Fadra Keihn: A Teacher who Inspires

For nearly three decades, Mrs. Keihn has dedicated herself to educating and inspiring students. Whether she’s bringing history to life in the classroom or coaching on the tennis court, her passion for teaching is undeniable. Recently, that dedication has proudly earned her a nomination for the Excellence in Education Award, a recognition that both humbled and surprised her.

Teaching has been her calling since childhood. She credits her second-grade teacher, Mrs. Fischer, with making school enjoyable and planting the first seeds of inspiration. Later, in high school, her U.S. history teacher, Mr. Gaston, made history feel real and exciting, an experience that solidified her decision to become a teacher herself. 

Over the past 28 years, Mrs. Keihn has taught a wide range of subjects, including English, Math, World History, U.S. History, Government/Economics, AP U.S. History, AP Government, and Social Issues Through Film. In addition to teaching, she has dedicated countless hours to coaching tennis and helping student-athletes develop both their skills and character. Balancing these roles requires immense dedication, but for her, the reward is seeing students grow, both academically and personally.

A recognition she didn’t expect

Despite her many years of hard work, Mrs. Kiehn was stunned when she learned of her Excellence in Education nomination. “I was shocked”, she admitted. “I work with some of the best teachers, and so many on this campus deserve this award.” She emphasized how much she values her colleagues, particularly the support and camaraderie within the social sciences department.

While the nomination came as a surprise, those who know Mrs. Kiehn understand why she was chosen. Her ability to connect with students and prepare them for the future is a testament to her impact as an educator. One of her greatest joys is receiving emails from former students who credit her AP classes with helping them succeed in college. Knowing that her lessons continue to influence students beyond high school reaffirms her passion for teaching.

Her impact isn’t limited to the classroom. She has helped student-athletes grow in confidence and discipline as a tennis coach. One of her proudest moments was leading Dinuba High School’s boys` tennis team to its first-ever Valley Championship, a historic achievement that reflected the team’s hard work and her dedication as a coach 

Beyond the Classroom

 Mrs. Kiehn’s commitment to her students extends well beyond the school day. She maintains an open-door policy, welcoming students during lunch, after school, and even at tennis practices and matches. She also stays connected through Remind and email, ensuring students always have a way to reach her when they need guidance.

Like all educators, she has faced challenges throughout her career. The COVID-19 pandemic made connecting with students through a screen difficult, but she worked tirelessly to maintain engagement, even when technical difficulties arose. Another challenge came when her school moved into a new building without proper heating, a tough situation, especially for her zero-period class. Thankfully. A fellow teacher, Mr. Garrison offered his classroom in the mornings, providing a warm and comfortable space for learning. These challenges tested her adaptability, but she remained focused on what mattered most: her students.

Keeping students engaged

History isn’t always the easiest subject to engage students in, but Mrs. Kiehn has developed creative ways to make it relevant and exciting. She brings historical events to life through real-world stories, interactive discussions, and hands-on projects. She also believes in second chances, offering students opportunities to make up assignments so they never fall too far behind. 

For those considering a career in education, she offers this advice: “Make teaching your own. You will learn a lot in college classes, and sometimes, that doesn’t connect with what you see in your actual class. Take what you have learned and make your teachings work for you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from those around you. We, as teachers, don’t want to see you fail, and we will work to help you in any way we can. Be willing to take constructive criticism so you can always improve and always find ways to learn new things. It will keep teaching exciting for you.” 

A teacher respected by her peers and students alike

Mrs. Kiehn’s impact isn’t just felt by her students; her colleagues in the social science department also recognize her dedication and passion for teaching. Many expressed their excitement about her Excellence in Education nomination, emphasizing how deserving she is of the recognition. 

“She’s a great teacher and a great person. She is very caring, and she puts a lot of effort into the school,” government teacher Jeff Harris said. “I really think she was the perfect choice. I think when you talk about someone who should receive an award, it would be Mrs. Kiehn.”

Fellow history teacher Daniel Avila agreed. “Mrs. Kiehn does a lot on our campus; I mean, she runs our AP social science classes, she’s assistant athletic director, she’s the head coach of our girls and boys tennis Varsity team, and she’s involved in Skills USA. She does a lot on our campus. You can tell she has a heart for our students, she lives in our community, she’s always willing to help students, and she’s a person that is very, very highly thought of on our campus, and it’s a pleasure working with her.

Her students also praise her as a caring teacher.

“It’s truly amazing that she got an Excellence of Education Award because she is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had throughout my high school years!” said student Carlos Mendez. 

Senior Samantha Montes agreed. “I’m so proud of her; I’ve known Mrs. Kiehn for about two years now. She was my tennis coach last year. I think she’s really cool, funny,  and very understanding. She’s always been there for me when I needed help, and she’s provided me with a lot of advice. I feel happy she accomplished this milestone!” 

Whether in the classroom or on the tennis court, Mrs. Kiehn’s impact is undeniable. Her Excellence in Education recognition reflects the lives she has touched, the lessons she has taught, and the inspiration she continues to provide. Through her dedication, she is shaping the future—one student at a time.

“Everyone is capable of learning,” Mrs. Kiehn says. “We as teachers just need to find a way to draw it out of students.”