25 years teaching high school English language arts
I believe in a differentiated, student-centered approach to teaching. This approach requires close consideration of the unique qualities--the personalities, the needs, the strengths and weaknesses--of each of my students. I consider these qualities when constructing assignments and assessments, when evaluating student performance, when making the myriad decisions a teacher makes on a daily basis. I also strongly believe in an inquiry-based approach to teaching, wherein I serve as a facilitator, someone who, through careful questioning, leads my students through a process that develops their ability to think critically. My goal is to help students learn to solve problems, make rational decisions, and arrive at informed opinions. As a language arts teacher, I strive to help my students both enjoy and learn from great literature and, through a process approach, to write with confidence, clarity, and rhetorical skill.
– Earned national certification for my AP English course syllabus, 2007-2014 – District Teacher of the Year and state finalist for Michigan Teacher of the Year, 2004 – Most Influential Educator award, Marquette Community Fund – Outstanding Graduating Senior award, NMU English Department, 1988
– Bachelor of Arts in secondary English education, magna cum laude, Northern Michigan University, 1988 – Master's in English with emphasis in writing, (3.9 GPA) Northern Michigan University, 1998 – Earned 30 graduate level credits beyond Master's degree (literature, writing, and education) 1998-2005, Northern Michigan University
• Full time teacher of literature, speech, grammar, and writing: grades 9-12 • Developed and taught Advanced Placement English course: 1999-2014 • Director of Great Books Discussion (extra-curricular student group) 1992-2014 • Sat on several committees aimed at improving student achievement • National Honor Society advisor (14 years) • Developed grade level appropriate assessments to satisfy state exams • Mentored other teachers and student teachers (1995-2014) • Editor of student literary publication (using Microsoft Word and Publisher)
7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, Higher Education, Adult Education, Homeschool
English Language Arts, Creative Writing, Writing-Expository, Reading, Grammar, Specialty, Social Studies, Arts & Music, Visual Arts, ELA Test Prep, Geography, Other (Social Studies), Critical Thinking, Literature, Short Stories, Writing, Oral Communication, Writing-Essays, Holidays/Seasonal, Informational Text, End of Year, Close Reading