My Classroom
11th Grade English Language Arts
Teaching Philosophy
I believe in incorporating present day issues into the classroom through a variety of sources. Our essential question of the year is: How can we harness our education to resist systems of oppression in order to liberate ourselves and empower others to do the same? It is my goal to find relevant literature from varying decades, multimedia to showcase present day concerns, and a lot of discussion to help develop students' critical thinking skills. I want each student to leave class feeling like they can help be part of the necessary change the world needs.
Writing
I focus largely on analytical writing in my classroom. My goal is for students to leave my classroom with more critical thinking skills than when they arrived in the beginning of the year. Before, during, and after writing assisignments I have students engage in a lot of discussions to help fuel their thinking.
Classroom Library
Often students are forced to read novels from a curriculum supplied to teachers by the district. I want students to be able to choose what they would like to read, so they don't lose interest in learning through literature.
Flexible Seating
I believe students should be able to sit comfortably while learning. Students sit in desks all day long, so I like to offer an area where they are able to learn in a non-typical learning environment. I have a couch and a couple comfy chairs in my classroom to sit in. I also have pillows for students to sit with against a wall.
