Professional Life

Hello! My name is Brandi McKenna and I have been working in education for nine years. I received my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Missouri - St. Louis and worked as a math specialist before joining the Brown School family. I have been at Brown for four years and have worked in Kindergarten, second, and have found my home in third grade. I look forward to getting to know (or continuing to grow with) all my families this year.  

Personal Life

I have one daughter, Bevin, who is in seventh grade, and two dogs, Lola and Penny. I am a lover of nature and spend much of my free time traveling, camping, and hiking. I geek out over anything that has to do with science, and read obsessively. 

Philosophy of Education

I believe that every child can learn, and it is my responsibility as an educator to provide opportunities that facilitate learning. The classroom must be an environment where students feel safe, loved, respected, and a valued part of a community. Children should feel they are able to ask questions, explore new ideas, creatively solve problems, and talk about their thinking and learning within the safety of the classroom community. It is my role to foster an environment where students have the confidence to pursue their learning with the knowledge that I will support them. I will work to develop not only their academics, but also their initiative, perseverance, integrity, and trustworthiness; helping them to become strong learners and leaders.