Christine McKenna

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher driven by a deeply personal experience. As a student, I endured significant physical and verbal bullying. The isolation was profound until my high school chemistry teacher intervened. She became my beacon of support, inspiring me to become the teacher I desperately needed. I strive to create a classroom where every student feels valued, safe, and empowered to learn.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Teaching offers countless beautiful moments, but one stands out most vividly. In my first year, a student shared that I was the first science teacher to make her feel truly capable. She expressed feeling intelligent and confident in my class, and, importantly, in her overall academic journey. This profound impact solidified my passion for empowering young minds.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Winning 'America's Favorite Teacher' and the $25,000 prize would be an incredible honor. I would invest in my classroom, school, and community. My primary focus would be enriching student learning. I create educational videos explaining chemistry concepts, but current equipment limits their quality. With improved technology, I can produce higher-quality videos, not only benefiting my students but potentially reaching a wider audience and making a broader impact on science education.