Magic Lantern ELA

Hello fellow teachers! My students call me Ms. Tommy, and the nickname has stuck for several years now. I have taught in both West Virginia and Ohio, where I currently teach 10th grade ELA in the latter. I have taught 8th, 9th, and 11th grade ELA as well, but 10th grade is where I have been the longest. As far as electives, I teach Public Speaking and am excited to teach Analyzing Drama for the first time next school year! I have a BA in Secondary English Education from Marshall University and am currently earning my Master's in Communications from Ohio University. I teach students with a wide range of abilities. I teach an inclusion class with my wonderful co-teacher, I have several ELL students, and I teach Gifted and Talented students in Honors courses as well. I am so excited to keep growing and learning alongside my students to be the great teacher I know they deserve!

All through college, my professors always told me, "Students should be doing the heavy lifting!" I believe this is absolutely true! While I may take more time before class to prep for great lessons, I almost never spend a whole class period at the front and center of the room. I want my students to be DOING every day. Whether they are reading, writing, discussing, creating, problem solving, reflecting, responding, leading, et cetera, I want them hands-on and engaged. Students should be the ones making meaning, trying and learning from mistakes, and putting in the hard work. I am there as their resources, their guide, and their #1 supporter. I believe in inquiry-based learning and project-based learning at the forefront of instruction, but as a teacher of a high-pressure class for state testing, I also make sure that I am consistently covering our standards so students can not just learn but master our content.

In college, I was awarded Best English Education Major by the English Department at Marshall University and was recognized for my achievements in Secondary Curriculum and Instruction by the College of Education at Marshall University. I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Marshall University and spoke at MU's Student Research and Creativity Symposium, where I presented on the need to continue teaching Shakespeare in schools, just in a less traditional way ;) . My biggest achievement however, was being voted Teacher of the Year at my high school this past school year.

I earned my BA in Secondary English Education from Marshall University and I will complete my Master's in Communications from Ohio University in December of 2025.

I live in what used to be an 1870s one-room schoolhouse with my fiance and our two cats, Pete and Neo. I have the honor of being involved with my kiddos even outside of school as I am a Color Guard Director, Prom Club Advisor, and Speech and Debate Club Advisor. Outside of my job, I am an avid fantasy and sci-fi reader with a niche interest in medieval history. I participate in community theater throughout the year and I also enjoy doing food tours with my fiance throughout the state of Ohio. Life is good!