7th Grade English LA/Reading
with Ms. Ridout

A native Texan, I attended Richland Community College as a dual-credit student before graduating in 2008 from Southern Methodist University with a bachelor's degree in English and Creative Writing. I then spent the next several years receiving an education of experience on the coastal waters of Maine where I served as a mariner and sous chef aboard a schooner. Though the language arts still had a massive hold upon my heart, it wasn't until the summer of 2011 that I realized where I could put them to use. I found that teaching was where I could combine my love of the written word and enjoyment of working with kids! For the next couple of years, I dedicated myself to spending more time in education as well as receiving my certification to teach. I have since completed my graduate degree in English Curriculum and Instruction Design through the University of Texas at Tyler and have had the pleasure of teaching both middle and high school students in language and literature skills. 

 

As for my approach to teaching, I believe that it is collaborative in nature, where students, teachers, and parents all work together to ensure that students are receiving the best education possible. This also means that a student must earn their education and that it is their responsibility to put forth their best efforts to learn. As their teacher, I will be a supportive guide, helping them to find and communicate their own ideas and accomplish their personal and educational goals.

 

I challenge my students to think deeply and to embrace their independence of thought, and I know that they will surpass even their own expectations. I am a stickler for homework completion and paying attention in class, but I choose my materials carefully and never ask the students to complete anything that I have not done or read myself. I am a strong advocate for student choices in novels to read and manners of presenting content understanding. I also incorporate oration and speech into my lessons so students are more prepared for more public speaking and working in a group. Overall, I believe that teaching the whole self is paramount to learning within any particular subject, and I center my classroom with that view in mind. 

 

For students to truly succeed, they must remember that there is no limit to what they can achieve through hard work, responsibility, dedication, and creativity. To gain an education is a privilege, and I look forward to helping each student move forward in their educational life journeys!