Greetings and Salutations! Welcome to my new blog.
My name is Erica Johnson. Over the course of this past summer (2018) I joined 24 other amazing English teachers at an Institute in Washington, D.C. at the Folger Shakespeare Library. This Institute, called Teaching Shakespeare, changed my life in so many ways. Most of these ways are, of course, going to be reflected in how and what I teach from here forward. It’s honestly hard to describe what all occurred this summer and how I am going to implement these changes, so I thought the best way to do it might be to document the year in this blog. Several of my teacher colleagues at the Institute used them after all, and it felt weird not to have a space to share my experience. So, while I can’t go back and time and create a blog for this summer (missed opportunity), I can learn my lesson and start a blog now. And what better time than right before the start of a new school year? 2018-2019 here we come!
This is my seventh year teaching and I never considering doing a blog before. It’s a little intimidating, but I know I’m in good company. As I already said, I mostly created this blog after being inspired by other teachers this summer. However, I didn’t just create it for them. This had to be about myself and what I wanted to do this year. As such, I think now is a good time to establish where I’m coming from and then get into my goals for this blog.
Where I’m From (Quick Notes Edition)
- Arkansas
- UCA Graduate (English Education B.S.E, English M.A.)
- 2012-2016 teacher at Maumelle Charter School (formerly Academics Plus)
- 2016-Present teacher at Vilonia High School
- Courses taught include English 11-12, AP English Language, AP English Literature, Concurrent Credit World Literature, Concurrent Credit Composition, various electives
I’ll provide a more detailed account of my current classroom once I, well, step foot in it. I can hardly describe classes I haven’t had yet. But don’t worry, we’re in countdown mode even now and the start of the term is only a week away! That’s why I wanted to get this started now, so I would have no excuses! Which brings me to the final point for this entry: my goals for this blog. Being a teacher is all about setting goals and expectations, right? Well here are three of mine and I hope I can count on someone to hold me accountable to them this year.
I want to be able to…
…write a blog entry once a week that reflects on my learning and teaching this year.
…write with my College English students every day in true workshop fashion.
…publish the writing from my work above so students can hold ME accountable, just as I hold them accountable.
I may add more goals as the year progresses, but these are the three major ones for me as I get started and as they pertain to this blog. However, it’s getting late and I still need to do some laundry before the teacher’s first day back (which is tomorrow).
Signing Off,
E. Johnson
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