Background on Mrs McAvoy-

Mrs. McAvoy teaches Regents Chemistry and half-year Chemistry at Hauppauge High School. Originally McAvoy had gone to college to be a chemical engineer. During her time working as a chemical engineer she worked at Kraft. In addition, the job caused her to have to travel often for her work, even having to go all the way to Toronto, Canada and Mason City, Iowa. The main reason she chose to go back to college to become a Chemistry teacher was because of the constant traveling. More importantly, she went on to talk about how when she would arrive at the plants they would be in the middle of production and when they told her to come they were never ready. That all the places they sent her to were somewhat boring and there was nothing else to do there. Then she decided that she wanted to go back to school to become a Chemistry teacher after realizing how much she had liked teaching and helping her friends with Chemistry in college. So she then went to Manhattanville College to become a Chemistry teacher. Lastly, she stated that all of her favorite labs include fun aspects that students usually enjoy like the flame test labs. Reasoning this fact with the thought that if her students are enjoying it and having fun she herself can enjoy it more too.

Impact on students-

Mrs. McAvoy has had a great impact on all of her students in some way. She makes them work hard and stay on task. Everyday working with them when they are having a rough time. One of her past students Samantha D. stated, “She’s my favorite, she’s such an amazing teacher and is the reason I’m pursuing a chemistry major.” So she caused one of her students to enjoy the class so greatly that she’s interested in even pursuing Chemistry as a career. McAvoy was able to cause an impact so large that it led to decisions being made in the future. Another student Yulani S. says, “I love how she greets everyone every day and is always happy to help.” By just starting off the period with making someone’s day, she is causing students to enjoy the class more. Always willing to help and assist her students in any way to make sure they are prepared for the topic at hand. In summary, Mrs. McAvoy has impacted future decisions of students even after she’s not their teacher anymore and has made peoples day consistently by just starting the period with a smile.

Way of teaching-

Everyday with Mrs. McAvoy is a day of learning something new and exciting. With Regents Chemistry being a double period every other day it can feel like a lifetime, but McAvoy makes it go more swiftly. There are constant labs or demonstrations to break up the period. Everyday she has the whiteboard and google classroom presenting information on what is going on that day. She’s always there in the morning for extra help to make sure her students have the resources they need to best succeed in the class. Furthermore, if you ask her if you can come in one day to ask her a question she will never turn you away, but find a way to be there to assist you. Overall, she even reminds students what they have to make-up so that they don’t fall behind in her class. So she is always going out of her way to help her students to do their best in her class. 

Personal impact-

Going into Chemistry I was unsure of how the year was going to go, but the day I walked into Mrs. McAvoy’s classroom I knew this was going to be an amazing class. Though I’m one of the quieter students in her class she always notices me. She alway comes over to each of the students so they have the opportunity to ask questions if they find something confusing. I personally love when we have a notes period because I get to read it and get a better understanding so that when we go into our work packet it’s something I can pick up quicker. While I wouldn’t describe Chemistry as being my easiest class at all I would definitely describe it as entertaining and engaging. There are a plethora of hands-on labs and demonstrations that make the topics easier to grasp. In conclusion, Mrs. McAvoy has brought me to love Chemistry and have interest in taking it in future years again at a higher level by making the class relate to reality and making every student feel noticed.