Lisa+Raney


 * **What will you be teaching this year?** English 1 and English 2
 * **Are you a new teacher or do you have previous experience (where and for how long)?** I am a new teacher this year. I graduated from the [|University of North Texas] with a bachelor's degree in Political Science and English and I went onto to graduate school at [|Colorado State University] and earned my master's degree in English with emphasis in cultural studies and American literature.
 * **What brought you to the Academy?** I knew I wanted to work in Irving ISD because of the focus on technology within the district. I read about all the schools online, but the Academy was so different and quickly became my top choice. The career specializations add another dimension to the study of English. The students will be able to see how becoming a better reader/writer/presenter will playout in their careers.
 * **Tell us something about yourself - hobbies, fun facts, etc.** I love to travel, and last month I was able to go to Italy. I went to [|Rome], Florence, [|Tuscany], and an accidental trip to Bologna! I also really love playing on a tennis league. I take cooking classes at [|Central Market], but the jury is still out on whether they are helping!
 * **What would you like to learn over the next four days? You can add to this question as the week progresses.** Since I am new, I have a great deal to learn over the next four days. I want to learn the organization of the school and schedule. How floating will work. The best way to incorporate the computers in a writing class. I want to learn about the students at the Academy and what to expect. I am looking forward to meeting the other new teachers.
 * **If you are new to the building or are switching rooms, spend 15-20 minutes planning the best way to set up your classroom.** I am planning to have my students sit in groups of 4. From the perspective of my students, my desk will be at the back right of the classroom, but the majority of the time I will use the laptop cart at the front right of the classroom. I want the students to have full access to the plug in that area of the room. They will be using the projector for their presentations and I want the front of the room to be a clear walking space (like a stage). The grouping of four will be good for pairing for peer editing. They will be able to switch partners, and then combine the full group for larger projects. Along the far right wall, I will use the blank space for a vocabulary wall. Different color cards will be for different class periods, but I want them all to be together. The students will be responsible for contributing to the wall, and the wall will also be updated on blackboard daily by me.
 * **Find and play a Quia game that relates to your curriculum (**[|**www.quia.com**]**). Post a print screen of your score on your wiki page.** I played a word scramble game on quia.com for Animal Farm. Click this link for a view of my [|score]. This was really challenging for me..even though I really enjoy anagrams!! I made a 17 out of a possible 17 points. This is an example of one of the questions. Boxer was __**etevnbolne**__ and hardworking.
 * Check out my introductory lesson for my English 1 & English 2 classes. They will use Thinking Map software on their laptops. They can also do a thinking map on a partner.