Alissa Kanka — who teaches chemistry, Earth science, and astronomy at Howell High School — is currently in second place in the annual Reader’s Digest America’s Favorite Teacher online voting competition. Should Kanka win, she will earn the district a visit from Bill Nye of “Bill Nye The Science Guy” television program fame, as well as a $25,000 cash prize that she will use to establish a community garden on the Howell HS campus.
“The garden would serve as both a hands-on learning space and an elective course for students, fostering environmental awareness, sustainability, and engagement, as well as community outreach and education,” Kanka wrote on her entry. “The funds would cover raised beds, fencing, soil, seeds, irrigation and pathways, creating a long-lasting resource that benefits students for years to come.”
Kanka said she became a teacher “to make school a more positive experience for students.”
“My own time in middle and high school was difficult,” she said. “I know how much a supportive, engaging teacher can change a student’s perspective. I strive to help students enjoy these four impactful years, fostering curiosity and confidence, while making science exciting and accessible for everyone.”
When asked about her most memorable teaching experience, Kanka wrote that in her second year of teaching, she helped a struggling senior who was failing multiple classes and was behind on the credits he needed for graduation.
“He was brilliant but struggled in traditional schooling, his anxiety about the future led him to contemplate taking his own life,” Kanka said. “He confided in me, and I connected him with the mental health support he needed. Together, we worked to recover his credits, and he not only graduated but also enrolled in community college. He continues to strive for progress over perfection and still keeps in touch.
To vote for Kanka, click here.
