This is my fourth year teaching 7-12 English at New Heights, my seventh year teaching overall. I see New Heights as a great place to teach because the class sizes are small and we get to know the students (as well as their needs) on a one-on-one basis. This is what also makes it a great place for students.

In English class we do a variety of learning activities. Each grade level reads several novels throughout the school year. This year students will read stories such as The Little Prince, The Cay, Romeo & Juliet, Tuesdays With Morrie, Where the Red Fern Grows, and To Kill a Mockingbird, to name just a few. We also study writing, poetry, short stories (Edgar Allan Poe, "The Lottery," "The Yellow Wallpaper"), vocabulary - with a focus on Greek and Latin root words, and non-fiction pieces of work. I stress creativity and independent thinking in my classroom. Students are offered a variety of lessons that meet their learning styles and abilities.

A Little About Me...
I grew up in Rochester, and yes, both my parents work(ed) at the Mayo Clinic. I attended the University of St. Thomas as an undergrad. There I received degrees in English and journalism. I went on to receive my teaching license at Saint Mary's University. Since then I have also received certificates in reading and gifted & talented education. I love to play and watch sports, travel, read, and watch movies. I currently live in Maplewood.

TLinander@newheightsschool.org