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Mrs. Heather Hollands
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Gwinn High School
Hometown:
Gwinn, MI
Class Information:
Room Number: 115
Students per Class: 30
Class Description:
The goals and objectives of this year-long class are to introduce students to the fundamentals of publishing journalism. Students will expand their English/Language Arts and Visual Arts skills through creating and publishing the school yearbook and newspaper. Students are required to write newspaper articles. They practice varied forms of journalistic writing including news, features, and sports stories, as well as reviews and editorials. Students learn laws and ethical standards related to journalism. In the process of writing their stories, laying out newspaper and yearbook pages, and designing advertising, students learn to use specialized software for word processing, page layout, and graphic design. This course is designed for students who are interested in refining their writing skills as well as exploring careers in journalism.
Position:
Journalism Teacher
Needs:
A new camera for the yearbook and newspaper staff. Our current camera is outdated and we don't have extra funds for technology.
My Philosophy:
Student learning is deepened when they use stories of their place to communicate that learning. When students represent the words and experiences of others whom they have interviewed, when they capture the sights and the sounds of the Dead River Basin, or their grandparents’ sauna that will go into a book for others to read, they are more careful and creative writers. Place-consciouseducation also allows students to learn to value a small town that can seem boring to youth. They are often astounded by the wisdom and experiences of elders in the community. It gives students a sense of place, a sense of identity, a sense of pride.
Personal Information:
About Me:
I teach English and Journalism at Gwinn High School in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. I am a member of the leadership team of the Upper Peninsula Writing Project and editor of Voices, Visions and Verse, an anthology of writing and artwork from K–12 students around the Upper Peninsula.
College and Degrees:
Northern Michigan University, Marquette, MI Master of Arts (M.A.) in English/Pedagogy (2004) Masters plus 30 credits, June 2007. NorthernMichigan University, Marquette, MI Teaching Certification in English, grades 7-12. Minor: Biology, grades 7-12 (2001) MichiganTechnological University, Houghton, MI Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Scientific and Technical Communications (1994)
Activities:
Member of the Teacher Leadership Team, Upper Peninsula Writing Project, 2001—present. Adviser,Class of 2007, 2003—2007. Adviser,Gwinn High School Yearbook and Gwinn High School Newspaper, 2001—present. Editorof Voices, Visions and Verse, a K-12 anthology of writing and artwork from students around the Upper Peninsula, 2002—present. Memberof the Gwinn School District’s Reading/Language Arts Committee, 2002—2005. Memberof the Gwinn School District’s Curriculum Coordinating Council, 2002—present.
Favorite Books:
To Kill a Mockingbird, Night, Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, Peace Like a River, Devil in the White City
Favorite Quotes:
"Follow your bliss." ~Joseph Campbell
Interests:
Scrapbooking, reading, writing, traveling, watching my daughters play sports, gardening, learning
Employment History:
Gwinn High School, Gwinn, MI (2001-present) Coursestaught: English 10, English 11, Advanced Placement Literature and Composition, Publications Journalism. Tutorstudents for taking the ACT and in all high school subject areas during lunch and after school. NorthernMichigan University, Marquette, MI Courses taught: ED596: Writing Our Local Wonders, with Amy Laitinen, 1 credit, Summer 2007 EN368: Teaching/AdvisingScholastic Journalists, Directed Study, 4 credits, Winter 2008 ED596: Remembering Their Names, with Amy Laitinen, 4 credits, scheduled for Summer 2008 Ishpeming,Negaunee, NICE Community Education, Negaunee, MI (2004-05 school year) Night School Adult Education Courses taught: English,Science
Why Do I Teach?:
Here's the link to an article I wrote telling the story of my tenth grade student Joey, who hated to write. This shows how a little encouragement can go a long way: http://www.nwp.org/cs/public/print/resource/2204