September: Ms. McKeague

I am honored to be recognized as Teacher of the Month.  Teaching has always been my passion. At a young age, my parents purchased school desks and school supplies from a garage sale so I could create a classroom in our basement.  When my friends came over to play school, I was normally the teacher. My younger sister, Lainie, was a frequent "student" in my "classroom." 
My path to teaching has been non-traditional.  I received my undergraduate degree in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. While I was applying to graduate schools, I worked as a paraprofessional in Boston Public Schools.  I was placed in a classroom with woman who had been teaching for over thirty years. On a daily basis, I was inspired by her passion for the profession and how she continued to engage the students in their learning no matter the activity. 
In the fall of 2009, I began to pursue my graduate degree in Learning Disabilities at Northwestern University. I was fortunate to have studied under professors who were experts in this subject matter.  During my time at Northwestern, I worked on clinical academic testing, clinical remediation, and completed my student teaching on Chicago's south side. 
I am now in my seventh year of teaching, and my first full school year at Bateman. I feel incredibly lucky to work in such a supportive, friendly, and welcoming environment.  I continue to be impressed by the capacity of administration, teachers, and students. 
Outside of teaching, I mentor an adventurous​ six year old as part of a big sib/little sib program. I am also a member of an advisory board for Diverse Learners. Above all, I love to travel and am always keeping my eye out for my next adventure!