About Mrs. McQuiston

Background

I don't remember exactly when I knew that I wanted to be a teacher because it seems to have been something that I have always known.  My parents both retired as teachers, and I loved school at every level growing up.  Specifically, I always enjoyed social studies/history and English/communications classes.  I embraced life as a high school student where I played golf, basketball, and softball, and also participated in band and choir.   It became clear to me in high school that I wanted to do these things forever.

I graduated from McKendree University in 2010 with a Bachelors Degree in English and minors in Secondary Education, Social Studies, and Communications.  I later went on to earn a Masters Degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in Instructional Technology.  I am currently pursuing a second Masters Degree in Coaching Pedagogy and Physical Education.

This school year of 2025 - 2026, I am completing my sixteenth year of teaching.  I spent my first seven years at Nashville Community High School and have been part of the FCHS family since 2017.  I have taught all levels of high school English (freshman through senior, co-taught though honors/accelerated), Public Speaking, Communications, and Journalism, as well as classes in the Physical Education and Health department including Girls P.E., Boys P.E., and weights.  I am the head girls basketball coach, entering my eighth year as a head coach following eight years as a varsity assistant.  I have also coached golf and softball at both Nashville and Freeburg.  In addition to teaching and coaching, I also serve as the Student Council Sponsor at Freeburg.

Beyond life at FCHS, I am a community member and enjoy life with my husband Scott, our two-year old son Brooks, and our dog Callaway.  We enjoy sports, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.  We are active in our church and through church I am also able to continue practicing my love of music where I play trumpet and guitar in our church band of which I have been a member since 2001.

Classroom Mission

Regardless as to whether I am in a classroom teaching reading or writing, or whether I am in a gym instructing physical education or an athletic team, my mission remains the same.  I hope to instill in all students and athletes an appreciation for learning, working hard, and helping others.  I hope that in gaining self-confidence and fostering an environment of respect and acceptance, students will develop the skills needed to become productive and happy members of society. 

My "Why"

I teach and coach because it’s who I’ve always been. Growing up in a family of educators and falling in love with school from an early age, I knew I wanted to spend my life learning, growing, and giving back to the environments that shaped me. As a student, I found joy not just in academics—especially English and Social Studies—but also in the experiences that came with participating in athletics, music, and student life. I wanted to keep doing those things forever, and teaching gave me that path.

For the past 16 years, I’ve had the privilege of helping students find their own voice—whether that’s through a persuasive speech, a literary essay, or their performance on the court. My mission in both the classroom and the gym is simple: to inspire students to love learning, work hard, support one another, and believe in themselves. I believe education is not just about knowledge but about confidence, character, and community.

Every day, I show up because I believe in the potential of young people. I believe in the power of education to change lives, and I believe that by creating a space where students feel seen, supported, and challenged, we help them grow into their best selves. That’s my why—and it always will be.