Darlene Anne

I've been teaching 7th and 8th grade English for the past 12 years, and I've been in the same district for over 20. Within the first year and a half that I taught, I experienced the culture shock of jumping from a half-time position teaching 12th grade to a full-time position in 3rd grade. The fact that I survived the transition proved to me that teaching was what I was meant to do in life. I have loved every minute of it!

I strive to be the teacher I would want my own children to have. That means differentiating instruction and challenging students at every ability level. It also means being interesting! Teaching is 3/4 theater. Finally, it all comes down to demonstrating respect for students and appreciating them for who they are right now. As teachers, the promise of the future is in our hands. I try to remember that every single day.

Although I am honored to be the recipient of honors and awards from my school district, my most cherished "trophy" is a battered, second-hand binder filled with letters and poems from thankful students and parents. That binder is precious to me and never fails to warm my heart.

My master's degree is from Stony Brook University, and I am certified to teach English 7-12 and Elementary Education N-6.

When I'm not writing or teaching, I love to play tennis, read, and travel with my family. Come pay a visit to my blog! ELABuffet We'll settle in for some teaching tips, free resources, and a whole lot of fun! I can be reached at darleneanne27@yahoo.com