After serving eight years in the Army, Dr. Christiana McLean decided to join the army of teachers who dedicate their lives to educating children. She began student teaching at Carrie Downie 14 ½  years ago, and  never left.  Now, after being named Teacher of the Year at her beloved little school, Mclean shares big thoughts about her students saying she values the relationships she builds with them especially after the youngsters have what she calls “A-ha” moments when they come to understand a tough or new concept. What’s her secret to connecting with her students? “Humor! I Let my students know that learning can be fun,” she says. As for what McLean wants parents and guardians to know about her she says, “I care deeply for my students. I know that parents are sending me their precious cargo and I want to take care of it and nurture it the whole time that I am in its possession.”