Jonathan McLean knew at an early age that he wanted a teaching career. Science was his favorite subject in school so it made sense to him to teach it. He started his teaching career at Stafford Elementary teaching fifth and sixth grade science and has been teaching there for three years. “I can’t see myself working anywhere but here,” said McLean.

McLean graduated college from Texas A&M Commerce. While earning his teaching degree he had to observe several classrooms. During these observations he learned different teaching techniques. The one he decided to use in his teaching was ‘hands on’. “I think students learn more when they are having fun and doing ‘hands on’ projects such as experiments,” explained Jonathan.

Jonathan had the same teacher, Mr. Welborn, for 8th and 10th grade english. Jonathan explained,“He was very strict and the kids didn’t like him very much, he had some humorous moments, but very strict.” McLean went on to say, “When I was a junior in high school I was an aide in his class. I started to understand how and why he did the things he did in his classroom. I started to really like him and came to understand what a good teacher he was. He was a big influence in my decision to become a teacher.”

Jonathan McLean will go to the rooftop if it means his students will try harder and learn more. When he says that – he really means it. Last year he told his students he would go sit on top of the school’s roof if they received 80% on the science TAKS test. They did and he sat on the roof of the school all day long. “I have offered the same deal to my students for this year. But this year the students want me to sit in the very front of the school where the entry way is so everyone will see me,” laughed McLean.

Jonathan has interesting experiments for his fifth and sixth graders. This year the sixth graders built volcanoes that really spewed lava. His fifth graders were challenged to design a ship out of aluminum foil, fill it with pennies to see how many pennies the ship would hold before it sank. McLean explained, “While the students were having fun they were also learning the scientific method. Which boat design would hold the most cargo without sinking?”

“At the end of the day this is where I want to be the very next day. I want to make a positive difference in my students’ lives,” said McLean

We are glad you are here Mr. McLean!