Alternative School – Courtney McCartney, English

English teacher Courtney McCartney has been named the 2020-2021 Teacher of the Year for the Union Alternative School.

McCartney said, “I became a teacher because I was surrounded by phenomenal teachers growing up and I saw the impact they made. I have always known in my heart that I wanted a job that mattered.  I get to come to work every day and build relationship with students while teaching and discussing my favorite literature. . . it’s a dream come true.”

This year, teaching may not have been ‘dreamy’ because of COVID-19, but it has inspired teachers to be better.

“I think we have all had to get creative with ways to engage students both face to face and virtually. I think that this year I have been more conscious to focus more on my student’s mental and emotional health,” McCartney said. “The theme for this year is definitely flexibility and focus. I am being very intentional about focusing on essential skills and best practices to help students achieve success.”

McCartney graduated from Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in English education.