Teaching to the Heart of Lit

I have been teaching for twenty years. My first year I worked with on-level sophomores in World Literature in Oklahoma. For the following nine years, I taught in Longview, Texas at a large high school. Since then, I've been teaching at a full-time virtual high school. I have taught International Baccalaureate HL English: Literature for four years (11th & 12th), and Advanced Placement Literature and Composition (12th) for ten years. In addition, I have also served as a writing coach and an instructional coach. I am currently the lead teacher for our school's ELA department.

I believe students learn best and master material when they are in charge of their own learning. My style allows students to lead much of their own learning with supervision and nudging from me. I also believe creativity and freedom of thought lead to higher interest and internalization of material. My classroom is a high energy, highly organized environment wherein students are pushed to excellence.

100% of AP students have earned a 3 or higher for the last 2 years. National Council of Teachers of English--Texas Excellence in Leadership Award (Texas Council of Teachers of English and Language Arts). Sunny Teacher of the Year Lead Teacher (3 years) Department Head (10+ years) Teacher of the Year TexBess Teacher Mentor (6 years) AP Reader

I have a B.A. in Secondary Education and English Literature from Oklahoma Wesleyan University(Summa Cum Laude) I have a M.A. in English Literature with an emphasis in Modern American Poetry from the University of Texas at Tyler (Summa Cum Laude) AP and IB Training

On a side note--I am married to a wonderful man, and math teacher, Andrew Harbison. We are celebrating 20 wonderful years this year! We also have a literature loving son. One of my greatest joys is our nightly reading routine. What great stories we get to share and experience together!