Clarke Central High School English department teacher and co-chair Meghan McNeeley speaks to her Advanced Literature 9 class on Sept. 16. McNeeley has been a CCSD leader and teacher for 22 years, and this year hopes to support the new teachers in the English Department during their first year of teaching. “We have a lot of new teachers, and some of them are brand new to teaching,” McNeeley said. “(I’m) just trying to find some smiles in these long and enduring miles that we’re working.” Photo by Cadence Schapker
English department teacher and new co-chair Meghan McNeeley hopes to use her leadership experience to better the English Department.
After 22 years of teaching, Clarke Central High School English department teacher Meghan McNeeley has found herself in many leadership roles within the Clarke County School District. McNeeley was appointed to the position of English department co-chair in late July by Dr. Swade Huff.
As a chairperson along with existing co-chair David Ragsdale, McNeeley undertakes responsibilities for the department, such as communication with the administration, scheduling and leading departmental initiatives, in addition to her regularly taught classes. She describes the position as a supportive role for department staff.
“We’re the first line for English teachers for situations, issues, challenges, problems, concerns. (Ragsdale and I) try to do some problem-solving. Sometimes it’s proactive, sometimes it’s reactive. We’re a liaison between administration and the teachers so we try to be the middleman,” McNeeley said.
Looking to her future as co-chair, McNeeley aims to be proactive if she sees opportunities for growth within the department.
“I’ve never been one to just stay stagnant like everything is good and fine and we’re just gonna keep on keepin’ on,” McNeeley said. “I’m always looking for ways, no matter what it is, to do things better, smoother. I always see room for improvement.”
“I’ve never been one to just stay stagnant like everything is good and fine and we’re just gonna keep on keepin’ on. I’m always looking for ways, no matter what it is, to do things better, smoother. I always see room for improvement.””
— Meghan McNeeley,
English department co-chair
From his short time working with McNeeley, CCHS English Department teacher Dillon Shelton, a new teacher and McNeeley’s mentee, is confident she will be a strong leader.
“Ms. McNeeley will make a strong, empathetic, and competent co-chair. She will lead with her character sense of humor and toughness, and her force of conviction will doubtless be to the benefit of all the ELA department and even the school,” Shelton said. “I have no doubt that she will continue to do great things as an English co-chair.”
