Academic Lessons by Sonja Flowers

I have been teaching for 28 years. I am endorsed to teach English (grades 8-12) and Fine Arts (grades 8-12). I specialize in integrating the arts in the core subject areas. I have written curriculum for a Film course designed for high school students. This course includes analysis and production by having the students learn video editing software and complex editing. I designed a Shakespeare course that combined text, film, and theatre studies. I currently teach film, photography, and Advanced Placement 2D Design. In addition, I have taught Advanced Placement English for 12 years. I have taught 9th through 12th grade English which consisted of World, British, and American studies.

In the 21 years I have been teaching, the school system in which I work continues to adopt the "new" programs that will engage the students and make them learn. What I have discovered is that it is the TEACHERS THAT ENGAGE STUDENTS, not the programs. I am not against these programs such as blended learning and project-based learning, in fact, what I have found is that there are components of every program that work. Learners are not so one-dimensional that only one method works. I have designed my teaching materials based on all learning styles (Howard Gardner's theory of multiple-intelligences) and programs. As long as the resources include clear directions, concrete examples, and challenging material, it will work, that is, with a great teacher. My goal is to help teachers save time. The profession of teaching can consume many hours beyond the school because of all the demands. Teachers deserve to have a life outside of their profession.

Teacher of the Year 2006, Walmart Teacher of the Year (Virginia) 2007

Masters of Teaching, BA in English, Associates of Liberal Arts, endorsed by College Board in English Literature and Composition and 2-D Studio

I have written SAT questions for the College Board and edited test preparation manuals for the Literature and Composition AP test and Language and Composition AP test.