The February Winner of My Favorite Teacher is...

Q: What is your name and where do you teach, what grade?

A: My name is Marjie Keeney, and I am a STEAM teacher at Shades Mountain Elementary in Hoover. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. It is a class that incorporates a great deal of student involvement and a class that everyone can be successful in. Our students are in kindergarten through fifth grade.

Q: How long have you been a teacher?

A: I have been teaching for 29 years! I retired from Deer Valley Elementary School in Hoover a few years ago and have been teaching STEAM part time ever since. It is the best of both worlds – semi-retirement with a really fun job.

Q: Why did you want to be a teacher?

A: I loved having innovative teachers that brought adventures into our classroom. I try to do that with my students so that they will have the same passion for learning that I always have had.

Q. What is your favorite thing about being a teacher, and what is the most challenging?

A. My favorite thing about being a teacher is providing opportunities so students can explore their talents and interests. I bring to life the realworld possibilities that students can achieve. Shades Mountain has hosted authors, scientists, meteorologists, hovercraft engineers and zoologists to impact student learning with lessons that they will not likely forget.

The most challenging aspect of teaching is funding the enrichment opportunities that benefit our students academically. I am always seeking opportunities to collaborate with resources to cultivate student success. Shout outs to Hoover City Schools Foundation, McWane Science Center, Hoover Public Library and Birmingham Zoo, and Southern Research, to name a few!

Q. Is there anything you'd like to share?

A. I grew up in Hoover and my husband, Mike and I raised our four children in Hoover. All four have graduated from Hoover High School. Our two daughters are both teachers, continuing my passion for teaching! Last year we added two granddaughters, so family time is what I am the most grateful for. Family time in Disney is even more special!

Margie has won $100 in gift cards from the Parent-Teacher Store in Hoover and Birmingham Parent. To enter your favorite teacher, visit https://birminghamparent.com/directory/my-favorite-teacher