Shane McKay Coach and Science Teacher Has Students Lining Up to Take His Class

Shane McKay has created an explosion of interest in his anatomy/physiology and biology classes at East Central High School. From a group of 18 students three years ago, this year he has 157 students populating five classes.

The material is difficult, and the students are challenged to perform at their best every day. Mr. McKay demands the best of himself as well as from his students. He has found a unique way to help students remember the some 700 terms related to the human anatomy. He tosses them chocolate, but not as a reward. When students come across a term that is difficult for them, they sniff the chocolate while they're learning. Then when test time comes, if the student gets stuck, he or she can sniff the chocolate Mr. McKay puts out, and it helps their brain to recall the information. The students say it really works!

Motivating students to reach their full potential is his goal. He wants students to get excited about learning and realize that it is their obligation in life to strive to reach their full potential every day. He says, "My greatest reward in teaching is seeing a student with a dream; a dream becomes their personal goal; a goal that eventually becomes their reality."