Katherine McKeown—called Madame McKeown by her students—has been teaching at BASIS Prescott since the school first opened in 2014.
But Madame McKeown is more than just a teacher! In addition to teaching French and AP Psychology, McKeown is very involved in BASIS Prescott’s extracurriculars. She is the club advisor for the school’s Bring Change to Mind club and the director of the French Choir. She loves creating real-world experiences for her students and taking their learning to the next level.
Today, we’re spotlighting the incredible impact that Madame McKeown has on the BASIS Prescott community!
Bringing French culture to life at BASIS Prescott
Madame McKeown teaches all levels of French at BASIS Prescott (grades 8–12). She is always looking for unique opportunities to expose her students to different aspects of French culture. She frequently organizes field trips, art and theater workshops, and French cooking classes for her students.
“I do my best to bring the French-speaking world to my students,” says McKeown. “We often have penpal exchanges with students in France, or even in-person visits from French speakers.”
Madame McKeown says one of her favorite units takes place at Halloween time. “Every year, I organize a Zoom conversation with the owners of the most haunted castle in France, Fougeret Castle,” explains McKeown. “Students take turns asking questions in French, and we listen to first-hand experiences from the castle owners.”
Outside of the classroom, Madame McKeown is the proud director of the BASIS Prescott French Choir. This choir sings both traditional and contemporary French songs. Over the years, the choir has performed at the Prescott Elks Theater, on the radio, and at school events.
Madame McKeown has also accompanied BASIS Prescott students on international trips to Europe. “I always have an amazing time bringing my students to my favorite spots around Paris and other parts of France. Trips like these are so memorable for our students, and they bring everything we’ve been learning in the classroom to life!”
Raising awareness for mental health
Madame McKeown is passionate about reducing the stigma around mental health. In addition to teaching AP Psychology—which focuses heavily on exploring different types of mental illness—she is the club advisor for the BASIS Prescott Bring Change to Mind Club.
Bring Change to Mind (BC2M) is a national organization with high school chapters across the country. The club focuses on mental health awareness and promoting positive mental health for students. At BASIS Prescott, club members provide a motivational quote every morning for the school announcements. Throughout the year, the club hosts free events supporting students’ well-being.
“Our two biggest events are the Gratitude Buffet in November and our self-care event in April,” says McKeown. “Both events are free and include catered food, raffles, booths, and stress-relieving activities such as knitting, collage making, and more.”
The importance of creativity in education
Madame McKeown says one of the things she appreciates the most about teaching at BASIS Prescott is that she’s able to be creative with her lessons. “Teachers here are granted the autonomy necessary to be creative and innovative. By thinking outside the box, we’re able to better help our students succeed!”
She explains that teaching goes beyond simply following a curriculum. “It’s about being a role model, teaching critical thinking skills, and exposing students to memorable experiences,” she says. “I love being able to come up with unique lessons every year!”
Madame McKeown’s teaching chops have been recognized across the BASIS network. Over the years, she’s served as a French subject advisor and mentor to other French teachers at BASIS Charter Schools.
Thanks to amazing teachers like Madame McKeown, BASIS Prescott students are able to reach their full potential and succeed in college and beyond! BASIS Prescott is the #1 High School in Prescott, according to the U.S. News & World Report, 2024. Learn more about this top-ranked, tuition-free school for grades K–12 by signing up for a school tour. We’d love to show you what makes BASIS Prescott special!
