When most people think of the IB program, the heavy workload immediately comes to mind. However, Students often overlook the extensive behind-the-scenes work carried out by their teachers. As a new IB teacher, Courtney McGhee is excited to share his teaching journey and what it’s like being a first-time International Baccalaureate level teacher.
Growing up, McGhee was an all around athlete. He played football, basketball, and ran track. On top of all of this, he had a massive passion for everything history related. However, initially he didn’t want to be a teacher. After attending LeGrange College, Mcghee began to further engage in history and developed an interest in teaching. He earned a masters degree in Instructional technology and Media and Design, while also getting his bachelors in economics along with a secondary in education. “I have always wanted a meaningful career,” he said. “I aspire to be a mentor to students, helping them learn to love education.”
IB is often viewed as a rigorous program to take, especially since it often requires a lot of homework. However, McGhee’s perspective of homework is different. He believes in a work-life balance and wants to ensure that students’ can have a life outside of school. With this in mind, Mcghee still wants to ensure that his students are absorbing all of the important information in his IB History classes. Meaning that if students need to understand important information quickly, he will assign homework when necessary. “With McGhee not assigning a lot of homework, I can focus on what we are learning in class,” said junior Kate Saxton.
As Mcghee starts his first year teaching IB, he enjoys comparing and contrasting various aspects of the IB program with other classes at NAHS. One major difference he has noticed within the first couple weeks of teaching, is the increased amount of grading required by an IB teacher. Additionally, IB courses require more critical thinking and discussion than other classes. Due to IB courses being more subjective than others, teachers have more flexibility to teach what they believe is necessary. “I truly love the flexibility that comes with being an IB teacher,” said McGhee.
McGhee is excited to continue his teaching journey in a new way. His student-based teaching style has allowed students to look forward to an engaging and inspiring school year.
