Teaching Gatsby
Most English teachers would consider what I’m about to say sacrilegious: I didn’t like reading The Great Gatsby in high school, and for many years
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From the blog
Classroom Transformation and Organization
This week we start school, and I’m going to meet my new students. In preparation, I’ve tried to make my classroom inviting and conducive to
Emotional Learning – Tips for Teaching Teens
When I was in high school, I remember sobbing in my guidance counselor’s office on several occasions. One time, it was because I was in
TED Talks for American Literature
Do you want to enhance your teaching of American Literature? Then use TED talks to teach valuable listening skills and make connections to relevant topics
Writing with Students
The classic American author Flannery O’Connor once said, “I write because I don’t know what I think until I read what I say.” I relate
Teacher Appreciation
Teachers make indelible impressions on our lives- sometimes in ways we don’t even know. I was fortunate enough to have wonderful teachers who provided me
Honor Multiple Intelligences with Book Projects
How do you assess the reading of novels in your classrooms? I try to vary my assessment throughout the semester and use reading logs, literature
A Thank You Letter to Parents
Dear Parents, This week I returned from winter break to my job teaching high school students. The ten-day vacation was needed- I was tired and
Teaching To Kill a Mockingbird
Recently a neighboring school system placed a ban on two books: To Kill a Mockingbird and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. It made local and