Harrisburg High School students were asked which teacher should be highlighted for their ability to partner with students in their learning, and the name that surfaced was Jeanna Herring. Their reason was simple: she doesn’t just deliver information—she makes sure they understand it. Whether it’s in a full classroom discussion or a quiet one-on-one session, her students know she will meet them where they are, break down tough material, and guide them until it makes sense. That sense of support and encouragement has become her hallmark.

Herring teaches two of the toughest subjects on campus: honors physical science and chemistry. Her classes are known for their rigor, but also for their hands-on approach. “We spend a lot of time in the lab,” she explained. “It’s about letting students experience science, not just hear about it.” In physical science, she gives freshmen a foundation in physics, chemistry, and earth-space science, covering everything from tectonic plates to the solar system. In chemistry, she walks students step by step through atoms, molecules, ions, equations, and gas laws. Each concept builds on the last, so she stresses the importance of steady, consistent learning throughout the year.

“Chemistry is unique,” she said. “It pulls on math, history, problem-solving, and critical thinking. But if you don’t master the basics early, it can be overwhelming. My goal is to make sure students are prepared not just to pass my class but to walk into college confident in their ability to succeed.”

That kind of preparation requires more than a strong curriculum. It requires relationships. Herring arrives at school by 6:45 a.m. to prepare and by 7:30 a.m. she gives students time to meet with her for tutoring before the first bell. She opens her advisory period for extra help, and during class she watches closely for signs of frustration or confusion. “I’m constantly reading faces and body language,” she explained. “If I see that inquisitive look or that furrowed brow, I know I need to stop and re-explain. I want students to feel comfortable saying, ‘I don’t get this,’ because that’s how learning happens.”

Her ability to connect with students is rooted in her own journey. Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Herring graduated from Central High School Magnet Career Academy in 1996 before earning her degree from Bellarmine University in 2001. Originally planning for medicine, she shifted to education after discovering her love for working with kids. Her path brought her first to Pope County, Illinois, where she taught every science subject as the school’s only science teacher. In 2010, she joined the Harrisburg district, where she has taught for the past 15 years.

Family was a big part of that decision. Her husband is from Harrisburg, and she wanted their three children to grow up in a smaller community. Now those children are walking the halls of Harrisburg High themselves—and even sitting in her classes. “It’s odd,” she admitted with a laugh. “This year, I have all three of my kids in my classes. It’s not something I planned, but since I’m the only teacher for honors physical science, they didn’t have much choice.” Though unusual, she treasures the chance to be part of their learning in such a direct way.

Herring’s teaching load is heavy—this year she has 82 students across multiple sections—but she works tirelessly to ensure each one feels seen. She makes it a point to learn names from the very first week and to build rapport that extends beyond the classroom. “Sometimes it’s laughing together, sometimes it’s frustration,” she said. “But it’s always about making sure they know I care.”

Even as she pours herself into teaching, Herring is looking ahead. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in educational leadership from Eastern Illinois University, with the potential to become a department chair or administrator in the coming years. “It’s a difficult decision,” she admitted. “Do I stay in the classroom, where I love working directly with students, or do I step into a leadership role where I can make a broader impact? Either way, my heart is with the kids, and that won’t change.”

For now, she remains firmly planted in the lab and the classroom, guiding Harrisburg students through the mysteries of atoms, equations, and gas laws, while also teaching them perseverance, problem-solving, and confidence. “Science is challenging,” she said. “But so is life. If they leave my class knowing how to push through when something feels difficult, then I’ve done my job.”