Please help us welcome the following employees to our Oxford Preparatory School family!
Vania Mercy N. Durante – Lower School EC (Self-Contained) Teacher
Vania Mercy N. Durante is an educator with nearly 15 years of teaching experience and a strong commitment to inclusive, meaningful learning. She earned her master’s degree in special education from the University of Southeastern Philippines, as well as a bachelor of secondary education with a major in technology and livelihood education.
Ms. Durante is passionate about supporting diverse learners and creating classroom environments where all students feel valued and empowered to succeed. She is dedicated to continuous professional growth and strives to provide engaging, student-centered instruction that meets the unique needs of each learner. Her commitment to education is rooted in a belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Kayla McLean – 5th Grade Math Teacher
Kayla McLean is excited to return to her roots as an Oxford Prep Griffin, this time as a 5th-grade math teacher. A proud Oxford Prep graduate, Kayla previously taught 3rd grade in Granville County and is passionate about helping students build confidence, grow academically, and discover a love for learning. She earned her bachelor’s degree in behavioral and social sciences from North Carolina Central University and will complete her master of arts in teaching from North Carolina State University this summer.
Outside of the classroom, Kayla enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, reading, and baking. She loves building meaningful relationships with her students and finds great joy in watching their growth and progress throughout the school year. Kayla is thrilled to begin this new chapter and looks forward to making a positive impact on her students and the Oxford Prep community. Once a Griffin, always a Griffin!
Chris Monte – Upper School Social Studies Teacher
Chris Monte is a national board certified teacher who earned degrees from North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Mr. Monte has taught a variety of courses, including advanced placement classes and has coached high school soccer. He has worked with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, serving on teams that developed curriculum resources, standards, and assessments for North Carolina schools. Mr. Monte is also a recipient of the Milken National Educator Award. He has served on the Executive Committee of the North Carolina Council for the Social Studies and the Board of Directors of Wake Forest’s Trentini Education Foundation.
Deana Whitt – 3rd – 8th Grade Reading Interventionist
Deana Whitt brings more than 23 years of experience in education to Oxford Preparatory School, including 19 years in the classroom and four years serving as a school social worker. She earned her bachelor of social work degree from Meredith College with a concentration in school social work and later earned her elementary education certification (k–6). Her combined experience as both a classroom teacher and school social worker has given Mrs. Whitt a unique perspective on supporting the whole child within the interconnected systems of school, family, peers, and community. This whole-child approach allows her to recognize and build upon each student’s individual strengths while supporting their academic, social, and emotional growth.
Prior to her current role, Mrs. Whitt taught elementary and middle school students in Granville County and at Kerr-Vance Academy, where she became known for creating engaging, student-centered learning environments and building strong relationships with families. During her previous four years at Oxford Preparatory School (OPS), she served as both a fourth-grade teacher and school social worker. In both roles, Mrs. Whitt advocated for student needs and empowered students to achieve their personal best academically and socially. Returning to OPS feels like coming home, as the relationships she has formed with students, families, and staff have greatly enriched her life. Mrs. Whitt and her husband have been married for 36 years and are the proud parents of three sons, ages 30, 27, and 11. Her oldest son is a graduate of UNC–Chapel Hill, her middle son graduated from Appalachian State University, and her youngest son is a rising sixth grader at OPS, where he has been a student since first grade. Mrs. Whitt is honored to continue serving the OPS community as the 3rd–8th grade reading interventionist and looks forward to supporting students and families through her passion for education and student success.
