Science teacher Mac McCarthy emphasizes teachers'impact, says "greatest gift" is being there for students

Mac McCarthy, a science teacher at Dubuque Online School, said in brief remarks that "the greatest gift that I can give any student is just to be there for them," describing presence and support as central to his work.

McCarthy said he enjoys watching students "be creative" and "try different things," and described the moment when ideas click for a student as a primary reward of teaching: "It's fun to watch the light bulbs go on." He added that teachers work with families to help students grow and "get through this and then become somebody."

He called teaching "one of the most courageous occupations" and argued that teachers uniquely shape students' future professions. McCarthy said that those connections and the mutual impact between teachers and students are what have kept him in education.

The transcript records only these personal remarks; it does not include a formal motion, vote, or specific policy proposal tied to the testimony.