Résumé
Professional
Information
I’m a dynamic secondary English Language Arts teacher and a fifth-grade teacher (contained/all subjects). I taught at Frenship High School in Wolfforth, Texas, for eighteen years before relocating to Rio Rancho, New Mexico, in early 2018. I was an online instructor for Texas Tech K-12 for some time before the classroom called me back! Then, I taught AP Language and Composition and senior English Language Arts at V. Sue Cleveland High School in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, for three years. However, in August 2021, I was allowed to teach fifth grade at Hope Christian School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In 2023, my family relocated back to Texas. Now, I am teaching at San Jacinto Christian Academy in Amarillo.
My passion is teaching children about the beauty of the written and spoken English language and watching them make literary and historical connections to their lives with the concepts we are learning in the classroom. As a teacher, my role is to build upon the skills that my students have acquired throughout their education, introduce them to several more essential skills throughout our studies, and help prepare them for life beyond the walls of their schools.
My goal for them is not merely to become better readers, writers, and speakers but, more importantly, to become highly educated, productive, informed, and contributing citizens of society who can think for themselves and make choices based on sound reasoning and the ability to decipher facts. I teach with this philosophy: "A, B, C, D, F is not an indicator of intelligence; A, B, C, D, F indicates character."
I also agree with the work of L. Todd Rose, co-founder and president of The Center for Individual Opportunity, an organization dedicated to providing leadership around the emerging new science of the individual and its implications for education, the workforce, and society; he's also a faculty member at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Rose professes that “demanding to ‘ban the average’ will allow us to tap the true potential of our kids.” He is correct! Examples of Rose's work are found at the following links:
and
Each school year, I look forward to partnering with my students and their families along the journey as we unlock the potential and curiosity of our children!
Teaching
Experience
Fifth-grade Teacher (contained/all subjects)
San Jacinto Christian Academy
August 2023 - Present
My Christian Philosophy of Education
My Biblical Worldview and Integration
Fifth-grade Teacher (contained/all subjects)
Hope Christian School
August 2021 - May 2023
AP and English Language Arts Teacher
V. Sue Cleveland High School
September 2018 - May 2021
AP Language and Composition Classroom Website
English 12 Literary Theories Classroom Website
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Distinguished Faculty Academic Recognition Award, 2018-2019
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Distinguished Faculty Academic Recognition Award, 2019-2020
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District Curriculum Review Committee Member, 2020-2021
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District Textbook Adoption Committee Member, 2020-2021
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Advanced Google Classroom Skills
English Language Arts Online Instructor
Texas Tech University TTU K-12
January 2018 - August 2018
My virtual classroom has given me a different perspective on my role as an instructor. In an online venue, I lead differently: I am less a lecturer and more a mentor; I am less a "disseminator" and more a facilitator. Student learning is less about me and more about them. To be clear, I still teach in my online course, and I relish working with students in this capacity; yet, I have found that to be effective in helping students successfully learn from a distance, online teaching requires the instructor to take on some different roles than those to which I was accustomed to in the classroom. A move away from disseminating and toward facilitating means adopting and embracing new ways of doing things. While there are still plenty of similarities between teaching online and teaching in the classroom, there are many areas that are quite different. This is what I have learned:
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The online instructor takes on an e-learning designer role and must re-conceptualize the course and design it for the online environment.
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The online instructor assumes a technology specialist role and must choose tools that are appropriate for the learning goals that are within the technical capabilities of students.
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The online instructor plays the role of content coach and must devote time to mentoring students as they process the information presented to them. The obligation to learn is more on the students, but not without the instructor guiding them through the process. The online instructor is challenged to find ways to ensure learning in the virtual classroom, perhaps by providing tips or concise snippets about content, pinpointing crucial areas upon which to focus, and/or offering critical thinking questions for consideration.
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The online instructor becomes a social director and must purposefully establish a sense of community and modes of interaction among all participants. Through emails, discussion forums, videos, and/or other means, the virtual classroom is brought to life.
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The online instructor accepts the role of managing correspondences and must create and organize all written resources that help students master content and complete requirements. The goal is to make the material manageable and understandable. In addition, the role entails spending time providing feedback on written assignments and responding to all of the written inquiries and communications from students and their parents/guardians. The online instructor encourages, critiques, and uses her typed words to support students as they proceed through the learning experience. When done successfully, students feel confident and competent in their online courses.
Ultimately, I am a tour guide, a learning coach, a cheerleader, and a co-learner!
