Teaching advanced science at the high school level is just the beginning of the Killeen ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year’s commitment to nurturing students.

On Friday, a large group of educators and family members quietly tiptoed up the stairs at Ellison High School, clustered in the hallway and burst into the laboratory classroom where chemistry teacher Amy Key was, of course, teaching.

With streamers and confetti, a plaque, ceremonial check and the Ellison cheerleaders, the group revealed Key is KISD Secondary Teacher of the Year.

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Hi! I am Amy Key. I am the science department teacher leader and teach Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, and AP Environmental Science. I have been fortunate enough to teach at Ellison High School all my 16 years of teaching. I served as the tennis coach for 13 years, five as the assistant coach and eight as the head coach.

I grew up in Cameron, TX, and graduated high school in 2003. In 2007, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Mary Hardin-Baylor. I am currently pursuing a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Texas A&M University-Central Texas.

I am married to Jeremy Key, and we have four children, Ainsley, age 19 (EHS alumni, class of 2022); Grayson, age 9; Preston, age 8; and Landon, age 3. Our family also includes our dog, Coco, and our cat, Milo. We enjoy the outdoors, traveling, and spending time with family. I enjoy watching Preston play soccer and Grayson participate in KISD’s Special Olympics track and field and bowling. I also love reading and gardening.

Philosophy of Education: My teaching philosophy is to provide opportunities for all students of all abilities to learn and grow to their maximum potential and become the best version of themselves. I strive to provide a safe, fun, and positive classroom culture, build positive relationships with students, and accept and love them unconditionally. When students feel respected and valued and trust me, I can guide them and equip them with essential skills to succeed beyond the classroom. I aim to develop confident critical thinkers with a growth mindset who persevere when things get hard, never give up, and celebrate all success, no matter how small. I provide students with opportunities to take ownership of their learning, self-assess, reflect, and develop the subsequent steps to achieving their goals.