Denise Moeller, Special Education Teacher, Middle School
This school year, I have the exciting opportunity to co-teach in two English classes. The first is a freshman English class, where we are currently immersed in an "American Dream" themed unit. Students are learning about the concept of the American Dream by exploring their own aspirations and comparing them to an older generation's perspectives.
As part of this unit, students are reading the classic story "Of Mice and Men," set in the 1930s, which looks into the American Dream of the two main characters. Through this touching story, students are also gaining insights into how life's circumstances can pose barriers to achieving one's dreams. The message is clear: sometimes, even with unwavering determination, success is not guaranteed. As the saying goes, "life isn't always fair."
In my second class, a sophomore English course, students have just wrapped up a "Spooky Season" themed unit. During this unit, students engaged in a research journey to uncover the mysteries of mythical creatures. They researched the origins, characteristics, and cultural impacts of these legends and creatures, exploring whether they truly deserve the "monster" label or are simply products of their environment.