Favorite teaching moment: “My favorite teaching moments are when my class overlaps with current events. Most recently, we finished up our human disease unit, and then the first case ever of Ebola diagnosed in the US happened to pop up here in Dallas. I have also loved walking down the hallway hearing my Advanced Placement Environmental Science (APES) students ‘teach’ their friends about Ebola.”

Favorite aspect of teaching: “My favorite thing about teaching science is making it relatable to those taking my class. Science doesn’t just have to be facts, equations and memorization. It should be taking what we learned in class and applying it to why that should be important to each student. I still have former students from years ago that send me emails when they see something related to what they learned in my class. I love that.

Favorite Place: “Home. I am a total homebody. I have two little ones, Aiden (3) and  Ethan (1). That is the best free entertainment any day of the year.”

Pet peeve: “People not listening to me the first time I say something. I dislike having to repeat myself several times.”

Job if not a teacher: “Infectious disease doctor chasing cool and gross diseases around the world. I love everything related to viruses and parasites, as my APES kids can attest to.”

Pets: “I have two kitty cats, Amos and Sunny.”

“Mrs. Drake is one of the most down to earth teachers I have ever had.” — J.T Kirtley, senior

“She really knows how to connect with students and get them excited about learning.” — Logan Wright, senior

“Mrs. Drake’s stories really make class more interesting. They are a fun way to learn about a new topic.” — Madison Ong, senior