In the Middle
A career changer and former high school teacher, Hanne Denney started a new position as a special education teacher—and department chairperson—at Southern Middle School in Anne Arundel County, Md. In this opinion blog, she shared her thoughts on middle school pedagogy, career change, and the teaching life. This blog is no longer being updated.
Education
Opinion
A Lesson Not Learned
First week is over. Whew!
As a Department Chair, I teach only one 8th grade class a day. Blue day is Social Studies, White Day is Science, but the group of students is the same both days. The teachers are different -- I co-teach with two general educators. I am the constant between the two classes.
As a Department Chair, I teach only one 8th grade class a day. Blue day is Social Studies, White Day is Science, but the group of students is the same both days. The teachers are different -- I co-teach with two general educators. I am the constant between the two classes.
Education
Opinion
The Thrill-Ride Begins
Three years ago I was one of the new teachers at Arundel High School. A 45 year old new teacher. I was bringing a lot of experience to the classroom -- but the experience was as a parent, a childcare provider, a business owner, a writer. My experience was not in the classroom as a teacher. I was enthusiastic but terrified.
Education
Opinion
One moment, please!
Un momento por favor. This week I was a struggling learner in Spanish class. I want to become fluent in Spanish, so I challenged myself to learn this new language. I grew up hearing Danish at home, although I did not really use it myself. I studied French in high school and college (I’m not fluent, though I should be). I am interested in multicultural studies and anthropology, so I seek out other cultures.
Education
Opinion
Learning on the Road
Traveling in a car is a great opportunity for me to read. Brought two books with me on this current trip to Savannah Georgia. Thought I would pass on a mini-review.
Education
Opinion
How to Learn
I am having an intense learning experience.
I live in Maryland, but I'm currently in St. Louis with my sister and family. My sister Eva is an artist, and her husband Paul is director of a museum. It was open studio weekend, and I visited galleries and studio space with them, meeting lots of artists and supporters of artists. I asked everyone lots of questions. I learned a lot that I did not know before. I saw much that was beautiful, and much that led to more questions.
I live in Maryland, but I'm currently in St. Louis with my sister and family. My sister Eva is an artist, and her husband Paul is director of a museum. It was open studio weekend, and I visited galleries and studio space with them, meeting lots of artists and supporters of artists. I asked everyone lots of questions. I learned a lot that I did not know before. I saw much that was beautiful, and much that led to more questions.
Education
Opinion
The Middle Road Now Taken
I am in the middle. I’m in between schools. I am no longer a high school English teacher at Arundel High. I am not yet a middle school Science and Social Studies teacher, but I will be this fall. I’m changing positions – instead of being a three-period-a-day teacher, I’ll co-teach one class and serve as Special Education Department Chair at Southern Middle School in Lothian, Maryland. So I’ll be in the middle of the administration and the faculty, the parents and the students.