Q: What is your name?
Megan Plackett
Q: What’s your position at Central?
Communication Arts Teacher
Q: What is your favorite book? Genre?
My favorite school book is The Great Gatsby.
Q: What did you do before coming to Central?
I taught English here [Naperville Central], and then I moved across the parking lot to the district office. I was a director for professional learning for 3 years (2022-2025). So as a director for professional learning, I am in charge of all of the learning experiences for our professionals, our teachers. I also did the institute days, do teacher training and other things for everybody from early teacher connections.
Q: How do you plan to enhance the subject you teach in/how will you get kids engaged in what you are teaching?
I think it’s just my excitement. I love books, and I love writing. So I think all of my students can say whether they were having a good or not, that I’m very enthusiastic about what we’re learning and I think that energy and excitement makes for a better classroom experience.
Q: What type of classroom environment do you bring to the table?
I teach freshmen, and I try to make a wonderful high school experience. We have a lot of focused fun together, so I think my students would say that most days it’s a pretty high energy day that focuses on each individual and group experience.
Q: What is your favorite thing about teaching?
My favorite thing about teaching is that it is so creative, and my brain is happiest with teaching because it’s never stopped thinking about what we do, or how we do it together. There is no shortage of stories because we’re human beings that have human experiences. We get plenty of stories that are different.
Q: What made you choose Central?
I used to be a student at Central, and it has a favorite kind of place in my life. I didn’t know I would be able to return. I just love the people here and the energy here, the story here and the feeling here.
Q: What are you looking forward to this year?
I love what happens both in the classroom and beyond the classroom. So it’s fun to share our assemblies and our Naperville Central Experiences, and seeing students do their thing in athletics and performances, theater and music. Just to see life beyond the classroom sometimes.
Q: What are your hobbies?
I am a mom, and I have kids, so I have to chase them around and watch them do their thing. I love to read, and I love to go on nature walks and be outside.
Q: What extracurricular activities do you participate in or hope to participate in at Central?
Right now, I’m helping with maternity leave for the class council. In the past, I coached cross country and water polo and was an SAC sponsor. I love all high school things and look forward to helping more after I get my teaching legs under me again.