Mackenzie Pennington is a first-grade teacher in Jefferson County Public Schools. She holds a BA in Elementary Education and an MA in Teacher Leadership. She is National Boards Certified and currently pursuing LETRS certification, further deepening her understanding of the science of reading—a subject she is deeply passionate about. She continues to seek ways to enhance her skills and knowledge. Mackenzie is a strong advocate for knowledge-building and believes in the power of scaffolding instruction to meet the diverse needs of her students, particularly multilingual learners. She believes every student can thrive with the right support and guidance. Outside the classroom, Mackenzie is an avid reader, loves to travel, and finds joy in the company of her two dogs, Belle and Fitz.