Chandler Public Schools

Gina McVey teaches Biology, Physical Science, and Forensics at Chandler High School. She has been teaching 19 1/2 years,   13 1/2 of those years have been in Chandler.  In addition to teaching, Gina is close to finishing her Master’s degree in counseling.  She is a sponsor for the 2018 senior class, Science Club, Gifted and Talented, and Basketball Booster Club President. 

Gina born in Little Rock, Arkansas and lived there through 2nd grade.  She then moved to Jonesboro, AR and lived there until graduating college.  She attended both Arkansas State University and The University of Arkansas.  After college, she moved back to Little Rock and lived there until moving to Chandler in 1994. 

Q  What led you to teaching?
A  I wanted to be an architect or a make up designer.  However, my dad was an engineer, so he attached engineer to the end of anything I wanted to do....architectural engineer and chemical engineer.  After 3 years of being in the engineering department, I decided this wasn't my cup of tea, yet I had so many science credits, I decided to become a science teacher.  I was terrified of talking in front of people, but after student teaching I overcame this fear.

Q  Did you have any key mentors who influenced who you are?
A  My mom, aunt and uncle, and a few cousins are all teachers, principals and counselors.  I've been surrounded by "school talk" since I was young.  My mom was a significant role model in my life.  She was not perfect, but she was the hardest worker I have ever known. She always pushed me to work hard and to do my very best.  My mom actually taught me the most about life through her battle with pancreatic cancer and death.  She taught me the importance of never giving up and how to fight through pain.  

Q  What would you say most motivates you to teach?
A  When I have students who are passionate about learning, and I see the light finally come on and they begin to enjoy learning about science.  I want students to be successful and to realize anything is possible with hard work and determination. Every opportunity I can, I incorporate life lessons into my science lessons.  

Q  What are you most excited or passionate about? 
A  I love teaching genetics.  I try to attend a genetics conference each year to stay current on this topic because it is a science that new information is being discovered at an incredible rate.  By staying current on this topic, I can make my biology class more relevant to my students. 

Q  What do you find most challenging about being a teacher?
A  Trying to find a good balance with teaching, the extra curricular activities I am in charge of and family.  I truly see my students as "my kids".  When I can't reach a student, I feel as if I have failed.

Q  What's the best thing to happen since you started teaching?
A  Since I've been teaching for nineteen years, I have students who are now adults and have careers/families.  It's nice when I hear from my former students and they tell me they appreciate what I did for them, and my classes helped them in college, even though many did not appreciate it at the time! 

Q  ​What might students and parents be surprised to know about you?
A  Once I decided to become a teacher, I wanted to mesh my love for sports and science.  I got a degree in coaching, in hope of coaching volleyball, basketball or track.  My first year of teaching was an interesting experience.  I taught math and science in Little Rock, AR at a home/school for pregnant teenagers.  The girls lived at this home while pregnant and attended school there as well.  Many of the girls gave their babies up for adoption and this home/school also served as an adoption agency. 

Gina is married to Kent McVey, who is a real estate broker and owns Premier Realty.  Their daughter Chelsea McVey graduates from Medical Residency in June, and will be working with Dr. Richard's, at Saint Anthony's in Chandler.  Their son Brooks is graduating from CHS in May and will be attending Oklahoma State University.  

Gina says she is a sports nut and animal lover! She enjoys water skiing, playing volleyball, racquetball and riding 4-wheelers. She loves adventure and being outdoors.  Some of her adventures include whitewater rafting and zip lining in Costa Rica, whale watching, feeding white faced monkeys in the wild from hand and repelling. She hopes to visit the Galapagos Islands one day. “Despite what my students may think, I am a kid at heart and love having fun!” she said.