When seventh-grade science teacher Mairi Gough speaks, her Scottish accent immediately hints at a life lived far beyond the city limits of Macomb. Her journey to the classroom at Macomb Middle School is one of exploration, adventure, and an enduring love for teaching that has spanned continents and cultures.

Born and raised in a small Scottish town with a high school graduating class of just 26 students, Mairi’s early life was marked by a love of learning and a fascination with nature. Initially set on becoming a veterinarian, her career aspirations shifted during a work experience program, where she found the emotional toll of veterinary medicine too heavy. Instead, she pursued zoology, diving into a world of research and fieldwork that would take her to the far corners of the globe.

Her early post-graduate work brought her to Zambia, where she conducted biodiversity research and worked at a monkey rehabilitation center. “I lived in the jungle for a year with monkeys,” she recalls with a laugh. “It was amazing but also terrifying—dodging lions, snakes, and even angry monkeys.” This wasn’t the only stop on her globe-trotting career. Mairi also worked in China with pandas and in Bolivia at a wildlife sanctuary.

It was during these roles that Mairi discovered a hidden passion: teaching. Whether educating villagers in Zambia about how to deter vervet monkeys from raiding their food supplies or introducing Bolivian students to the importance of conservation, she found joy in sharing knowledge. “I realized I loved teaching people why we were doing what we were doing,” she says.

That realization led her to South Korea, where—after receiving her teaching certification—she began her formal teaching career. There, she met her husband on an organized tour to North Korea—a most unlikely backdrop for a love story. “North Korea might not seem romantic, but for us, it was,” she quips.

Her path eventually brought her to Mexico City, where she spent a decade teaching before relocating to Macomb when her husband began a master’s program at Western Illinois University. What started as a temporary move became a permanent one as the couple fell in love with the community. “Macomb felt like a big city compared to my hometown, but it still has that small-town feel,” Mairi explains. “You always see someone you know at the park or the store.”

Today, Mairi teaches seventh-grade earth and space science—a role that perfectly balances her love for the natural world and her vibrant teaching style. “Seventh grade is my jam,” she says with enthusiasm. “They’re old enough to have deep conversations but still young enough to appreciate a bit of silliness.”

Her classroom is a lively space where curiosity thrives. Mairi makes it a point to challenge students’ perceptions of science, often starting the year by asking them what a scientist looks like. “They usually picture someone in a white lab coat looking into a microscope,” she says. “I show them pictures from my travels and say, ‘This is science too. It can take you anywhere.”

Mairi’s background as a field researcher brings a unique perspective to her teaching. She uses real-world examples from her experiences in Zambia and Bolivia to illustrate scientific concepts and spark her students’ imaginations. “It’s about showing them that the world is big and full of opportunities,” she says.

Her efforts don’t go unnoticed. In her five years at Macomb Junior High, Mairi has received heartfelt notes from students thanking her for inspiring their interest in science. “It’s special when a student says, ‘You made me love science,’” she says. “Even if I only reach a few kids, it’s worth it.”

Outside the classroom, Mairi is equally dedicated to her family. She and her husband are raising two young children, aged four and one, and frequently travel to Scotland to ensure their kids stay connected to their roots. “I want them to know their grandparents and where they come from,” she says.

For Mairi, teaching is more than just a profession—it’s a way to empower the next generation. She sees her role as not only teaching science but also instilling a sense of wonder and resilience in her students. “I want them to understand that science isn’t just about facts—it’s about learning how to think critically and see the world differently,” she explains.

Mairi Gough’s journey from a small Scottish village to Macomb’s classrooms is a testament to the power of curiosity, adaptability, and a passion for making a difference. Her story serves as an inspiration, not just to her students, but to the entire Macomb community, reminding everyone that learning truly knows no borders.