Lisa's Learning Library

I have been teaching English for 20 years. Between summer school and the regular school year, I have taught every level from grade 7 to grade 12; however, the majority of my career has been spent teaching grade 12.

I incorporate small group work whenever possible because I find that students learn best when they can learn from each other. I have also found that students are more open to learning when they can connect with the material. As such, I create units that are relevant to students' lives or with which they can make personal connections.

My education background is a bit different from most teachers. When I was younger, I used to play "school" with my little sister; I always insisted on playing the role of teacher. When I got to high school, though, the love of school dissipated. I struggled in math and became frustrated with school as a whole. When I failed all of my classes in 10th grade, I refused to go to summer school and ultimately decided to quit school altogether. Three years later, I earned my GED. After working several dead-end jobs, I enrolled in a local community college when I was 21. My initial major was Human Services. After some soul searching, I changed to Liberal Arts and earned my Associate's degree. I then attended college for English and Secondary Education and graduated at the top of my class. After that, I pursued graduate school and earned a Master's degree in Literacy Education.