LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Tiffany Carstensen

Position: Director of Theatre Arts
School: McKay High School
School District: Salem-Keizer Public Schools
City, State: Salem, OR

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Music that Describes Tiffany

Tiffany Carstensen was nominated by her colleague Jo Strom Lane.

Ms. Carstensen's curriculum and productions are centered on student voice and relevant teaching - and they have been long before others put a name to what she was doing. Students in her classes are given choice after choice in creating art that is meaningful to them. They take turns in leadership positions in and out of class.

She encourages students to express their life experiences or cultures in the production process whenever possible. For example, in her school's production of The Wiz, each land and character Dorothy encountered represented either that actor's heritage or one of the cultures in the student body of McKay while honoring the Black music and culture in the original script. The costumes, choreography, staging, and makeup were beautifully mixed with modern-day Black artists in a way that honored all and marginalized none.

But she didn't stop at the school level; she took it to the state level. Teaching at a school with over 25 languages and a 90% poverty rate, it didn't take long for Ms. Carstensen and her students to see the pattern in the award winners at the Oregon Thespians State Festival. With her hard work, research, and support of her students, the McKay actors and technicians grew to believe in themselves and that there was a place for them in the entertainment field apart from stereotypical or trauma-focused parts. Her students graduate believing they can do anything, any job, college, or career they want, whether they see themselves represented in that dream or not.

"In her 20 years at McKay, she has improved countless lives," said Strom Lane.

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Comments (6)

Jevynn La Mar Posted 5 months ago

Not only is this deserved but it would be absolutely ridiculous if she didn't win. Anyone who has met Tiffany Carstensen can attest to this. I had the unique pleasure of having her in the entirety of my middle school theater productions and she came to McKay my senior year. She leaves an indelible mark on every student and person she is around. I had a lot of amazing teachers growing up but she has always been an important part of my journey, not only in theater but in life. She is tough and brutally honest but always fair. She pushes her students to be the best they can be. If I could make 1% of the impact on my athletes and students as Tiffany has on me and all of the thousands of students she has had then I can die a happy man. She doesn't like to talk about herself or really acknowledge the impact she has made, she is too kind and selfless for that. This is the world telling you how much of an impact and difference you have made on all of our lives. I cannot say enough great things about you and this honor. Thank you for everything!

Anonymous Posted 5 months ago

When I say Mrs. C saved my life, I mean it. My senior year of high school in 2010, I was in a deep, deep depression. I didn’t want to be alive and I had been self harming for years. I ended up having to drop out the week before finals because I had to focus on my mental health, and the stress of school at the time was too much for me. Carstensen had me come in and talk to her and I had always been close (I had spent more time in the McKay theatre than with my own family over my four years) and she wanted to know what was going on. I told her everything: my mental health, my trips to hospitals, my parents divorcing, friend issues, my self harming, etc. I confessed to her how I wanted to stop SHing, but I didn’t know how. She suggested that she text me everyday to ask if I had, and not wanting to let her down I wouldn’t do that I could reply to her ‘no.’ When I tell you this god send of a woman texted me everyday for TWO WEEKS to ask me if I had and to check on me. She helped me get through the hardest part of breaking something I had been doing for years at that point. I’m now SH free for 14 years. That was the first big step in me getting better over all in my life’s trajectory, but especially at that point of my life when I felt lower than low. Tiffany truly saved my life, and I’m forever grateful for her.

Sarah H Posted 10 months ago

Mrs. Carstensen is an educator who goes above and beyond to show care to her students. I learned many important life lessons in the years that I was involved in her theatre department. Some of those lessons I didn’t fully realize until I became an adult. I look back at my time with McKay theatre with deep gratitude in my heart, and wonder that Mrs. Carstensen could make so many incredibly different students feel seen and cared for. I think of her often as a positive example in my current work with teens.

Emily Posted 10 months ago

I am 10 years into my career now and still find myself applying things I learned in my theater days to my daily responsibilities. Most notably, Mrs. C was the first person who taught me effective communication tactics that I still use today. I learned team work, art work, organization, and everything in between from her classes. I truly believe I am as successful as I am today because I carried those lessons with me as I grew up. Thank you, Mrs. C!

Aleksey Posted 10 months ago

I first came across Tiffany Carstensen as a student at McKay. I had her for a writing/English class for students that were a little behind. She through her care and excitement, helped bring the class to the English level we needed. She meet us where we were, no judgements. She help instill love of writing and reading through her daily care and excitement. I also had her for a dance class and theater related projects. She showed appreciation, respect, and dignity to every student. She encouraged creativity, freedom, and authenticity in all of us. She made sure each of us was safe at home, had meals, had a shower and was taken care of physically, mentally, and emotionally. She made us feel like a true family. When something was wrong she would try to help if she was able to. She not only taught the subjects, but also cared deeply about wellbeing of every student. Her care helped many a student, myself included get through high school in a safe and supported way. She changed my life and helped influence me in many ways. Most importantly she showed and role model to me and others what it means to be a good teacher and a good caring person.

Margaret Posted 11 months ago

I remember visiting your theater space years ago and seeing how you always kept the makings for PB&Js available to any kid that needed it. It was just one of the many thoughtful acts that make you an amazing educator and life changer! So many kids need and deserve a Tiffany in their life. I’m excited to support someone who has supported so many. ???