SFCS Teacher Selected
Who's Who Among America's Teachers
HEADLINE STORY
Monday, March 1, 2004
Shannon Forest Christian
School (SFCS) is proud to announce faculty
member, Jennie McDonald has been selected for
inclusion in the 8th edition
of Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, 2004. McDonald was recommended
by a former SFCS student for having a significant impact on their life.
Jennie McDonald |
Only
high school and college students who have been honored for academic excellence
themselves in Who’s Who Among American High School Students and The National
Dean’s List, are invited to nominate one teacher from their entire academic
experience for this honor. Only 5% of our nation’s teachers are awarded
this recognition.
McDonald came to SFCS in 1999 and has taught Computer,
Math and Chemistry classes. She enjoys teaching in
a Christian environment in that
our unity in Christ really makes a difference in the learning process. “I
have always found the parents, administration and coworkers very supportive,” said
McDonald. “I think it is a significant strength, that in the event
that issues do arise, we are all teaching and learning from the same perspective.” During
her years at SFCS, McDonald recalled several highlights. She was instrumental
in the development of the Computer Program curriculum that included an AP
course in Programming. Her efforts were rewarded when the scores and results
of her
students were outstanding, including a 9th Grade student who scored a perfect
5 on the AP exam.
McDonald also cherishes helping students who struggle
in her classes. “ I love all those moments in math class, and this year
in chemistry class, when students having really struggled with a concept,
all of a sudden, understand it,” said McDonald. One of her favorite
moments was in a Geometry class. A student who hadn’t answered many
questions, one day started answering all of the questions posed in the class.
After ten
minutes or so of this, the student announced to the class, “I have
to tell you guys, this paying attention really works!”
McDonald and
her family have been connected with SFCS since 1996. Jennie and her husband
Arthur
have two sons. In addition to teaching, McDonald enjoys music and has
played the piano for years. In January, she began taking
violin lessons.
In her “spare
time,” McDonald recently finished her final course and will receive
her Masters in Teaching at her official graduation from Converse College
in July,
2004. Being a student while also teaching has added an additional, positive
perspective to McDonald’s teaching. “It strengthens my belief
in the usefulness of education,” she said. “I also think it helps
students to recognize that we are all life-long learners. I believe that
we always have a duty to make the most of our God-given abilities.”
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