Surviving the First Weeks of Class as a High School English Teacher

Workshop Number: 23

Presenter:
Meredith B. Howell, TF Alumna

Description:

Ever wondered what you would do on your first day of class as a new English teacher? We all have visions of what that first day will be like, and they all differ. But what about the first weeks of class—what will you do then? Do you know what you will do on Day 5? Day 10? Day 15? These days are crucial to the remainder of the semester; therefore, having an idea of what you want to teach then is the foundation of your English course. This hands-on workshop provides you with lesson plans and strategies the HS English teacher can adapt to his/her classroom for use in the first few weeks of class, providing a “sampler” of the English curriculum. Teaching HS English will be modeled, not just presented. Numerous resources will be given to each participant so that he/she can adapt strategies, lesson plans, and ideas to fit his/her needs. Also, participants can join a follow-up discussion/idea group via website for continued support throughout the upcoming years.

Curricular Areas:
Middle Grades and Secondary English

Presenter Details:
Meredith Howell holds a M.A. in English Education from UNC-Charlotte and a B.S. in English Education from Appalachian State University, where she was a Teaching Fellow in the entering class of 2001. She has taught for five years at South Stanly High School in Stanly County where she is currently a ninth and eleventh grade English teacher and NHS adviser. Meredith is a Teacher Consultant in the UNC-Charlotte Writing Project, where she also holds positions as mentor, presenter, collaborator, and advocate for innovative strategies in the teaching of writing. This past year, Meredith received National Board Certification in Adolescent and Young Adult English Language Arts. A resident of Albemarle, NC, she is married to her husband, Eric, of three years. Together, they have a treasured miniature schnauzer named Gidget.