Baxter Media

A little about me: I’m an 8th grade English teacher in Western Pennsylvania. I’ve been teaching for 14+ in the same region. I’ve co-taught Review Language Arts 8, taught general education Language Arts 8, and taught both 6th grade and 8th grade summer school. For the past three years, I’ve been blessed to be allowed to write curriculum for - and teach - an Advanced Literacy 8 course.

My true passion is in creative writing, and I’ve tried my best to incorporate creative writing into my lessons and handouts as much as I can because - at least I’ve found - creative writing is a way to reach-out to the less engaged students. Allowing students to craft a piece of literature that didn’t previously exist is one of the greatest gifts the ELA teacher can give. (Sorry if that is a bit too philosophical.) For most of the work I post, you’ll see I tend to over-plan. My philosophy is simply this: I want to give students all the necessary set-up for them to succeed. Sometimes, more is more. Expectations, execution, and clear grading expectations all play important roles in the learning outcomes and - when necessary - the final product produced by students

Before he retired, a formed colleague gave me a plague that says, "World's goodest teacher." Also, a student made me a sticker that says, "Subject to spontaneous rants."

I have a bachelor’s degree in English with a focus on Creative Writing from Allegheny College. (Go Meadville Gators!) I was lucky enough to attend the University of Pittsburgh for my Master’s in Secondary English Education. (If you are a Penn State fan, don’t hold it against me; I’m not a huge sports guy.)

My store is called Baxter Media in honor of my own black cat, Baxter. He shares the name with the Maine state park. (My wife is from “Vacationland.” Whoever called it that hasn’t lived through too many Maine winters.) Finally, if you have any lesson ideas you'd like to see on my page, feel free to reach out.