Every student has their favorite teacher. Whether they are full-time teachers or a substitute. There is always one teacher that makes school that much more enjoyable for students. They always find a deeper way to connect with their students aside from textbooks or homework assignments. Most students never forget this teacher. Every time they see this teacher, they know their class will be enjoyable. For MCHS in particular, this teacher is Miss Jensen.
Prior to switching her career path to subbing, Kayleigh Jensen pursued a career in the filmmaking industry. She was given the role of picking up Hollywood actors from the airport and bringing them to set. Through this experience, Jensen was able to get a behind the scenes look of what it’s like to be a part of a film’s production. Although this career path was extremely fascinating, Jensen believed she had a different purpose. In 2018, she officially began her career in substitute teaching, subbing for multiple schools in the Crystal Lake district. Then, in March of 2020, she found her home in District 156 in McHenry.
The impact Miss Jensen has on the MCHS student community is felt throughout all grades. No matter the subject or age of students, Jensen always makes it her number one objective to make her students enjoy learning.
This same idea was expressed by sophomore Joliena Pham when asked for her opinions on Jensen as a teacher.
“I love Miss Jensen!” Pham says, “She’s always super caring and always makes sure she stays connected to students from a professional and personal level.”
Although she’s had an enormous impact on the entirety of the MCHS student population, some may say that her biggest connection to a specific class would be her connection with the seniors.
Miss Jensen’s first year substituting at MCHS was exclusively with this year’s senior class. She has been connected with this class from their freshman year in 2020 to their senior year. The importance Miss Jensen has with the senior class is indescribable, but senior Makenzie Haynes gave a heartfelt response when asked about how much Jensen means to her.
“Miss Jensen is the best!” Haynes says, “She’s always so easy to talk to. Everyone deserves to have her as a sub at one point. I’m so grateful for her.”
A similar opinion of Miss Jensen is shared throughout the senior class. In fact, senior Caleb Jett further expands on the kind words for Jensen.
“Miss Jensen is a great person who cares about everyone that is around her and will do whatever it takes to make sure students succeed with a positive attitude,” Jett says.
With the seniors awaiting their ride off into their next steps, they all have one common thing to look back at. Of course, they’ll look back on their homecoming dances, proms, the good memories, and the bad memories. But, whenever the question of favorite teacher is proposed, it is almost certain that one of the first names mentioned will be Miss Jensen. The seniors will look back at the great classes with their favorite sub and the younger classes can look forward to having Jensen as a sub for years to come. Every school needs someone like Miss Jensen.