Meghann McDonald

I pride myself on creating safe and inclusive learning environments that affirm students’ identities. To best support my students, I am committed to a lifelong process of reflection and social action aimed at eliminating inequities in our educational systems. I place my students’ needs, well-being, and the unique gifts they bring to the classroom at the heart of my work.

This I Believe Reflection

As a teacher, I am the captain of a small, seaworthy vessel, charting territories discovered and undiscovered. Sometimes the waters are serene, giving the impression of smooth sailing ahead. Other times, the seas are troubled by inequities and sociopolitical influences that complicate navigation. It would be easy enough to focus only on the size of the swell through which I cut the prow, and risk losing sight of my destination. With no horizon in view, I look to the skies. My students are my north star, illuminating the way. I am guided by their brilliant light. 

I believe my students’ unique skills, talents, and lived experiences determine the course of learning. I believe every student is highly capable and deserving of a safe environment that supports their learning needs and affirms their identities, lived experiences, and cultural knowledge. With each new school year, each class, and each student, it is my job to foster an environment rich with opportunity, tools, and academic challenges through which my students can grow into their best, most authentic selves. 

I believe in productively noisy classrooms reverberating with student voices asking questions, sharing insights, and singing the anthem of discovery. I am a steady presence, steering the vessel of learning, always keeping the direction my students illuminate in sight. I see their light and I celebrate it.

Seattle University, Master of Education in Transformational Teaching and Learning Competencies

Seattle University’s Master in Transformational Teaching and Learning (MTTL) is guided by five core competencies. To understand how these competencies empower my teaching beliefs and practices, please explore examples of my work by navigating through the top menu of this site to visit each strand: authentic partnerships; learning environment; planning, instruction, and assessment; social justice identity; teacher learning and advocacy.

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