Thanks, Mrs. Allen!

      When I started teaching at Cache 23 years ago, Yvonne Allen was the senior English teacher. She has been retired for several years, but I have mirrored some of my ideas I use in the classroom after her. Here are three ideas I learned from her.
       To begin with, students in her English IV read books and research about their interests or career choices. On reading days, they would discuss at the end of the hour what they learned from their reading. Sometimes, they would write weekly summaries and reflections about what they read. I believe that if students make connections, relate what they read to other books or current events, and share their ideas with a group, then they have achieved a higher level of reading. It's all about reading to connect, reading to learn, and reading for fun.
      Next, all the essays that the students wrote in class were about their career choices or interests. If a student's career choice was welding, then this student wrote compare/contrast, definition, a personal narrative, and a research paper about it. Some of the students even decided at the end of the school year not to pursue their paths. Just like with reading, if teachers give students the choice, then the student becomes an active participant in their educational experiences.
      Finally, her classes were student-centered and not teacher-centered. The students set goals, planned out what they would accomplish for the week, and completed independent work. She mixed sage on the stage with guide on the side. Students took responsibility for their learning. Recently, a student needed help with correcting run-on sentences. I told her that she has covered this idea for the past six years and asked her how she would learn this skill.  She decided to use compound sentences in her essays and make sure to use correct punctuation. If students learn how to apply the rules in their papers and repeat it over and over again, then they will form the habit needed to sustain it.
       In conclusion, it's about showing students how to become independent learners and thinkers and giving them choices. Thanks, Mrs. Allen, for showing that education is not about a test, but about the student.