To continue our Inside the Classroom series, we are taking a look at 2nd-grade teacher Megan McSwiney’s classroom and how she came to TFS.
Mrs. McSwiney is no stranger to TFS; she first joined the faculty in 2006, making this her 18th year of dedicated service. Her academic journey began at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Mathematics. She later continued her studies at N.C. State University, earning a master’s degree in special education and learning disabilities. A proud alumna of both schools, she often jokes she’s her own divided when it comes to the Tar Heels and Wolfpack!
When Mrs. McSwiney began her career in 2006, she joined TFS as a second-grade teacher, a role she has maintained to this day. “Second grade will always have a special place in my heart,” she shares. “We get to witness the joy of students receiving two sacraments, First Reconciliation and First Communion.”
Step into her classroom on any given day, and it’s clear this is more than a place for textbooks and tests. It’s a community. “Our class is a family,” Mrs. McSwiney says. “We work hard, but we also play hard.” There’s laughter, teamwork, and trust. Students joke with one another, gather for impromptu “class meetings” when collaboration needs a tune-up, and end each day with a cherished ritual of read-aloud.
Two of Mrs. McSwiney’s favorite books to share are Because of Winn-Dixie and The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. Through the voices of beloved characters, she plants seeds that encourage even the most reluctant readers to discover the joy of storytelling. “Listening to a story each day helps them fall in love with reading, even if it is hard for them,” she says. As the final pages close and the day winds down, students receive a parting reminder from Mrs. McSwiney of their dignity and worth, accompanied by a simple classroom blessing: “We are good, we are holy, we are special.”
Assistant Principal Jennifer Davis shares that, “Megan’s influence in the classroom is profound. Not only does she dial into the individual strengths and needs of each of her students, but she also tailors her instruction to support their diverse range of learning styles. They move on to third grade with increased confidence and a willingness to persevere when the learning becomes challenging. The scope and value of these skills are immeasurable.”
From the very first days of school, Mrs. McSwiney shares two clear goals with her students and parents: by the end of second grade, she hopes a child will fall in love with learning (and reading), and they will understand the importance of kindness and respect. “If my students leave our classroom mastering these two goals, I have done my job,” she shares.
Fellow second-grade teacher Lisa Ward shares, “Megan’s experience makes her such a valuable resource to TFS. As a teaching community member and parishioner, she embodies the Franciscan values of service to others. I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to work alongside and learn from Megan. She does so much behind the scenes to serve each student’s needs and help our school community.”
One of the greatest joys of Mrs. McSwiney’s teaching career has come full circle: seeing a former student return to TFS as a colleague. Years ago, Mrs. Crisp sat in her second-grade classroom as a young learner. Today, she stands in her own classroom, sharing her gifts and continuing the legacy Mrs. McSwiney shared with her. “Seeing her use her talents and watching her pass along the gift of teaching to our community is very special.”
In Mrs. McSwiney’s classroom, second grade is not just a grade level; it’s a sacred and joy-filled season of growth. And for this dedicated teacher, the privilege of walking beside her students on that journey is a blessing she never takes for granted.