Never in my 14 previous years have I been so excited for school to start. The beginning of each school year is magical for me, a time of new students, new classes, new ideas, new assignments, and new challenges. This year will also bring a new baby to my family, and we are thrilled at the prospect of another brother at our house.I have spent the summer preparing for this new year. I've developed new curriculum and worked hard to integrate real-world literacy into all of my courses. I've studied the new state core and looked for the best way to make it attract you, my students, so that you can appreciate how wonderful English is to express every aspect of your life.
Once upon an English Department meeting, a long time ago, we determined that our mission statement would be that "English is LIFE!" I firmly believe that the ways we express ourselves, the quiet and the loud moments, are all "English." We use verbal and non-verbal communication to share ideas and feelings: Communication is "English" if that is the native language. We tell stories to share the important events of our lives: Stories are English. We read blogs, text messages, books and poetry: Reading is English. We speak our hearts: Speaking is English. We learn and share all the skills of English so that we might drink deeply of the elixir of life.
I can't wait to share with you what I've found, and I can't wait to have you share with me what you know and want to know. I'm excited for this year to begin!
