I began my college career, and I am proud to say that I was Rangerette. I obtained my Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree and teacher certification from Stephen F. Austin, where I was a member of the Pom Squad. My Master of Arts degree is from Texas Woman’s University, where I focused on constructivism and differentiated instruction in a fine arts classroom.

I began my career in 2006 teaching Art 1, Pre-AP Art, and AP Art at Mt. Vernon High School. Being with Pine Tree High School since 2011 has allowed me the opportunity to teach technology courses where students can claim digital media as a means of connecting, communicating, creating, and learning.

Mr. Carter–Robotics

Hello, Pirate family! My name is Jon Carter, and I currently serve as the PT District Robotics Coordinator. I coach UIL Robotics using the VEX V5 platform. I also teach Robotics I, II, and III at PTHS.

I have been in education since 2009. Prior to that, I served 9 years in the US Navy as an Instructor and Military Training Leader. Once honorably discharged, I enrolled in Kilgore College and UT–Tyler on the GI Bill, where I earned a B.S. in history with a minor in social studies. My certifications include G/T, Composite Social Studies, and Special Education. And I’ve served in all three capacities.

I’m married to Wendy, and we have 4 beautiful daughters. All but one are Pine Tree graduates, including a PT valedictorian and another in the top 7 percent. There is rarely an off time when we’re not traveling. Our favorite activity is cruising, but we also love to just pick an interesting destination and fly or drive there on a long weekend.