Ms. McGinley has had aspects in her life that made teaching seem like a given: She taught swim lessons for ten years when she was a lifeguard, she was a stage manager for the drama club in high school, she wrote for her college newspaper, and she has always loved to read.
Female authors in literature have always had a strong presence in Ms. McGinley’s life. One of Ms. McGinley’s favorite books is The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot.
Ms. McGinley noted that English teachers usually read dark and heavy literature all the time, but the Princess Diaries was a fun book that wasn’t too serious, and just an overall enjoyable read. “I think literature doesn’t always have to be serious. You can read fun things and also grow up with an author.”
Her favorite poet in college was Edna St. Vincent Millay, and she always wrote about her in her college classes. “I wrote any paper I could on her, and I always said if I got a master’s in English, that’s who I’d write my thesis on.”
When asked about an author every woman should read in her life, Ms. McGinley responded with Jane Austen. “Everyone should read at least some Jane Austen—there are so many references to her work in other literature and culture, and it gives you a strong foundation.”
Additionally, Ms. McGinley noted the injustice some women authors face in comparison to male authors. “I think people sometimes discount female authors, and I don’t think you should read a book just because a certain person wrote it. You should read a book because you enjoy it.”
Ms. McGinley also talked about the importance of women supporting women and some influential people in her life. Ms. McGinley’s still talks to her best friend from college every day, and she still has close women in her life from the high school.
In addition to this, Ms. McGinley notes the amazing atmosphere of female teachers here at the high school. “I’m fortunate to work with some really great women here at River Dell, and I know we can lean on each other and learn from each other in a very community-oriented atmosphere.”
Finally, we talked about overcoming gender bias. Ms. McGinley noted that there have been times when people looked over her since she is younger or female. “It’s unfortunate that the world still works that way. But I have found that you have to hold your ground, lean on others, and make sure you’re being treated fairly.”
“Surrounding yourself with strong, uplifting people who don’t subscribe to that kind of thinking makes a difference. Those small changes contribute to bigger changes,” assured Ms. McGinley.
Tatum Leung, a junior in Ms. McGinley’s Language and Composition class, exclaimed, “I love Ms. McGinley because she is the most organized teacher I’ve ever met, which makes AP Language and Composition run really smoothly all the way up to the test. She is also such a nice teacher and yearbook advisor, and she goes out of her way to make sure every student gets what they need!”
