Brainy Bear
257 Followers
Arizona, United States
About the store
With 16 years of experience teaching both English Language Arts and History across multiple grade levels, I bring a deep understanding of how students grow as readers, writers, and critical thinkers.
My classroom experience has shaped every resource I create. I know firsthand what it takes to balance rigor with engagement, structure with flexibility, and high expectations with meaningful support. Teaching across subjects and grade levels has given me a strong perspective on skill progression — how students develop analytical thinking, writing stamina, and confidence over time.
Each lesson is designed to be practical, classroom-tested, and purposeful. The goal is not just to assign work, but to foster thoughtful discussion, deeper comprehension, and lasting understanding.
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Into the Wild - Gallery Walk Interactive Activity
In this engaging and collaborative Into the Wild Gallery Walk activity, students travel around the room in small groups to read various key parts related to the novel. They read and discuss each key part, leaving behind a sticky note sharing their thoughts. After reading and discussing all key parts, each group is given one poster, reads all its sticky notes, and develops a summary for their poster. Finally, students take turns sharing the overall trends they found in the sticky note respons
9th - 12th
Literature, Novel Studies, Reading
CCSS
RL.11-12.1
, RL.11-12.2
, RL.11-12.3
+2
Also included in: Into the Wild Novel Study Unit BUNDLE (Everything You Need)
A Separate Peace - Collage Project
In this engaging and relevant project, students will create a visual collage that represents A Separate Peace by John Knowles. The collage will illustrate the themes, characters, and key moments that develop throughout the novel. This project will engage students creatively by synthesizing textual evidence into a visual format. Step-by-Step Student Instructions on Google Slides (and PPT): Step 1: Research and AnalysisStep 2: Gather Visuals Step 3: Quote SelectionStep 4: Collage Creation: L
9th - 12th
Literature, Novel Studies, Reading
CCSS
RL.9-10.1
, RL.9-10.2
, RL.9-10.3
+2
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About the store
Experience
With 16 years of experience teaching both English Language Arts and History across multiple grade levels, I bring a deep understanding of how students grow as readers, writers, and critical thinkers.
My classroom experience has shaped every resource I create. I know firsthand what it takes to balance rigor with engagement, structure with flexibility, and high expectations with meaningful support. Teaching across subjects and grade levels has given me a strong perspective on skill progression — how students develop analytical thinking, writing stamina, and confidence over time.
Each lesson is designed to be practical, classroom-tested, and purposeful. The goal is not just to assign work, but to foster thoughtful discussion, deeper comprehension, and lasting understanding.
Teaching style
My teaching style centers on depth, clarity, and meaningful engagement.
I believe students learn best when they are challenged to think critically, supported with purposeful structure, and given space to develop their own ideas. In my classroom, learning is active — discussions are thoughtful, writing is intentional, and reading goes beyond surface-level comprehension.
I value strong routines and clear expectations, but I also prioritize flexibility and authentic conversation. Students are encouraged to question, analyze, and make connections that extend beyond the text. Skills are built progressively, with careful scaffolding that promotes independence and confidence over time.
Awards & shining teacher moments
Throughout my 16 years in education, the most meaningful recognition has always come from student growth and classroom impact. However, I am deeply honored to have been named Teacher of the Year twice — a recognition that reflects not only instructional dedication, but also a commitment to building strong relationships and a positive learning culture.
Some of my proudest “shining moments” aren’t formal recognitions at all — they’re the breakthrough discussions, the reluctant readers who find confidence, the writers who discover their voice, and the classes that leave stronger thinkers than when they arrived.
My own education history
PhD in Global Relations and Master of Arts Degree in Education
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