It's that time of year again -- when teachers go absolutely crazy over state, district, and end of year tests. I have decided to NOT go insane over this and instead will be working to inspire students to know that they CAN do this.

I know, from my semi-pro career in college, that when you are nervous and stressed you tend to under perform on a test or exam. That being said, I am working on focusing students on the positive.

Here's how:
1) Focus on how well a student did on a particular test, standard, or question type.
2) Motivate students to perform better by focusing on how great they're already doing!
3) Inspire students to engage with the material -- think about a person like this character, etc.

I'm hoping this pays off. So far the data shows it's working -- crossed fingers for next Monday and Tuesday!

- Aaron

My class has been studying the Serial - Season 1 podcast to engage with literary non-fiction. I purchased a great resource that utilizes Google Drive for students to engage with. The lessons have been highly engaging and stimulated discussion in the classroom. Also, the content has really activated students who previously appeared as disengaged with the study of English.

As this year comes to a close we are moving into the state mandated End of Course test for my English III group. Working on argumentative writing and persuasive appeals this week along side drilled practice using released test items. Overall, I know students are well prepared and ready to nail this exam.

I am also very excited to announce that I have accepted a 9th grade English/Reading position with Warren Easton Charter High School in New Orleans for the 2016/2017 school year. I have had such a great experience with Helen Cox High School and have grown as an educator during my time there. However, I am so excited to join an amazing team as a Fighting Eagle next school year. Let the packing begin!!

Well... summer is just about here!

While I am excited to go into another summer break I am also excited to announce that I have been selected for two different teaching institutes this summer season.

1. The USS Midway Teacher Institute in San Diego, CA will run from 6/28 through 7/8 learning about the Cold War and the war in Vietnam aboard the USS Midway. This is going to be an exciting opportunity for me to learn and grow in the content.

2. National Endowment for the Humanities summer teacher workshop at Shepard University titled Voices from the Misty Mountains. This is a summer workshop using ELA and Arts education to bring the stories and voice of the Appalachian region to students. The seminar runs from 7/10 - 7/30 and will include trips through West Virginia and into Washington D.C.

Next -- I have some big news coming soon. So stay tuned.

Also, I just wrapped up my graduate course on African American History Post-Emancipation to Black Power and I have included my three essays below. This was such a great course and Professor Peniel Joseph is BRILLIANT!!

Also, English III just started a unit on Literary Non-fiction using Season One of Serial and the murder mystery - court story of Adnan Syed and Hae Min Lee. They are SOOOO engaged! If this content would be appropriate for your course please check out the assignments in my English III virtual classroom.

Best,

Aaron