Meet Jill . . .

"I always refer to my district's curriculum standards when designing my lessons. I want everything I do in my classroom to be highly interesting as well as rigorous. There are so many diverse ways of teaching language arts - it can be different every year. This is what I like about this subject area." --Jill Whitesell

Jill Whitesell began her teaching career teaching language arts at Robert Stuart Junior High in the Twin Falls School District. She then taught pre-algebra for two years, moved to O'Leary Junior High, taught pre-algebra one more year, and then returned to her favorite subject in her fifth year, language arts.

"I lucked out when I came to O'Leary. I did not have a hard time making the transition. I was put on a team that had the same teaching philosophy and interests. They were motivated to do interdisciplinary units. This was very exciting for me.. ." --Jill Whitesell

Jill teaches using a variety of approaches but believes the interdisciplinary curriculum approach enables her students to see meaning in the use of language arts.

"I find that if I participate in our team's interdisciplinary units, language arts becomes more relevant. Students understand that reading and writing do not stand alone. Because of interdisciplinary units, students can make the connection." --Jill Whitesell

Throughout her career, Jill has taken several courses on interdisciplinary instruction, performance-based assessment, block scheduling, and inclusion. She tries to keep abreast of the latest, research-driven teaching techniques to improve student learning at the middle level.

Jill enjoys a very supportive language arts department at O'Leary. A strong emphasis is placed on professional development. Teachers are encouraged to attend conferences and workshops. Jill has passed the Idaho State Technology Competency exam.