The high school I work at has approximately 2,094 students, 40% of which are classified as "economically disadvantaged." While this is the data, my students are so much more than the numbers that represent them. I firmly believe that my students have all of the capability in the world and I'll gladly take anyone to task who tries to tell me differently.
I feel so honored that my students choose to share their lives with me for nine short months.
I want to give them the best opportunities for success and I believe that starts with reading.
One of the rules in my classroom is that I will always give my students a reason for why we are doing what we are doing. I tell them they'll never hear me say "because I said so." In exchange, I ask them to try their best by working hard, being kind, and being vulnerable enough to try new things. I will support them through difficult content, difficult days, and no matter what condition they arrive in.
In summation, teaching teenagers is pretty much the best job ever.
My Project
One of the best things about being an English teacher is seeing my students get excited about what they are reading. I'm starting my seventh year of teaching and I've come to the realization that my classroom library is sadly lacking.
In my classroom, we read for enjoyment.
We no longer complete reading logs or summaries. Instead, we take fifteen to twenty minutes out of our day to just "chill out" and enjoy a good book. It's a time where students can relax and shirk off some of their stress.
The selections I've chosen vary in content and include graphic novels. I've tried to include a variety of books to appeal to all of my students. I've also added the graphic novel adaptation of Romeo and Juliet which will help support my struggling readers when I teach the play in my ninth grade English class.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. K. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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