Meghan McGowan–Science
What subject do you teach? “Chemistry.”
What is it like teaching classes here at Parkway South? “ I have a lot of fun teaching classes at South! The students love to talk and laugh, so class is never boring. I have a very diverse group of students since I teach freshmen all the way through to seniors, and I enjoy getting to see the similarities and differences between those different populations of students.”
When you’re not teaching, what do you like to do? “ When I’m not teaching you can find me watching baseball or hockey (or obsessively scrolling Twitter for all the updates), reading until it’s way past my bedtime, or walking in the park!
Where did you receive your teaching education from? “ I graduated from Missouri State University #BearUp”
Why did you want to become a teacher? “I wanted to become a teacher because I had really amazing teachers growing up, especially in science, that nursed my curiosity and grew my passion for learning. I want to be able to give that back to future students, really just pay it forward. And also because I love to hear myself talk ;)”
How did you prepare for the beginning of the school year? “ Preparing for the beginning of a new school year is never easy, especially in COVID-times, but this past summer I really tried to not prepare for school until we had to be back in the building. Sure, I had thoughts percolating in the back of my mind, but what I really needed this past summer was a break! I did my best to rest and rejuvenate so I could be at my best for the students.”
What is your favorite part of teaching your subject? “ My favorite part of teaching chemistry is definitely lighting things on fire. I have a great job!”
What are you most looking forward to this school year? “This school year I’m most looking forward to just being back together. Last year was such a challenge being halfway in and halfway at, and I can’t wait for things to return to “normal,” or as normal as they can be.”
Have you taught anywhere else before, or is this your first year teaching? If so, where did you teach prior? “ I taught for the last two year at Fox High School in Arnold, also teaching chemistry.”
Why did you choose to come to teach at Parkway South? “ I wanted to come teach at Parkway South because I graduated from South back in 2013. This year has already been amazing, just being back in the building – it really feels like coming home. The community of teachers is amazing, I feel very supported by my coworkers and all the staff involved in helping new teachers, plus the students are fantastic!”
If you could teach any other subject, what would you choose and why?“ If I could teach any other subject I would love to teach Spanish. I had Profe Barnes for two years and she really made me fall in love with the language. Since her class, I’ve completed the Camino de Santiago (a pilgrimage across Spain) and gotten to use some of my language skills. Unfortunately I’ve lost them over time, but I’d love to get back into it! “
What has been the biggest challenge with teaching? “ The biggest challenge has definitely been COVID. I haven’t had a single school year unaffected by the pandemic, and it has created a whole slew of issues from students not completing work, having to teach a lab-based class virtually, and just lacking the desire and focus I get from being in the classroom all the time.”
Who has been your biggest support through the beginning of your teaching journey? “ There have been SO MANY amazing teachers helping me on my journey. First and foremost would be my cooperating teacher from when I student taught at Parkway West – Allie Privitt. She was so helpful when I was a new teacher and I knew I could always bounce ideas off her. Now that I’m back at South, Laura Eckelkamp has been THE BEST. It’s so cool to be able to learn from and work with all of the teachers in the department, but especially Mrs. Eckelkamp because she was my ac lab teacher for all four years when I attended South!”
Do you have anything else to add? “ Teaching isn’t for the faint of heart, and there are a lot of struggles, but in the end seeing those “aha” faces and the grins from students seeing something cool in the lab make it all worth it 🙂 I’m so happy to be here at South and I hope to continue the legacy of fantastic chemistry teachers!”