TEACHER FEATURE

Mrs. McKay

_________________

What brought you to WYWLA?

This is my 22nd year teaching. After a three-year career pivot, I wanted to return to my love of education. I was looking for an exceptional, smaller school with a strong sense of community, a clear vision, and an amazing, caring staff. Wake Young Women’s Leadership Academy is all this and more, and I am grateful to be here!

What is your impression of WYWLA thus far?  

I joined WYWLA in September of 2024, and my second week here coincided with the Day of the Girl celebration—what an inspiring event! I primarily work with sixth and seventh graders and have enjoyed getting to know the students and staff. The students’ work ethic, care, growth, and creative problem-solving impress me every day. The staff are equally incredible—thoughtful, reflective, and always focused on helping everyone grow. It’s clear that WYWLA is a special place filled with exceptional people!

What is one piece of advice you try to inculcate in students? 

Embrace opportunities! When we embrace opportunities, we step outside our comfort zone and grow. Whether it’s speaking up in class, tackling a challenging math problem, or trying something new, don’t be afraid to try! We learn by doing, and mistakes are often the best teachers.  No one is perfect or knows everything, but everyone can grow.

Where did you grow up?  What were you like as a kid? A young student? Favorite subject growing up?  Hobbies?

I’ve lived all over North Carolina—from the mountains to the coast. I was born in Hendersonville and grew up near Winston-Salem, though I’ve lived in Raleigh for the past 20 years. As a student, I was shy and thoughtful. I wasn’t much of an athlete, but I earned a few “Most Valuable Attitude” awards on my track and swim teams. My favorite subject was Japanese, which I studied in high school. Though my language skills are rusty now, I’ve been lucky enough to travel to Japan with students multiple times. I also loved classes with creative projects or experiential trips. I still remember seeing science concepts in real life when my AP Biology class took a trip to the Florida Keys. I’ve always been drawn to the arts and nature. My friends and I would study at Reynolda Gardens, attend performances at UNCSA (The School of the Arts), or cook together. These days, I still enjoy being outside, crafting, dancing, and experimenting with new recipes.

What is one fun fact about you?  

A fun fact about me is that my mom was a professional ice skater, and I’m named after her favorite skater, Sonja Henie. Another fun connection is that my house has ties to WYWLA / GMS history. Old homes, even small ones like mine, are often named after the person who built them. My house is 125 years old and named after Ms. Haynes, a former student and teacher at the “North Carolina Institution for the Deaf and Dumb and the Blind,” later renamed the Governor Morehead School. Her husband and daughters were also teachers at the school. Though she retired before the school moved to its Ashe Street location, I imagine she might have visited campus or rang the bell that now lives in our gazebo. 

Where did you graduate from college?  Major?

I earned my M.Ed. in Middle Grades Mathematics Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and my B.S. in Middle Grades Mathematics and Science Education from Appalachian State University.

What music do you listen to on the way to work?  On the ride home?  What type of music do you listen to/prefer?  Favorite artists/ bands?  Favorite songs?

Lately, I’ve been playing the Wicked soundtrack on repeat—I’m very excited about the new movie!

Are you a cold weather person or a warm weather one? What is your dream vacation?

I love that perfect in-between weather: sunny, 65–80 degrees, with no mosquitoes. My dream vacation list is long! I’d love to see monarch butterflies overwintering in Mexico, swim with whale sharks in Baja, hike Mount Fuji and visit friends in Japan, or explore Tanzania, where my husband served as a Peace Corps volunteer. Over winter break, I’m looking forward to kayaking and swimming with manatees in Florida. No matter the destination, my dream travel involves breathtaking scenery, nature-based adventures, and meaningful cultural experiences. 

What is your favorite author?  Book?  Genre?

I enjoy reading realistic fiction, magical realism, and historical fiction. One of my all-time favorite books is Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan—it combines all three genres beautifully. I also love Counting by 7’s, The War that Saved My Life, and anything by Linda Mullaly Hunt or Brian Selznick. Most recently, I enjoyed Sylvia Doe and the 100-Year Flood. I’m always looking for recommendations, so please share your favorites with me!