English Language Arts Teacher
Frenship High School
December 1998 - December 2017
I have taught twelfth-grade English, ninth-grade English, test prep (SAT, ACT, TSI, STAAR), professional communications, journalism, yearbook, and newspaper. As a member of the FHS faculty, I have served on many committees throughout the years—like Site Base and STAAR Professional Review Advisory Boards, to name a few—and I have taken part in leading numerous technology initiatives throughout the years as well. I am most proud to be one of the distinguished faculty members who taught in our campus's Early College High School pilot program. I have also served as a lead teacher in the English Department for several years. I have been a Beaumont Foundation nominee for the Newton Excellence in Education award, as well as a teacher of the month at FHS.
Strengths:
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Foster a classroom environment conducive to learning and promoting excellent student/teacher interaction
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Lesson planning and lesson design expertise
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IEP familiarity
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TELPAS grader (for ESL and ELL students)
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Standardized testing knowledge and tutoring skills
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TEKS and Common Core knowledge
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UIL coach (news writing, headline writing, editorial writing)
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MS Office expert
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Facilitate other educators when organizing and designing units and lessons
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Professional mentor teacher
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Student-teacher mentor
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Employ assessment tools and proactive strategies to improve instruction methods
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Establish positive relationships with students, parents, fellow teachers, and school administrators
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Collaborate with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting learning and higher levels of student engagement
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Work with an average of 28 students per class
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Participate in training sessions to earn continuing education credits
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Social committee chairperson
My classroom environment is one of:
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Learner-centered organization
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Personalized/differentiated instruction
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Students are the producers
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Global thinking
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Collaboration
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Connections
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Innovation
As a team member, your district can expect the following from me and much more:
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Use a variety of teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, hands-on exercises, and demonstrations
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Meet with parents and guardians to discuss students' progress at least once per semester
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Establish positive relationships with students, parents, colleagues, and administrators
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Encourage analytical discussion of class material to promote critical thinking
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Implement remedial programs for students requiring extra help
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Participate in regular training courses to keep abreast of new teaching methods and developments in the field
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Keep accurate records of student performance, maintaining the confidentiality of student records and information at all times
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Incorporate engaging texts to enhance literacy skills and foster a fun and engaging learning environment
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Coach students and review test material in preparation for state-wide standardized tests, as well as college entrance exams
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Integrate technology into the curriculum to develop students' word-processing and research skills
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Draft letters of recommendation for students' college, military, and mission applications
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Plan and conduct hands-on activities to provide students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate
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Work cooperatively with special education, ESL, and ELL teachers to modify curricula for special education and English language-learning students according to Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
Certifications:
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Credentialed Teacher, State of Texas (since 1998)
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Credentialed Teacher, State of New Mexico (since 2018)
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Credentialed NM AP Language & Composition Teacher (since 2020)
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Credentialed Association of Christian Schools International Educator (since 2024)
Mrs. Chaney,
I wish to thank you for all that you’ve done for me. You are a true blessing, and I am thankful for that. Although, we have never met face-to-face, I truly admire what you do for me and countless other students.
I’ve never imagined myself doing something this extraordinary! Having an awesome teacher who listened to me and made sure that she did her fair share of teaching was a nice change in this online course. In all honesty, no other teacher has gone out of their own way to personally send small letters of encouragement to me this whole year. I’d either gotten a bad grade or had a problem with the course—there has never been much feedback.
Also, I have never had a teacher who paid attention to the lesson practices as closely as you do and give me feedback. You taught me! The first time you did that, though, I was scared because I thought I had made a huge mistake! However, I went back through the first part of the book that I was studying at that time—as you asked me to do—and really considered what you said. You were right: I had read too quickly for my mind to keep up, and I missed lots of details.
I wish for you a happy year full of good times and plenty of other students who will recognize your actions. Keep working hard and never stop what you are doing!
- J. Gilliam
TTU K-12 Student, 2018
Mrs. Chaney, I think it is important that teachers receive honest and in-depth reviews from students to improve, so here is mine:
English is not my favorite subject . . . Your teaching was good. You actively encourage your students to think for themselves, which is rare for teachers, and I have the utmost respect for that. I was rarely bored when you were lecturing, which is more than I can say for my other teachers. You forced me to come out of my comfort zone and read aloud. I hated it, but it helped me gain confidence. Your projects were honestly pretty fun, even after I thought they would be dumb and corny based on their names and descriptions. Your class allowed many students to express their political, religious, and personal beliefs in ways many other teachers never had. You always showed respect and kindness to students, and I truly hope I returned that gesture. Few teachers understand the Golden Rule and abide by it, but you do. You are a beacon and a role model for other teachers in classroom etiquette and teaching. I wish more teachers understood that if they build relationships with students based on respect and were the first to show it that not only would their classes go smoother, but they would get respect in return.
Thank you,
C. Moseley
CHS Senior, Class of 2020
Education
Wayland Baptist University
2018-Present (I take courses when I am able.)
