I’m really excited to have you.
Here are a few of the skills we will be honing (yes, honing) in class this year:
Here are a few of the skills we will be honing (yes, honing) in class this year:
· Building English knowledge through reading, speaking, and writing
· Identifying assumptions and premises of an author or work
· Effectively using evidence to support claims verbally and in writing
· Recognizing that purpose and audience change how ideas are (or should be) communicated
· Utilizing technology and digital media to convey Information
· Demonstrating intellectual curiosity
· Employing critical media literacy when experiencing life outside the classroom
· Viewing identity as multifaceted and often conflicting (not static)
· Understanding other perspectives and cultures
What’s the Deal with the New English Teacher?
My name is Maeve Fischer. I’m a La Crosse native, but recently moved to Viroqua. A few things about me:
My name is Maeve Fischer. I’m a La Crosse native, but recently moved to Viroqua. A few things about me:
· I broke my arm trying to bungee jump off my back steps when I was five.
· In high school, I was the lead singer of a mediocre musical group called The Vinyl Fischer Band.
· I hiked 2,176 miles from Springer Mountain Georgia to Katahdin Mountain Maine in 2008. It took six months.
· I am down to earth and honest—if you ask me for my opinion, I will tell you.
· I like to cook, play tennis, paint, garden, read, canoe, and watch True Blood and Dexter.
· I truly believe English is fun, interesting, and pertinent to life. I hope you’ll agree with me by the end of the year (if not before)!
Things You Do for Class
· Come prepared! Bring a notebook, writing utensil, and a folder every day. You are responsible for keeping track of your own journal entries, handouts, assignments for writing portfolios, etc.
· Participate! I want to get to know you, so please contribute! You don’t always have to raise your hand.
· Pay attention! Stay awake with your head off your desk. I will take your phone if I see it and/ or catch you using it.
· Turn in work on time! This means at the beginning of the class period. Please place it in the appropriate wooden slot at the front of the room.
· Try! If you read and engage with the material for this class, you will learn more and have more fun. I have a keen eye for spotting slackers—don’t think you’re fooling me if you turn in subpar work.
· Demonstrate independence! This means forming your own ideas while understanding the point of view of others. If I ask you to write a paper, don’t simple regurgitate what I said in class. I will not tolerate plagiarism. If you have a legitimate reason for needing more time to complete a paper or project, talk to me instead of copying someone else’s ideas.
· Respect me and your classmates! This includes following school rules, cleaning up your own messes, and asking before using classroom materials. If you’re unsure if you should be doing something, you probably shouldn’t. But you can always ask me.
Things I Do for Class
· Provide clear directions and expectations! Please ask me if something does not make sense. I will never intentionally try to trick you with a prompt or test question. If the vocabulary in a question is unclear, ask what it means instead of getting the question wrong (vocabulary tests are an exception, of course).
· Grade things in a timely manner and provide written feedback! You will find graded assignments in a folder labeled with your name in the plastic bin next to the window. They’re organized by class period.
· Update the class blog! If you’re absent, check here (this blog!) to see what you missed.
· Try to keep things interesting! I will take your input into consideration but challenge you at the same time. The classroom is not a democracy— I may ask you to do or read a few things you don’t like, but bear with me.
· Respect you and your classmates! I like you already. Let’s have a great year.
