07/01/2026
Hamilton High School is excited to welcome our newest faculty members! We are grateful that these outstanding educators have chosen to join our school community, and we are confident they will make a lasting impact on the lives of our students.
Each of them brings unique talents, experiences, and a passion for helping students learn, grow, and succeed. Together, they strengthen our commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience while building meaningful relationships with every student who walks through our doors.
Please join us in giving our newest Aggies a warm Hamilton High School welcome! We are excited for the year ahead and look forward to the positive influence they will have both inside and outside the classroom.
It is a GREAT day to be an Aggie!
Bio's:
Caleb Watson- English Language Arts Teacher
Hello! My name is Mr. Watson, and I have been teaching ELA for four years. I graduated from Amory High School in Amory, MS, in 2014, then went on to Itawamba Community College, earning my Associate’s in 2016. Afterward, I completed my Bachelor’s degree at Mississippi State University in 2022, my first Master’s in Teaching Secondary Education at MSU in 2023, and my second Master’s in Composition at Liberty University in 2024. I currently live in Amory with my wife, Destaniee, and our two sons, Tommy and Oliver. Outside of teaching, I enjoy reading, writing, playing video games, being active in my church, and spending quality time with my family.
Jeff Patton- Head Baseball Coach and Teacher
Coach Patton recently retired from Bay District Schools in Panama City, Florida. In his 30-year career, he spent time as a Coach, Athletic Director, Teacher, and Administrative Dean. He spent the last 21 years at Deane Bozeman School, serving as the Head Baseball Coach for 20 of those years. In that time, he won 412 games, 11 District Championships, made 18 consecutive playoff appearances, and 6 trips to the State Final 4. Twice, his team made it to the State Championship Game. He coached 37 student-athletes who went on to play baseball at the next level.
Coach Patton is married to his wonderful wife, Dawn Patton. They have 4 children and 1 grandchild. Coach and Mrs. Dawn are very proud to be part of the Hamilton Community here in Alabama. They are looking forward to this exciting new chapter in their lives.
Leeanna Burkhalter- Agriscience Teacher
My name is Leeanna Burkhalter. I am a Fayette native and graduated from Fayette County High School in 2022. This May, I finished my degree in Animal & Dairy Science Production from Mississippi State University. I am passionate about all things related to agriculture and animal science. During my free time, you can find me on the family farm, hunting, or spending time with my fiancé and family. I am beyond excited for the opportunity to work at Hamilton High School this year! Go Aggies!
Nathan Sanderson- Band Director
Mr. Sanderson most recently served as the Band Director at Chilton County High School. A native of Hamilton, Alabama, he is a graduate of The University of Alabama, where he was a member of the Million Dollar Band, the UA Wind Ensemble, the Huxford Symphony Orchestra, and the Trumpet Studio.
During his time at Alabama, he performed at venues across the United States and internationally. As a member of the Trumpet Studio, he advanced to the quarterfinals of the National Trumpet Competition and performed at the Orvieto Musica Festival in Orvieto, Italy.
Mr. Sanderson is excited to join our school community and looks forward to building a tradition of excellence while helping students grow as musicians, leaders, and individuals. Please give him a warm welcome!
Eli Jackson- Assistant Baseball Coach and Teacher
Hey, everybody! I'm Eli Jackson, a proud 2022 Hamilton High School graduate and former collegiate baseball player at Wallace State–Hanceville and Union University.
I recently earned my bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, and I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to return home to Hamilton as a teacher and coach.
Hamilton invested so much in me, and I'm excited to pour that same investment into the next generation of Aggies. I can't wait to build relationships, help students grow in the classroom and on the field, and be part of such an amazing school community.
I'm truly blessed to be back home. Let's get to work!