Master of Arts in English
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Current 4.0 GPA
Lubbock Christian University
1996-1998
Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies in Secondary Education,
specializing in English, reading, writing, communications, journalism, and theater
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Cum Laude
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Sigma Tau Delta charter member (international collegiate honor society for students of English)
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Dean's Lists
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President's List
South Plains College
1994-1996
Associate of Arts
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Dean's Lists
References
Mrs. Julie Seals
San Jacinto Christian Academy Elementary School Principal
Mrs. Robyn Taylor
Hope Christian Elementary School Principal
Mr. Greg Hernandez
Frenship High School Principal
The phone number can be provided upon request.
Mr. Jim Burke
Frenship High School Assistant Principal
The phone number can be provided upon request.
Mrs. Kelsey Taylor
Frenship Heritage Middle School Principal
The phone number can be provided upon request.
Mr. Heath Simpson
Frenship ISD Director of Human Resources
The phone number can be provided upon request.
Mrs. Kelli Cash
Frenship High School Colleague
The phone number can be provided upon request.
Mrs. Chaney,
Thank you for everything. I have never had the privilege of meeting such a kindhearted and caring teacher before I met you. Thank you for teaching me how to write more effectively and for always offering me guidance. I find it truly inspiring that you are teaching full-time and continuing your studies. I wish that I would have had the pleasure of meeting you in person this school year rather than through a computer screen. Thank you for being an amazing teacher and a benevolent mentor. I am proud to have been one of your Mighty Oaks! I will miss you and your class.
Your Student,
A. Carrillo
CHS Senior, Class of 2021
Mrs. Chaney,
I just wanted to thank you for being so patient with everything during this time of virtual learning. You are so supportive of me, and I'm sure my classmates feel the same. I'm actually really enjoying this class, which makes me quite happy because, originally, I was really nervous about being in an AP class.
Take Care,
K. Brody
CHS Senior, Class of 2021
Mrs. Chaney,
I don't have a question, but I just wanted to thank you! I know today is not Monday, but I wanted to do our writing practices ahead of time. I noticed a word from our practices in the articles you provided for Weinstein! The world is svelte. I didn't have to search for a definition! I just thought it was great and wanted to share it with you. Thank you for putting time and love into our lessons.
Sincerely,
A. Wilson
CHS Senior, Class of 2021
Mrs. Chaney,
I just wanted to come on here and say thank you for everything you’ve done this semester for me and all of your students, I’ve had such an amazing learning experience from all the things you’ve taught me and I feel like I know so much more now because of you! You’re so amazing with everything you have going on, always so positive and bright it makes my Tuesday’s during our meets, from being an amazing teacher to being a student yourself you do it all! So thank you for such an amazing first semester, have an incredible break and I’ll see you in the new year!
Merry Christmas,
S. Schatz
CHS Junior, Class of 2022
Mrs. Chaney,
I have been meaning to say thank you for what you said in that video. It feels good to know that there are still wonderful teachers such as yourself that care and value their students' education despite any hardship or struggle they go through. Of course, we were never really properly introduced but despite the circumstances, you were still a great teacher through it all. I'm glad that I had you as my last year's teacher and as a senior, you made it easier not only for me you also made it interesting and fun. Needless to say, you will be missed dearly and you will forever have a place in my teacher hall of fame for being so awesome and amazing. Thank you for everything that you have done for me, and I hope you have a wonderful time enjoying and enlightening other students' lives just like you did mine. I also wish you the best with your grad school and all other wonders of life and nothing but the best in which God provides. Have a good day and thank you again
Thank you,
I. Alderete
CHS Senior, Class of 2021
Mrs. Chaney,
I just wanted to say I really appreciate all you're doing, and you are an amazing teacher. THANK YOU!!! I wanted to return the favor of encouragement:
I am proud of you. I believe in you. You're doing great. You've got this! You make me want to do better and improve. Your class has really made me think, and it's really cool having so many resources right at my fingertips. I hope you have a wonderful week!
Love,
A.M. Sarda
CHS Junior, Class of 2022
Some Notes Received During
COVID
'20-'21
Virtual Learning
Mrs. Chaney,
I just really wanted to say thank you for being one of the nicest teachers I've ever had. Thank you for hearing me out about my job and what I do. Thank you for being so open about your faith and for being the hands and feet of Jesus. I feel like I actually have someone that I can talk to about my walk with God that isn't my parents or my coworkers.
I'm very grateful to have you as a teacher this year, I pray that you are blessed and that throughout your teaching career you get the opportunity to show other students about Jesus and his saving grace.
