Get to Know Alyse Lacey

Why did you pursue a career in teaching?

Well, I am the fourth generation Eastern Washington University graduate in my family and we are all (or were) teachers!! My great grandmother graduated from Cheney Normal School in 1925, which is now Eastern Washington University, with her Elementary Education degree. My grandfather played football for Eastern Washington University alongside his brother in 1971, graduated with his degree in teaching as well. Then, my Mom played volleyball at Eastern and graduated with her teaching degree in 1989. Finally, my sister and I both graduated from Eastern and are now full-time teachers. You could say it’s a family affair. I have seen how many students and families my family has impacted throughout their years of teaching; the relationships that you create and keep through the years is something special.

What is your favorite part of working at Kennedy Catholic?

The staff has been so supportive and welcoming since the first staff meeting. I truly know that the staff has my back and can pick me up when I’m having a rough day or week. It can be overwhelming being a firstyear teacher and completing my Masters, so the support of the staff is very appreciative.

How do you impact the lives of your students?

I often feel like history can be a boring subject for students so I try to make history as fun as possible. By making personal connections to history, introducing the unexpected, and finding ways to convey my joy of history, my students seem to really respond. I attempt to make my history class as engaging as possible by promoting discussion and making activities active for students. Aside from teaching, I also coach JV girls’ basketball and this has been challenging with my schedule overall, but that extra time with students on the court that I never knew were at this school (because I only teach 9th grade), is worth it. It requires a lot of time and sacrifice, but I get to interact with students differently than I would in the classroom. Being a coach helps me transition into the classroom and figure out what works best with my students too.

How do you experience the Lancer Family in the class room?

Some students will be fine with a simple acknowledgement, but most students thrive on being recognized and receiving accolades, so I try to celebrate my students as much as possible. I try to create opportunities to listen to students, usually through discussions. I encourage my students to listen to their peers; they may or may not agree, but it’s important to listen and give suggestions or ask questions. Being able to listen to people, discuss, and cooperate with the people around you are skills students will need beyond their high school years.