Mackenzie Whalen

Since I was a little girl, I have always wanted to be a teacher. Throughout my schooling experience, I had teachers who inspired me and made the classroom such an enjoyable place to be that I wanted to be that person for other students in the future. Science has always been my favorite subject in school, hence me becoming a science teacher. Now I get to do my favorite thing and inspire young minds to learn about science in the world around them!

When my students are engaging in science activities they enjoy, it makes my heart burst and makes up my most memorable classroom experiences! I love seeing their excitement in the classroom. Since I teach 7th and 8th grade students, I often get students from previous years in class again. When they talk about the science they learned before and make connections to activities, I feel like I’m making a difference. I also think connections with the students and seeing them grow is memorable.

I would use the money to continue my education, making myself a better teacher for my students. I would use the money to make my classroom a better space for my students. Students would not have to worry about supplies and materials as I would be able to constantly supply my classroom with everything science! I was told by students I helped make the school a home for my students and I want to continually make my classroom a safe space that students can feel at home in.