A Classroom Star

After 15 years of teaching at Independence High School, science teacher Phuong Kieu has been awarded Teacher of the Month. She stated,“ I was pleasantly surprised that I even won. I have been here 15 years and never got teacher of the month before.” Inspired by her own science teachers during her high school years at Independence High School, Ms. Kieu pursued a career in education and now holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona and a master’s degree from Arizona State University. She believes teaching goes beyond teaching lessons and focuses on building relationships to ensure every student can learn. Through hands-on labs, interactive activities, and consistent classroom routines, Kieu works to create an engaging environment where students feel supported and motivated to succeed.

In the classroom, her favorite unit to teach this year was astronomy.  She stated, “This is the unit that students are more interested in and also ask very good questions.” To support students who may be struggling, she provides after-school tutoring and closely monitors missing work, while maintaining clear expectations and routines to create an organized and supportive learning environment. A co-worker of hers stated,” Ms. Kieu is such an important part of our Science Department.  She keeps our Integrated Science team on track and adds fun and humor to our daily hallway conversations.”

Outside the classroom, she enjoys reading, watching Asian drama shows, and spending time with her family. She has one child and enjoys eating noodles, milk tea, and chips with dip. As a graduate of the University of Arizona and Arizona State University, she says one of her proudest accomplishments is earning her master’s degree. She is a very hard-working person. Another co-worker adds, “Phuong is a wonderful teacher!  She has taken on the new Environmental Science curriculum and created some engaging projects for the students, which also involve the Gardening Club. She is also a primary sponsor of the Environmentalist Club, which helps to keep our school green! She is doing a fabulous job! “

As a former student of hers, I enjoyed having her class. She made everything fun, and even during rough times, she managed to keep a smile on her face and keep teaching. Ms.Kieu stated, “As long as you contribute to society and make at least one person happy, you have met your purpose.”