Neighbor: Top Antioch teacher Kasey Graham keeps her classes creative

By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times

Keeping her classes creative is just part of the reason why Graham was not only chosen as this year's Antioch Teacher of the Year, but also the recipient of Antioch's Mary Allan Fellows Award.
"When we read the classics, the students get to do projects that have some medical relationship to them," Graham said. "When we read 'Of Mice and Men,' the students write a story on the medical condition of one of the lead characters."
When the students read "Romeo and Juliet," the students were assigned a report on teenage hormones and finding love a first sight. Graham said that the students generally read the same books as the other high schools within the district, with the exception of a book called "Chew on This," which relates to information related to eating fast food.
"We don't add medical every day," she said. "The point is to keep the students well-rounded."
Graham has been teaching for 17 years, coming to the Antioch Unified School District in 1999. Her first assignment was at the Black Diamond Middle School where she taught special education. In 2002 she began teaching eighth-grade English at Park Middle School. During the 2006 school year she worked as the interim vice principal at Park.
When Dozier-Libbey opened in 2008, Graham transferred to the school with the English department. She was able to come to the school with many of her former eighth-graders. At first she taught ninth-grade English. Last year she moved with those students to teach 10th grade, and this year she teaches that same level.
Graham said she is always involved in extra activities at school. This year she is working with the leadership students, as well as volunteering with the yearbook committee.
When she was working in the middle school she implemented both the Washington, D.C., and Europe trips for students. Those programs are still available today.
Graham said that she is a tough teacher and the students respect her for that.
"My strength is connecting well with the students," she said. "I have high standards and a tough curriculum and still have a good rapport with my students."
While Dozier-Libbey is a pathway school with an emphasis on the sciences, Graham said that the program isn't limited to students who will continue on in science or a medical profession.
Not all the students have to have a high grade point average or high IQ, and some students need help with motivation and their studies, Graham said. Even so, Graham said she has seen many of them become more motivated over time.
"The fun part is watching them realize their own potential," she said.
At the end of last month, Graham was surprised to be the winner of the Mary Allan Fellows Award. The award is given by the Antioch's Schools Education Foundation to recognize outstanding teachers who demonstrated innovation and dedication to the teaching profession.
The award is named after Mary Allan, who was the 1991 California Teacher of the year. Allan taught third and fourth grades at Antioch schools for 20 years before retiring.
"It was a nice award," Graham said. "Along with the award comes with some money to dedicate to the classroom. That is always welcome."
Graham is an Antioch resident and the mother of five. She is a fitness fanatic and enjoys taking her own children hiking and to sporting activities. All of her children are involved in local sports.
Graham said that she enjoys being a good role model for her students.
"I like being a person that lets them see they have an amazing potential," she said.