|
|
|
|
Ms. Barbara Hunter, High School English and Foreign Language Email:
hunterb@arenaceastern.org
Welcome to my web page! (Where it's supposed to be all about me!) My job: I am a long-time instructor of English and Spanish, first hired
in August of 1984. While employed at A.E., I've been a class advisor too many
times to keep count, as well as advisor to after school groups ranging from
Spanish Club to Teen Institute to NHS. I've also enjoyed my co-advisorship of
the drama club with my mentor and friend Mike Flore.
My education: I graduated from Alma High School in 1979; Grand Valley State University with a B.A. in Secondary Education (English Major/Spanish minor) in 1983; and attended graduate school Central Michigan University where I earned a 27 hour history minor. My life: After graduating from GV in the spring of 1983, I spent the next school year in the U.P. working as a permanent substitute teacher for the Manistique Community School System. Working a range of classrooms from first grade through senior high, I received a wealth of experience that fully prepared me for future days when I would be responsible for devising my own lesson plans. I also have an inordinate amount of respect and empathy for the thankless job of substitute teachers, so woe unto any student who finds him or herself on the wrong end of a sub report! In 2002, I became a licensed foster parent, and have had some wonderful (and challenging) experiences with a wide range of teenagers who have been welcomed into my home and my life since then. I've also been lucky enough to host some of the most amazing young people in the world, (literally) by opening my home to foreign exchange students through the Academic Year in America Program. I love my family, my dogs (Fred and Scout), and all my "kids" (both foster and school). I also love chocolate, reading (especially mystery and/or thriller) novels, cooking magazines and cookbooks. In my spare time, I enjoy participating in community theatre productions, cooking (especially baking), and playing with my friends. I hate mushrooms, winter (except for snow days), grading a ton of papers in a short amount of time, and being out of chocolate. I'm a dedicated teacher, who works hard to make myself available
to my students and the A.E. community as much as possible. Though I technically
live some distance from the school, after more than twenty years, I think it's
safe to say my heart belongs to Eastern. I am so My Current Teaching Load: (2008-2009 school year) English 11 - This is a survey course of American Literature that focuses on improving reading, speaking, vocabulary, and writing. One primary goal of this course is to concentrate on improving comprehensive reading ability through the Accelerated Reader Program. Students will be expected to read every day (including weekends) and to demonstrate a basic understanding of what they've read by passing AR reading quizzes. It is expected that a minimum number of pages will be read each marking period in order to obtain a passing grade. In addition, students will be expected to complete writing projects that will help prepare them to meet the challenges of the state testing (MME/ACT) that takes place each year. Spanish One - This is an introductory course to the Spanish language. Students will be learning a considerable amount of vocabulary as well as grammar as they learn to navigate their way through another language. Oral work is a daily activity as well as the study of cultural backgrounds and global connections with the language ranked third among the most widely spoken languages in the world (Mandarin Chinese is first and English is second; www.geographic.org). Spanish Two - This year is considered by many to be one of the most difficult years in the study of any language. There is a mountain of grammatical and structural material to learn, including at least five (5) major verb tenses! That said, it is also one of the most satisfying because upon completion, students actually find themselves able to communicate more easily, comprehend more fully, and write more clearly in both Spanish and English! It's challenging to be sure, but nothing anyone willing to try can't handle. Spanish Three/Four - These classes operate a more independent level, with students employing their new vocabulary and writing skills in the construction of more mature and complicated essays and reports. Oral communication is conducted on a more in-depth level, and of course, vocabulary continues to grow. Students will also have the opportunity to work with younger students as a Spanish "teacher" of sorts [in cooperation with one of the elementary teachers] developing lesson plans and activities that showcase what they've learned and employ their new skills in a practical setting. Modern Fiction - This is a new class designed for the student who loves to read. We'll be reading approximately two novels per marking period that focus on a variety of core themes. Students will be required to maintain reading journals, take part in scored discussions of key elements within those novels, as well as complete a series of specific tasks designed to demonstrate a clear understanding of the finer points of the pieces selected. This is not a class for the casual reader, but it is a class for dedicated students of literature. World Literature - This is a course designed to fully prepare the senior student for the rigors of college coursework. Students in this class are required to complete a writing assignment (essay) each Friday. They work on building their vocabulary skills through the study of various roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Students read challenging pieces from a variety of genres and learn to critically analyze those pieces through discussions, note taking, peer review, and writing. Finally, each marking period, students are expected to complete three pieces of outside reading (from a list generated by the instructor) and respond to it in the form of critical book reviews and oral presentations.
|
proud of this school district and what we've managed to accomplish over the
years despite our seriously limited financial resources. We had rigorous
graduation requirements long before it became in vogue, and as a result, we have
produced graduates with the requisite skills to make themselves successful
whether they’re continuing their education or entering the work force. We do
great work here at Arenac Eastern, and with the continued support and dedication
of our community, we can continue to do so for years to come. 