Mrs. McDougle

For my teacher spotlight this month, I decided to interview my English teacher and dance choreographer for Kenmore West's upcoming musical Mrs. McDougle. Mrs. McDougle has a way of teaching that pulls you in and leaves you wanting to learn more. She is such an understanding and kind teacher who I think everyone should learn to know more about.

Mrs. McDougle graduated from Kenmore West and attended college at Geneseo. Before ultimately deciding she wanted to be a teacher, McDougle had a period in college where she wanted to be a news anchor but decided it was “too unrealistic.” It is Mrs. McDougle’s 12th year teaching, but her first full year teaching here at Kenmore West. As of right now she teaches English 9, 10, and 12, and is the dance choreographer for our upcoming musical Cinderella. Her favorite things to teach about are the book Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson and the play Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. McDougle enjoys teaching Speak because the students like it, but she also feels the story helps students open up and get more comfortable in the classroom. She likes teaching Romeo and Juliet because it incorporates her love of theatre. She says students tend to expect to hate it because it's Shakespeare but they usually end up enjoying it so it gives her “personal satisfaction.” When asked if she has advice for students she suggests that they try and enjoy these years, because some of her best memories are from this building. 

In Mrs. McDougle’s free time, she likes to spend time with her 2-and-a-half-year-old, Zeke, and her 8-month-old, Izzy. She enjoys yoga and feels it's a nice body and mind relaxation activity. Whenever she has alone time she likes to watch trashy Bravo or anything theatre-related. When asked about her interests she explained how she loves theatre and reading, but she also likes to research mental health, feeling that it's important for everyone in every aspect of their life.

You can tell Mrs. McDougle really enjoys teaching others and so far this year she has had an impact on me as a student. If you have any questions for her visit her in room 204!