Teacher of The Year, McPherson High’s very own Christine Pianalto.

We’re thrilled to announce that Christine Pianalto has been named the 2024 Teacher of the Year at McPherson High School! Christine’s positive influence and warm approach to learning make her an invaluable part of our school community.

Pianalto teaches both advanced placement chemistry and regular chemistry. She has a deep passion for the subject and wants to share it with younger students, so she became a teacher at McPherson High. Interestingly, she never intended to pursue a teaching career during high school or middle school. Pianalto has been teaching at McPherson High School for five years now, spreading her love for chemistry.

Pianalto characterizes herself as compassionate and quirky, reflecting her unique personality and approach to teaching. She finds great joy in her work and is deeply committed to her students, despite the challenges that arise from their difficulty in listening attentively. Unlike many people, she is a morning bird, enjoying the morning hours to prepare for the day ahead. This preference for mornings enables her to start her day with energy and enthusiasm, setting a positive tone for both herself and her students.

“I’m a morning person, I find that when I wake up I have a lot more initiative to get more things done,” Pianalto explains, saying she has more energy in the morning rather than in the afternoon.

Pianlto expresses her preference for books over movies. She feels a deeper connection to the characters in novels than those in movies. She finds it challenging to connect with characters in a film that lasts less than two hours, whereas reading a novel allows her to engage with them over several days.

Pianlto has been happily married for eight years and has worked at the MHS district for five years, where she is a dedicated team member. She wants to clarify that she is originally from Connecticut, not Kansas, as some may believe. This detail is important to her, reflecting her roots and experiences.

She is passionate about what she teaches. Although she may have a quick temper outside of school, she is a great person and teacher at McPherson High School. She expresses her love for chemistry every day of the week to students who may also share the same passion as her.

She won Teacher of The Year because she is passionate about her job, she comes to school every day of the week and shares it with younger peers. She is a kind and straightforward person, someone who is perfect for Teacher of The Year.

In conclusion, Pianalto serves as an excellent role model for both teachers and students. It’s great to have a teacher like her in the McPherson district.