High Tech Humanities
Teaching the Arts through Technology
“It is a convenient truth: You go into the humanities to pursue your intellectual passion; and it just so happens, as a by-product, that you emerge as a desired commodity for industry.”
― Damon Horowitz
About Me
As a full-time English teacher, I am busy with lessons, grading and helping with after school activities. I have additional “jobs” as a department head and mentor for our school’s robotic team as well as the director of the school's drama program and as a Code.org facilitator. In my “spare” time I am a costume designer for local theaters, a profession I had full-time at Bates College prior to teaching.
I have had the pleasure of travelling with students, family and complete strangers to England, France, Ireland, Italy, Greece, Mexico and the Caribbean. Growing up and living in rural Maine, I try to spend as much time as I can visiting Boston and NYC to experience city life and see performances. I have loved movies since I was a kid. I teach a film history class and had the opportunity to be a credited extra in a feature film this past year. As an English teacher, I obviously love to read as well. My favorite books are science fiction, which, I guess, fits well with my love for robots and technology. I am considered the “Mac Guru” at my school. Students and teachers are often knocking on my classroom door with technology issues because I am knowledgeable and easily accessible.
My two main roles are explained below. I take pride in teaching at Spruce Mountain High School where I love my students and my community. My role as a facilitator for Code.org has been eye opening for me. Their mission is similar to mine, to ensure that all students have access to a quality Computer Science education, regardless of interest or ability.
Photo by: Ken Landry
I am currently an English teacher and Head of the Theater at Spruce Mountain High School, located in Jay, ME. I teach AP Literature and Composition as well as several English and theater electives. In addition, I act as the technical advisor to the Hands-on-History class, a team-taught history elective that blends technology and history in a meaningful way for students.
In addition to teaching English, I also teach the Code.org CS Principles Curriculum to high school students and am a facilitator for Code.org, teaching teachers throughout Maine how to teach the course in their own schools. I believe EVERY Maine student should have a computer science background and that CS is important for every student at every level regardless of background or future plans.