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Meet Suzanne


I'm a curly-headed teacher constantly searching for innovative ideas to meet the needs of my students.  While I haven't taught for a long time, I have had a good time and gained lots of varied experience.  I started out teaching 8th grade English Language Arts and Reading (on-level, inclusion and Academically Talented), 9th grade (including a summer crash course that was primarily geared toward our students with limited English proficiency), 10th grade (on-level, Pre-AP, and STAAR acceleration), and 4th grade (self-contained...math and science and social studies, oh my!).  

I graduated with my bachelor's from Abilene Christian Univeristy and quickly moved back where there were trees.  I finished my master's in Educational Administration in May of 2011 and hope to begin my doctoral program soon.  

I used the ST**R word, so you can tell that I'm in Texas.  Believe me, I feel your pain!  My teaching load is exclusively acceleration courses to get kids back on track to graduate.  Oddly enough, I'm thrilled!  If I got to pick any group of kiddos to spend my day with, they would win every time.  

We have a broken system.  I get it.  I teach in a Title 1 schools.  Change is hard.  BUT...we have lived it for a whole year.  We have many, many administrations under out belt.  Data has shown us what is and is not working.  It's not a bad test.  Students should be able to communicate logically through writing before being unleashed in that big world out there.  This is a conversation about how to make that happen.  I welcome you to join me!

11 comments

  1. AnonymousAugust 14, 2013 at 10:09 AM

    Suzanne- you go "cheerleader"! I am thrilled to follow your blog! Have a wonderful year!

    Jeanna Sutton- Argyle HS

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    1. The Curly ClassroomAugust 14, 2013 at 11:01 AM

      Jeanna,

      It is so exciting to hear from you! We appreciate you reading and sharing this blog with friends. Have a great new school year!

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  2. Autumn RileyAugust 30, 2013 at 9:49 PM

    I found the blog while looking for some help online with using interactive notebooks in English. I'm glad to follow. Have you guys thought about doing any training for your ELA notebooks? I know it is something that I would love to do for a training.

    Thanks!
    Autumn Riley

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    1. The Curly ClassroomAugust 31, 2013 at 2:56 PM

      We are so happy to have you as a follower! Lori and I would love to offer some training. Would you email us at thecurlyclassroom@gmail.com to talk about some training options? Looking forward to hearing from you soon!

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  3. Mrs. ConnorNovember 7, 2013 at 8:08 AM

    I love what you are doing in your classroom! So inspiring for an "old" teacher like me. I'm going to try your affinity mapping idea and your grammar sentence type foldable next week! Keep sharing!

    My district is looking for recommendations for purchasing some STAAR resources for Eng 2, so if you have any ideas about that, can you send them to me? Thanks! Mrs. C.

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    1. The Curly ClassroomNovember 12, 2013 at 1:11 PM

      I love that you are finding ideas for your classroom!

      STAAR resources can be tricky to find because so little has been released. I know that Applied Practice has STAAR/EOC materials. I used their resources some when I taught Pre-AP. Also, there is a website called Study Island that your district can subscribe to, but I've heard it's pricey. Lastly, our English II Shared Reading lessons emphasize close reading and writing skills everyday. You can get additional licenses for your district. Here is the link: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/English-II-Shared-Reading-Guided-Lessons-938437

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  4. MsMitchellNovember 22, 2013 at 10:29 PM

    I'm on "vacation" and found this blog! I LOVE it! Been reading it for the past hour. I plan to use a lot of your ideas. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. The Curly ClassroomNovember 23, 2013 at 10:55 AM

      I'm honored that we could be part of your vacation reading! Please let us know how these new ideas work out in your classroom, and keep checking in!

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  5. Teresa EasterlingJanuary 19, 2014 at 10:09 AM

    Suzanne, I just posted on Lori's bio, but wanted to let you know that I am happy to have found this blog. I teach 7th grade ELAR in Tyler, also a Title I campus. I love what I do, and although I hope to one day be in a position to lead other teachers, I know that the experience in the classroom is vital. I'm working on my master's at UT Tyler - C&I with Literacy. I am a life-long learner and constantly look for ways to make my teaching better. Keep up the great blog!

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  6. AnonymousMarch 11, 2014 at 11:43 AM

    As a second year teacher teaching the STAAR test at a low economic school, your blog is a blessing! I have spent hours pouring through your blog and refer to it daily for inspiration when STAAR test prep gets me and my students down. Thank you so much for sharing your ideas and please don't ever stop blogging!

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    1. The Curly ClassroomMarch 11, 2014 at 10:08 PM

      Blaire,
      I'm so glad we found each other! Don't hesitate to contact us if you every need anything. We're here to help each other out!

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