Interviewing Ms. G

1. What are some benefits of reading books?

A. Your vocabulary increases, your comprehension increases, and your knowledge of the world in general increases. I think it makes people happy because it gives them an escape from real life.

2. What are some essential books every student should read to improve their critical thinking skills?

A. Reading anything like historical fiction. "The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah. I think everyone should read at least one dystopian novel. My recommendation would be "Margaret Attwood". I think every teenager should read "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Steven Chbosky.

3. What is one skill that you hope your students will learn?

A. Independently using the resources around you, like your peers or materials given in class.

4. What is one good way to improve at writing essays?

A. Using a thesaurus.

5. What is one piece of advice you want to provide for your students writing their essays?

A. Constantly revise your work. Read it out loud, read it backwards, read it to someone else, and have them give you verbal feedback as you read...constantly revise the same one until you feel you cannot revise anymore.

6. How could strengthening our writing skills help us in the future?

A. You are learning how to self-evaluate, which is a major skill you need in any job to consistently improve in your job or in your life.

7. Do you think AI would help students improve their English?

A. I think certain AI systems could help when used in tandem with traditional methods, but I'm very wary of AI usage.

8. Why did you decide to become an ELA teacher?

A. I love reading and writing, and I think that all students should find some sort of joy in the discipline.

9. What makes a class memorable for you?

A. When the students feel safe enough to confide in me about non-school topics.

10. What's something you're still learning as a teacher?

A. Inclusivity. How to be inclusive in class, not only making sure everyone gets a chance to participate, but making sure everyone feels they have access to learning- whatever that may be for them. Every student has different needs, and I have not encountered every need yet. So when I meet a new need, I have to learn how to incorporate that need into my teaching.