Long-time CHS English teacher Mrs. McGovern is no stranger to the “Nest”. As an alumnus, McGovern returned to Falcon Country after taking time off to raise her three children. She returned to teaching once they were in school; all three graduated as Falcons, and now that they are finding their paths, McGovern is as well.
Q: What classes do you teach and how long have you been teaching?
A: “I teach 11th grade AP Language and Composition and English 12 this year. This is my 30th year teaching at Cox.”
Q: What extracurriculars are you involved in?
A: “I am a co-chair of the National Honor Society (NHS), PLC for 11th and 12th grade chair, ILT, and an Advanced Placement (AP) test Reader.
Q: How would you describe your teaching style?
A: “I always start with trying to get to know my students. I like to create respect for them in the classroom. It’s challenging, but I try to inject humor and stories into my teaching to create a fun learning style.”
Q: What made you decide to teach English?
A: “I fought being a teacher for a long time in college. Finally, I just said, ‘I love English and I love studying English too much to not do it.’ First, I was a technical writer, which is the really boring, mechanical side of literature. Then, I knew it wasn’t for me because I’d rather have personal connections.”
Q: What is your life motto?
A: “One comes from my sister and it reminds me when times are tough, the only way out is through. Don’t worry, be happy is another good one, or ‘Just Do It.'”
Q: What have some of your favorite memories been here at Cox?
A: “Some of my favorite memories are when a friend of mine and I sponsored a class, that was really fun. We took them all the way from their freshman to senior year. I also enjoyed doing a literary magazine. After that, I think having all three kids of mine in the building was really fun. I taught two of my nephews and my youngest daughter in AP Language, that was really fun.”
Q: What is most rewarding about your job?
A: “I think what’s rewarding is watching kids grow. The students I had at the beginning of the year are so much different than the end, so that part is really nice. Building relationships, seeing them go on their way, graduating and going off to college, it’s pretty exciting.”
