Model Teachers:
Middle School English

Content: English 6
School: Hines Middle
Years Taught: 5

Why are you passionate about supporting fellow teachers?
As a young teacher myself, I know that help and support is what you need. I want them to see this profession honestly, knowing it takes work every single day; however, I also want them to understand how rewarding this job can be.

What is the best way to describe your classroom on a typical day?
We are a bit crazy, fun, and ready to try it all! We are usually working on 1 or 2 skills a day, Tuesdays and Thursdays are station days, and Fridays we test to see if we grew.

Content: English 8
School: B.T. Washington Middle
Years Taught: 14

What do you love most about teaching?
I love seeing students engaged in the topic and motivated/passionate about what they are learning. Seeing the looks on their faces when they realize something or learn something new is the best feeling in the world.

What word best describes you as a teacher and why?
Strict but kind. I have rules that students know and abide by, particularly when it comes to respecting others and showing kindness. I want students to feel comfortable in my room, and to not be fearful that their response will be met with rude comments. I treat everyone with respect and expect the same from my kids. They know the class isn't going to be easy, but they know it is worth it.

Content: English 8
School: Hines Middle
Years Taught: 7

What do you love most about teaching?
I love connecting with my students by finding ways to be supportive and have fun with them, which leads to them to wanting to do well in my class. I also love sharing my passion for reading and literature. I get excited when a student figures out they are capable through my guidance.

What word best describes you as a teacher and why?
When I asked my students to answer this question, one student said “calm” because I don't yell or lose my temper, one student said “curious” because I am always asking them questions, and another student said “caring” because I care about them. Personally, I describe myself as passionate, because I get excited easily about interesting things, so my classroom is lively, energetic, full of conversation about the topics and the information we are learning about.

Why do you love working in NNPS?
NNPS provides amazing support to teachers and always takes time to find out what teachers need and want. They also care about their students, putting them first in every decision.

Content: English
School: Fitzgerald Middle
Years Taught: 6

What do you love most about teaching?
I most love the connection I make with people through teaching, and I love helping students learn and become better versions of themselves.

What is the best way to describe your classroom on a typical day?
The best way to describe my classroom on a typical day is inviting and communicative. We appreciate each student's individual experiences and what they can bring to an English classroom through the lens of reading, writing, and discussing.

Content: English
School: Hines Middle
Years Taught: 6

What do you love most about teaching?
I absolutely love working with students. I love getting them excited about reading.

What is the best way to describe your classroom on a typical day?
Controlled chaos. I like giving each of my students a voice. Sometimes it can get a little loud, but they are learning and participating, and I’m great with that.

Content: English
School: Hines Middle
Years Taught: 5 1/2

Why are you passionate about supporting fellow teachers?
I like to be an example or model for others like someone was for me. It is always helpful to be something for someone that you wish was available for you and, from experience, I know I do not want other teachers to feel how I felt at times.

What do you love most about teaching?
I love learning from my students and getting to know them. The relationships and bonds I build with students are priceless, and we all learn about each other academically, socio-emotionally, or, my favorite, culturally. In my classroom, safe discussions are a must; these are where I get to build relationships with my students and learn things about them that, in turn, I can incorporate into instruction to make it more relevant.

Content: English 7
School: Crittenden Middle
Years Taught: 25

What do you love most about teaching?
What I love most about teaching is watching the minds of my students come alive in response to the skills and concepts that I teach them.

What word best describes you as a teacher and why?
The word that best describes me as a teacher is unorthodox because the voice of my students is my northern star. Those voices push and challenge me to be a better teacher. At the same time, they confront and help to guide my instruction in nontraditional ways.