The New Teacher On The Block

Megan McCann is 24 years old and looks no older than most of her high school students. Her laugh is infectious, her smile contagious, and her love of teaching is unfaltering. She is a breath of fresh air that has been long awaited.

Ms. Megan McCann was born on December 18, 1983 and raised in Indiana. Megan graduated from West Field High School and than went on to the University of Dayton. She received her bachelor’s degree in secondary education in both Math and English. Ms. McCann just recently joined the Vanguard staff. She currently resides in Arlington Heights with her boyfriend Tim and her dog Bella.

Ms. McCann enjoys kicking back while reading a good book. She knits blankets, she cooks, she eats like there’s no tomorrow, and “there’s nothing better than good wine, good food, and good people,” she said.

Her family is a major part of her life and she loves being around them as much as she can. One of the main reasons she chose Vanguard for employment was to be closer to her parents who live in Indiana. Another big part of her family is her dog. Her dog Bella has her own blog due to the fact that Ms. McCann has an "unhealthy obsession" with her.

The new teacher on the block is young but it hasn’t seemed to affect her teaching skills. Erik Hernandez said, “Ms. McCann is so awesome she helped me finish my math class. ”

Cassandra Kossick, a member of Team McCann, said, “She is my favorite teacher.” She is well liked and very much appreciated by many students.

Not just another pretty face, Ms. McCann is considering getting her master's degree soon. She admires Dr. Robert Koralik and says that he is a mentor to her. She’s excited for the upcoming election, but would not reveal which candidate she wants to cast her vote for, though she thinks Barack Obama will win the election. She said she gets upset with “Unmotivated, lazy, grumpy, students that think they can graduate high school when they do nothing to help themselves,” she said.

Ms. McCann is not just a teacher. Students say she is someone you can confide in, a friend, a shoulder to lean on, and a big kid at heart. She sings along to “Don’t stop Believing” by Journey, she rocks to Bon Jovi, she heckles to The Wedding Crashers, and she religiously watches The Office. For the short time she has been here so far, according to staff and student alike, she has made an impact.
"Megan has a better understanding of education than many teachers with many more years of experience. She is the best thing happened to Vanguard in along time and we have to do whatever it takes for her to stay here," said Dr. Koralik.

Story By: Jackie Cimarusti