Mylynda Koener

Mylynda Koener is a teacher of business at Centennial High School in Glendale, Arizona.

As advisor for the Future Business Leaders of America, she organizes trips for students to attend regional, state, and national conferences where they compete in business-related events, attend workshops, and network with other students and professionals.

She currently teaches a four-year sequence of integrated business and AP English courses, blending literacy, leadership, and career readiness, and serves as the adviser for a nationally competitive FBLA chapter.

From the Nominator:

Why do you have an illustrative story of why this nominee deserves the award?

One particularly inspiring example of why Mrs. Koener deserves Traveling Teacher of the Year comes from my own experience as her student. When I had the opportunity to compete at the state conference through the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), I was unsure if I would be able to attend due to financial challenges. Mrs. Koener believed in me and my potential, and she went out of her way to make sure I didn’t miss that opportunity—personally helping cover the cost so I could compete.

Because of her support and encouragement, I was able to attend the state conference, where I earned 2nd place in Entrepreneurship and 3rd place in Business Management statewide. That experience not only boosted my confidence but also showed me what I was capable of achieving.

Her willingness to invest in her students, both emotionally and personally, truly sets her apart. She doesn’t just teach, she changes lives by opening doors that might otherwise remain closed.

From Mylynda Koener:

Why are you passionate about student travel?

I am passionate about student travel because it transforms learning from something students study into something they experience.

As a child, my family did not have many opportunities to travel. My second job was working as a flight attendant for America West Airlines, and it was through that experience that I was able to work my way through school while also seeing the country in a completely new way. Through travel, I developed a deep appreciation for the United States and gained an understanding of how culture, perspective, and environment shape the way people live and think.

That experience stayed with me. When I became involved with FBLA, I knew I wanted my students to have those same opportunities—to see beyond their own community and understand the broader world around them. For many of my students, these trips are their first chance to travel, and the impact is life-changing.

That belief has shaped how I design my program, creating opportunities for students to not only learn about the world, but to actively work toward experiencing it.

What is a major highlight from any of your student travel experiences?

One of the most meaningful highlights has been watching students grow in confidence and connection during our travel experiences.

Over the past 18 years, I have worked to build a program where students not only compete at a high level, but earn the opportunity to travel to state and national conferences. Each year, I take between 20 and 30 students to these events, where they present, compete, and represent our school on a national stage.

What makes these experiences truly special is the transformation I see. Students who begin unsure of themselves step into leadership roles, navigate new environments, and build lasting relationships. Many return with a stronger sense of purpose and belief in their own abilities.

Seeing my students become state champions, earn the opportunity to travel, and ultimately having 35 national champions over the years has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. While it is always incredible to see students reach that level, one moment that stands out personally was when my youngest daughter and her team became national champions in digital video production. She had spent four years developing her skills, and that final achievement reflected not just talent, but persistence, discipline, and growth—qualities I hope all of my students take with them.

What is the greatest lesson you or your students have learned from your trips?

One of the greatest lessons my students learn is adaptability. Travel rarely goes exactly as planned, and students quickly learn how to adjust, collaborate, and stay positive in new or challenging situations.

They also learn that growth happens outside of their comfort zones. By stepping into unfamiliar environments, they gain resilience, empathy, and a broader worldview that shapes how they approach both school and life.

For many, it is the moment they realize they are capable of more than they ever expected.

How do you try to tie your travel experiences back into the classroom?

I intentionally connect travel experiences to classroom learning by making them an extension of our curriculum rather than a separate event.

I lead a Business Honors Academy where students move through an integrated sequence of AP English and business courses, allowing them to develop both communication and real-world business skills. Within this program, students also operate a school-based enterprise, Coyote Threads, where they design, produce, and sell apparel.

This business is more than a classroom project—it helps provide students with the opportunity to fund and access travel experiences they might not otherwise have. Students see firsthand how their work, decisions, and collaboration can create real opportunities.

During travel, students apply what they’ve learned through presentations, networking, and competition. When we return, they reflect, analyze their experiences, and bring that learning back into the classroom through projects and discussions.

Travel becomes a catalyst for deeper engagement, helping students see the relevance of their education and empowering them to take ownership of their learning. Ultimately, it reinforces the idea that what they learn in the classroom can take them anywhere.

Photo courtesy of Mylynda Koener.