Secondary Strategies

I'm happy to say that I'm in my 25th year of teaching--all at the same high school in central Pennsylvania. I've taught 9th - 12th graders, spending most of my days with sophomores and juniors. I've also done a great deal of homebound instruction for students who are temporarily out of school for one reason or another. The successes these students saw while enduring their own struggles is inspiring!

I believe in the power of my students to learn and learn and learn, so it is my philosophy to present them with the foundations for their learning and a multitude of opportunities to express that learning--and then to step back and let them have at it. There is always a specific, standards-based, rigorous end in mind, but they are ultimately in charge of their learning--with the best coach on the sidelines I can be.

A recent shining moment: On a recent Friday afternoon just before the bell rang at the end of the day, after sharing several poems by Billy Collins with my students, one self-professed poetry hater said: "Well, I kind of like poetry now!" Talk about a WONDERFUL way to end the week!

San Diego State--I began my education there--as an El. Ed. major. Penn State Harrisburg--Where I earned my undergraduate degree--in Sec. Ed. Humanities. Many, many workshops and courses that have provided new insights and current educational information.

I chuckled during the interview for my current teaching position when I was described as "bicoastal", but I am, indeed, a product of both coasts of the United States. After growing up in California, I moved to Pennsylvania (long story....) and now love this beautiful state. I am--and always will be--a California girl, but Pennsylvania is my home. Do any of you have your heart in more than one place? Contact me: msaylor.secondarystrategies@gmail.com