Known for her infectious enthusiasm for biology and all things science, Mrs. Long brings an excitement to education that is rare to find.

Something that sets Mrs. Long apart is the environment she creates in her classroom.

Starting on the first day of school, Long creates an inclusive atmosphere that is able to put students at ease, even in the accelerated courses she teaches.

In her 13th year at Normal West, Mrs. Long still finds ways outside of science to give back to the students.

Long is the Pride Club sponsor and is also an advisor for the Freshman Mentoring Program. This feeling of inclusivity makes her class a safe place to ask questions in front of your peers without fear of judgement.

Since starting her teaching career at Normal West in 2011, Mrs. Long has taught all levels of biology to hundreds of students. One thing that is clear from the second you meet Mrs. Long is her commitment to her students. Her passion for educating the future of our world is what drives Mrs. Long in her work.

“It gives me hope working with teens for the future.” says Long.

Throughout her busy days, Mrs. Long makes sure to cut out time to help students with their work. Over the past years, Long has made herself available to help students for countless hours. Long has been helping her AP Biology student, NaShyla McQuirter, with her national award winning research.

For the last couple years, McQuirter, a senior, has been researching the digestive system of fruit flies. In the summer of 2023, McQuirter won first place in a national research competition. Throughout McQuirter’s work, Long was there every step of the way to support her research. This is just one example of how Mrs. Long shows her commitment to her work, and more importantly to her students.

Mrs. Long’s dedication to educating will surely benefit all of her students in the coming years, as she will continue to share her passion for biology with students of all ages!