Kristina Chowning has served as a teacher at Plant High School for two years, but her presence in the classroom is built upon nearly two decades of prior experience. Before walking the halls of Plant, she spent 16 years teaching at Coleman Middle School, where she became a staple of the local educational community.
While she is relatively new to the Plant staff, her career in the Hillsborough County school system and beyond is extensive. Chowning has taught at five different institutions throughout her career: Coleman Middle School, Monroe Middle School, Madison Middle School, Robinson High School and Chamberlain High School.
Across these various campuses, she has covered a wide range of academic disciplines. Her resume includes teaching English, career motivation and AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), a college-readiness program designed to help students develop the skills they need to be successful in higher education.
According to her students, Chowning’s teaching style is defined by her attention to individual needs rather than a “one size fits all” approach.
“Ms. Chowning is one of my favorite teachers,” Lilly Turner*, a junior, said. “She is really understanding and always personalizes everything in her class towards each kid. She really cares about how she teaches.”
This aligns with Chowning’s personal philosophy of school. She noted that her primary goal is not just to transfer information from a textbook to a student, but to help students identify their own capabilities.
In the classroom, she attempts to connect with students by understanding their individual characters and diverse backgrounds. This approach aims to create an environment where students feel heard, regardless of their personal circumstances or where they come from.
Connor Setzer, a sophomore, noted that the support of Chowning extends beyond the standard lesson plan.
“Dr. Chowning is one of my favorite teachers,” Setzer said. “Whenever I don’t understand how to do something or just about anything I do, she always helps me and always treats everyone very well.”
Behind her teaching methods lies a significant academic background. Chowning holds four separate degrees, representing a long commitment to her own education. She earned her first bachelor’s degree in English education from Northern Kentucky University. Following her undergraduate studies, she pursued further education in Florida, earning a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Tampa.
Her academic journey did not end there. She later completed a course in educational leadership from National Louis University, based in Chicago, Ill. Eventually, she returned to National Louis University to complete her doctoral degree in leadership for learning and organizational development.
While her time is often occupied by grading papers and lesson planning, Chowning also dedicates herself to advocacy work outside of school hours. As a cancer survivor, she has turned her personal battle into a platform to help others.
She currently runs a cancer support program through the American Cancer Society. The program is designed to support individuals who are currently battling the disease or have previously battled it. Through this work, she provides resources and community support to those navigating the healthcare system.
Chowning encourages students and community members to join her mission to help those that are affected by cancer. Whether she is leading a classroom discussion on literature or organizing support for the American Cancer Society, Chowning remains focused on the human element of her work.
For Chowning, the job is about more than grades; it is about the narrative of the people in the seats. As she continues her third year at Plant, she aims to ensure that every student realizes that they are the most important part of the story.