Teaching High School English: A Breath of Fresh Air

Elizabeth Buckholds Teaching Philosophy

Red pens, check marks, grammar booksthis is what I knew, what most of us knew, as high school
English. However, when I entered college, the stale English classes that I was familiar with faded away
with fresh, new courses, courses w/ bright, exuberant teachers. Their enlightenment brought me to
appreciate not only literature, but also the endless possibilities that writing offers. My first college
essay was nerve-wracking; I always struggled to write good essays in high school, which was one of
the reasons I never liked the classes. However, as I received my paper back, I was astounded to find
that I had an A. My spirits lifted and I knew, at that moment, that I wanted to be an English teacher,
to show students that the world of English Language Arts was so much more than tiresome work
from grammar books and slashes of a teachers red pen across the page. Upon leaving the classroom
that day, I went straight to the student services office to change my major. To this day, I have never
regretted this decision. While my objective from teacher writing and literature has greatly evolved, it
still remains the essence of my occupation.

My goal is to foster student learning in my

classroom; everything I do is research-based and
student-centered. On any average day, a visitor in
my classroom may see students working
collaboratively or completing hands-on projects,
all while completing in the intense Michigan
Merit Curriculum and engaging in ACT prep
activities. The tables in my room are centered
around the middle, including my own desk, which
facilitates collaboration and discussion. I
encourage students to work together, both in
person and online, to reach their goals. One of the
benefits of this is that each student gets to use his
or her strengths to help others.

Technology integration is also another huge element of my classroom. Thanks to several donors on
DonorsChoose.org, my classroom is equipped with a document camera, a DSLR camera, a laser
printer, two net books, and 4 iPod touches. CHS also has an overhead projector in every room.
Recently, our media center acquired a mobile lab which allows classes reliable access to a computer
lab. With these resources, I am able to create technology centered projects that motivate and entice
students to learn. Some of the projects weve engaged in include using Google Docs for collaboration
and revision, using MovieMaker to create movies, using InDesign software to create yearbook spreads,
using iPod touches to conduct interviews, and many more.

As a teacher, it is my goal and purpose to offer my students the best education possible. By using
proven techniques and innovative ideas, I hope to encourage all students that my classroom is a safe
learning community that they want to take advantage of.