2001 Nevada Teacher of the Year
Ms. McLean has been teaching Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Student Leadership to students in grades nine through twelve for the past twelve years. She is currently teaching Science at Pershing County High School in Lovelock, Nevada.

What are your beliefs about teaching?
"Teaching is an avenue to help people discover and build their talents to become a successful member of society."

How are your beliefs incorporated in your teaching style?
"I use many different techniques and methods to reach all my students. I work with their strengths and develop their weaknesses through science content."

What is your greatest teaching accomplishment?
"My greatest accomplishment has been building the science program up to the point where 40% of current graduating students are taking physics. Before I arrived, only 5% of the graduating students took physics."

What's the most critical issue facing educators today and what do you think can be done to resolve this issue?
"The most critical issue for educators today is negative media. This issue could be resolved through positive coverage in newspaper articles and television segments. That means by schools, unions and companies spending money to put out the good news and support changes in the classroom. Issues in education today are far more complicated than those the general public experienced when they sat behind desks as students."

Inspirational thought:
"Keep hold of your dreams and do not be discouraged by bureaucracies. Be a constant learner and cherish your students on a daily basis. These will naturally lead to excellence."