After working as a student teacher and long-term substitute teacher for the past two years at Paschal, Ms. Kannanen (also known as Ms. K) is now teaching freshmen Honors World Geography as a certified teacher. While she enjoyed always having a helping hand to fall back on with her partner teacher, Mrs. Linker, during her first year at Paschal, Kannanen is enjoying having complete ownership of her classroom, something she didn’t get as a student teacher or long-term sub.
During her senior year of high school, Kannanen was unsure of what career she wanted to pursue. In a conversation with her dad, he asked her, “Why don’t you be a principal?” Knowing that she didn’t want to have a traditional office job but did want to help fix problems in schools and continue her interest in social studies and history, she said that “something just clicked,” and she decided to go into education!
Originally from Sandy Valley, California, Kannanen attended TCU and received a bachelor’s in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Social Studies. She also participated in TCU’s 5-year master’s program, receiving her master’s in Curriculum and Instruction. Kannanen says that the 5-year master’s program was a major factor in her decision to go to TCU.
Kannanen loves that she is surprised every day by teaching. She says that she truly wants to make a difference and “be that person” for students, teaching them to love learning instead of only focusing on grades.
Kannanen says that she chose to stay at Paschal and accept a teaching position because of the great support system within the staff. She claims, “I get along well with my coworkers and they’re fun! I don’t have any family here in Texas, so I wanted a place that feels like my home away from home.”
Her other favorite part of teaching at Paschal is the students. Because she spends so much time around students, she says that their energy is important. Kannanen describes the students at Paschal as “fun, funny, and always pushing me to be a better teacher.” She also loves that she gets to see students she student-taught when they were sophomores as seniors now.
Aside from teaching in the Social Studies department, Kannanen is also heavily involved in the Paschal community by serving as the Student Council sponsor. She was asked by Principal Langston to take on this role, and it was an easy yes; she shares, “I knew I wanted to be involved and sponsor something to show the kids that I care.” Kanannen has enjoyed the opportunity to interact with every grade in this role through things like Senior Skate Night and the Homecoming dance.
Paschal is so happy that Ms. Kannanen has decided to stay here as an official teacher!
