Staff Spotlight: Anna McVay - physical education teacher at Mickle

August 15, 2024

Every week, we’ll shine a spotlight on one Lincoln Public Schools staff member! Get to know the wonderful people making a positive impact across various areas within LPS. This week, meet Anna McVay, physical education teacher at Mickle Middle School.

“Ms. McVay makes all students feel included, especially in the weight room. She takes matters seriously when it comes down to student-to-student conflicts and never ignores the smallest incidents of bullying. She is joyful but serious. She is very sweet and cares for all of her students. I believe all students and staff would agree with me that Ms.McVay truly cares for the mental and physical needs of her students. She consistently exhibits excellent classroom management skills and very quickly establishes a rapport with students and parents that is characterized by mutual respect through empathetic interactions. She actively engages her classes using group activities, multiple pedagogies and gives of herself effortlessly.” - Kim Anthony, teacher at Northwest High School. 

In a few sentences, briefly describe your role at LPS.
I'm a health/P.E./strength teacher at Mickle Middle School. I've been fortunate enough to help create and build LPS' Strength, Movement & Mobility middle school program that was founded in 2023.

How long have you worked for LPS?
Fourteen years -- Lincoln Southwest (1), Schoo (2), Mickle (11).

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
I am a proud product of LPS (Brownell, Mickle, Lincoln Northeast) where both my academic and extracurricular experiences helped create a positive 13 years of education. I was fortunate to have powerful and influential teachers and coaches in those 13 years who taught me lifelong lessons and habits. My inspiration and goal is to be a positive connection to school for students who come through my door. I want to be a powerful tool for students to learn hard work, resiliency and other behaviors that ultimately lead to success.

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
My favorite part of my job is having students experience success at something and seeing the empowerment it brings to them. I love being a part of the process of them making the connection between hard work/resiliency, achievement and the pride they get to feel as a result of those achievements.

What do you enjoy most about working with a therapy dog at school?
I enjoy having Juice (and other therapy dogs) at school because he is great for starting and initiating an interaction between people.  When students come to say hi or to pet him, a conversation naturally follows. Oftentimes it will be with students who may feel more comfortable talking and/or sharing when their hands are busy petting Juice. Something about a dog just brings a calming, warm and happy presence to those around him.

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
Yes—Brownell, Mickle and Lincoln Northeast.

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
I attended Nebraska Wesleyan University.

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
What I love most about the northeast Lincoln community is how deep the roots are here. I grew up in northeast Lincoln and have chosen to stay here as many families have. Each year I'll have more than a handful of students whose last name is one that I'm familiar with. Families choose to stay in the area and have their kids do the same—northeast Lincoln runs generations deep!

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced your life positively?
“Atomic Habits” by James Clear. "The power of small habits creates everlasting changes in your life." We don't need to be perfect with our behaviors, nor do we need big changes in habits -- we should strive to be consistently good, rather than perfect.

Share a shout out to a former teacher who impacted your life.
Mrs. Karla Tinius, my third grade teacher at Brownell. She was kind, patient, understanding and had the best big red bathtub full of pillows to read in! I hope to be as positive of a connection to school for my students as she was for me.

Do you know a LPS staff member we should feature for Staff Spotlight? Fill out this form to nominate them!

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