Hanna Kairschner
Educator
Benton High School • Benton, Louisiana
A first-generation college graduate and eleventh-year educator, Hanna Kairschner teaches Civics and AP Government. She brings energy, empathy, and encouragement to every classroom discussion, empowering her students to think critically, debate respectfully, and recognize their own civic voice.
Hanna was inspired to teach by her belief that civic education is the cornerstone of a free and just society. “I don’t tell students what to think,” she says, “I teach them how to think.” Her goal is to help students understand both the structure and purpose of government, equipping them to make informed choices and take meaningful action in their communities.
A passionate advocate for civic responsibility, Hanna reminds her students that democracy depends on participation. She emphasizes that voting, empathy, and understanding others’ perspectives are vital for a thriving republic. “If we’re unhappy with something,” she tells her classes, “doing nothing will never help. It takes effort, empathy, and action.”
Whether she’s unpacking the Constitution, guiding respectful debate, or connecting history to the issues of today, Hanna’s classroom is a place where students learn not just about government, but about the power they have to shape it.