Creative English Teacher — Teaching Ideas

Have you ever wondered if Mythology could overlap with other subject areas—perhaps those that fall into the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) subjects? For Nathalie Roy, 2021 Louisiana State Techer of the Year, this isn’t mere musing; it’s a reality! In her course called Myth Makers, Nathalie takes a true hands-on approach to mythology! After reading the myth of Athena and Arachne, her students try their hand at weaving on cardboard looms. After reading “Jason and the Argonauts,” they complete a challenge to build a cardboard boat powered only by human breath! After reading about the Greek underworld,...

We are the midst of a historic event. Now that many states are shutting down schools and looking at online teaching options, there are many swirling questions about education: When will we go back to school? How will learning continue in the meantime?  I feel for the high-school students who have to face the possibility of missing proms, sporting events, performances, and graduations. As troubling as all this uncertainty is, here is an encouraging thought:  Historic events like this one tend to reshape how we view our world and each other. Many previous generations have been defined by the obstacles they...