9th Grade English Teacher with a passion for inspiring students

Jared S.

I found a passion for social justice in education through studying education policy at Loyola University (while majoring in English). Likewise, I have been inspired by the many Jesuits I befriended there who are committed to serving others and forming connections with all things. After graduating I moved to Pine Ridge, South Dakota, to volunteer at a high school there. At the high school, I have been teaching 4 classes of 9th grade English, and a 12th grade elective: Post Colonial Studies in Film & Literature.

As a teacher, it is super-rewarding to see student's transform their mindsets, as well as skills. I also believe 1 on 1 time with students is hugely beneficial to their development. I became a tutor for these reasons, and to see if there are other ways I can work with young people outside of my own school who need not only tutoring, but encouragement and inspiration.

I scored a 35 on the English portion of the ACT. I have taught 9th grade English for two years, and this has provided me with a wealth of grade-specific knowledge, as well as having a grasp on what 5th-8th graders should be working on/preparing for. I also have creative writing experience at the graduate level, and am in tune with students who are more creative-minded and have implemented non-traditional approaches to lessons in writing, vocabulary, and grammar.

Did you learn what literary devices are and how they function by listening to 90's hip-hop? My class does! I think Tribe Called Quest should be taught in schools, right alongside Harper Lee and Shakespeare.