Pittsburgh Penguins January 2022 Teacher of the Month

Future GoalsTM Program

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Pittsburgh Penguins January 2022 Teacher of the Month

Name:

K.D. Meucci

School:

Ben Franklin Elementary

Classroom Team:


Tell us about yourself!

K.D. Meucci is a resident of Peters Township where she serves on the Parks and Recreation Board as a way to give back to her community. Originally from Ashtabula, Ohio, she is graduate of Edinboro University, received a masters in sport management from Georgia Southern, and another masters in educational leadership from Virginia Tech. She is a 17 year veteran teacher who has taught in North Carolina, then northern Virginia, and now teaches 4th grade in Bethel Park. She is thankful to be a member of such a supportive community in Bethel Park.

In 2017, Meucci was named in the top 12 teachers for Pennsylvania’s Teacher of Year. She was Prince William County Elementary Teacher of the Year in 2013 and a 2020 Pittsburgh Pirates All Star Teacher.

Her mother, Katherine Doyle, taught at Ridgeview Elementary School in Ashtabula Township for 35 years.

Meucci said it wasn’t until her first year in college at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania that she realized what her mother really did as a teacher.

“I went home for Christmas break and ran into several people who had my mother as a teacher,” she said. “They all wanted me to say hello for them and continued to tell me how my mother was their favorite teacher and had really made such a difference in their lives. It wasn’t until that time when I realized my mother was doing more than just teaching lessons, she was growing children.”

Who is your favorite NHL® player and why?

Mario Lemieux is the greatest player in NHL history. Lemieux is a fighter. He fought to follow his dream of playing professional hockey. His hard work and dedication led him to become the best player in the league. When he was injured, he fought injuries and made it back. He gives back to his community and helps others fight to beat cancer with his foundation. Mario Lemieux is a hockey icon and an all around great human being. He’s a role model for kids and adults alike. Also, we named my son Mario. He’s 6.

What is your favorite part of the Future Goals™program? How do you see STEM in the game of hockey?

Student engagement is high when they are working with Future Goals. It’s self-paced and students can work on it in class or at home. It was a great resource during remote instruction and I continue to use it my classroom. STEM is present in hockey from start to finish and can be found in the design of the equipment to shooting goals.

If you played hockey, what position would you play and why?

I’d be a center. I’d enjoy seeing both offensive and defensive situations and setting up my wingers to score. Also, faceoffs would be fun!