In an article titled “Top Teachers 2020” Fort Worth Magazine listed teachers in the Fort Worth area that represented what good teachers across the metroplex are like. One of those featured teaches at Kennedale High School.
The following is the part of the article that describes Kathryn McBroom who teaches Chemistry at KHS. Read the full article @ https://fwtx.com/culture/people/top-teachers-2020/
When students first enter Kathryn McBroom’s chemistry class, she knows she’s working with a clean slate. Unlike math and English, where basic principles are applied throughout, students arrive to a chemistry class with very little knowledge about the subject matter. This makes Kathryn’s job both exciting and challenging.
“At the beginning of the year, I show them where we’re headed, and I give them a crazy problem. They think ‘There’s no way,’” Kathryn says. “But by the end, they’re speaking this whole new language. They’re doing stoichiometry problems and writing equations.”
While Kathryn might have to tweak her teaching method, thanks to COVID-19, she’s steadfast in her belief that community breeds a positive learning environment.
“I think all meaningful learning, whether it’s in chemistry, English, or in the workplace, takes place in communities,” Kathryn says. “I’m not sure how it’s going to work next year with all the COVID stuff going on, but we sit in learning groups. It could be groups of two, 10, or whatever. It’s up to the students.”
Unlike the rows of desks facing the front of the class that have become the typical diagram of classroom seating, Kathryn has flexible seating that allows students to sit where they please and with whom they please.
“It’s my favorite thing to see them put their cell phones away and hear them talk about chemistry,” Kathryn says. “To hear 17-year-olds talk about chemistry is super exciting to me.”
Senior superlative: Most likely to go back to school
Favorite song: “Seasons of Love,” from “Rent”
Favorite quote: “To love another person is to see the face of God.” – Victor Hugo, Les Misérables