Have a Blessed Day,
D. Trillo
CHS Senior, Class of 2021
Mrs. Chaney,
The video that you made and shared with us today was really beautiful. I have also felt like giving up so many times this year because of everything that has happened. I have felt like my senior year was ripped away from me and have blamed everyone and everything around me for it. I have jokingly said "that's it, I'm dropping out!" so many times this year knowing I couldn't, but deep down wanting to just quit.
I have seen my mom, who is a preschool teacher, struggle with online teaching, and my sister, who is in 6th grade, feel utterly defeated because of the amount of stress this year has put on everyone. I think that this year has left everybody with some scars, but also a newfound appreciation for the people around us who have tried to make things a little better.
When Mr. Lerro died and left us in your hands I was so worried that I wasn't going to receive the education that I was hoping for this year. I was sad and angry at the situation and thought that there was no way another teacher could fill his shoes. I disliked you at first simply because you weren't Mr. Lerro. I was wrong. You have tried your best from the very beginning and have made the transition as smooth as it could be. You have somehow found a way to juggle the stress of taking on another teacher's students in addition to your own and still give us everything we need to be successful.
I guess I just wanted to say thank you, even though thank you doesn't seem like enough. Thank you so much for being the superhero we all needed the past couple of months.
M. Ziegler
CHS Senior, Class of 2021
Mrs. Chaney,
I just got out of the AP language exam and wanted to share my experience and thank you for everything. I’m just speechless. You have been an incredible teacher to me and I appreciate you. The prompt for the argumentative essay was extremely and emotionally moving. I felt like a volcano spewing ideas and emotions that further solidified into an argument. Never has an essay prompt emotionally moved me as such. I literally cried in my car after the exam because of how I conveyed my point and the words I wrote. It’s indescribable. Where I wrote my ideas to the point of tears is just incommunicable. I feel as if I left a piece of me on that paper. And I have you to thank for that. You taught me to be passionate about what I am writing and to leave the reader with a piece of who I am. And, yes, I was able to quote High School Musical in one of my essays, again! It has been an indescribable pleasure to know you, Mrs. Chaney.
Thank you,
A. Bradshaw
CHS Senior, Class of 2021
"I hope you know how much I enjoy watching you teach. You are the best. I so wish I would have had teachers like you. Every teacher on our campus should be REQUIRED to come watch you!"
*****
"Mrs. Chaney's true expertise is in the design and execution of a lesson."
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"While Mrs. Chaney is, in fact, highly skilled in the art of pedagogy, her real strength is in the relationships that she builds with her students and her peers; she is respected by all for that ability."
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"When you step into Mrs. Chaney's classroom, you are immediately surrounded by LEARNING!
Everything posted on the walls either deals with content or is about forming relationships between her and the students. No other classroom on our campus so completely engulfs you in learning!"
*****
"The conversational environment of Mrs. Chaney's classroom allows her to assess student understanding continually."
*****
"Mrs. Chaney knows her stuff and makes it accessible to all...she does an outstanding job of delivering the content, which is often unfamiliar for her students, and adding present-day context to it so that all can connect with it (including me!)... she speaks vision into their lives throughout her lessons."
*****
"Mrs. Chaney's instruction is second-to-none. She provides students with a variety of teaching strategies and learning methods, and she strives to meet the needs of every student. Her classroom thrives on relationships; they are the key to her success. Her students know, without a doubt, how important they are to
Mrs. Chaney. She supports them inside and outside of the classroom."
*****
"To say that Mrs. Chaney designs clear and well-organized lessons is an understatement. The Canterbury Tales lesson that I observed today would more correctly be described as being 'choreographed' or 'orchestrated.' Mrs. Chaney had planned out activities for bell-to-bell instruction but at no time missed an opportunity for spontaneity or to take advantage of other teachable moments."
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"The culture of the classroom is one of high expectations, along with high achievement. Students are empowered and made to feel that they are very capable of doing great work."
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"Transitions between activities are seamless and efficient. No lost instructional time. Students are eager to volunteer to participate in lessons!"
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"Students are made aware of exactly what the desired learning outcome is for the class period, and Mrs. Chaney continually spirals previous learning within the new lesson."
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"Mrs. Chaney uses student feedback via formative assessment to check students’ progress and understanding. Descriptive feedback is provided both individually and during whole group activities to the students."
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"Mrs. Chaney works closely with other English teachers to analyze student performance in order to ensure continued student growth—together, using best instructional practices, the team designs differentiated instruction and various assessment methods."
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"Mrs. Chaney makes great efforts to know each individual student in her classes. She refers to them as her 'Mighty Oaks,' and the depth of the relationships she has with them is obvious. Students feel safe to share in class, and respect is valued and expected."
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"While lessons are very structured, Mrs. Chaney is flexible enough to discuss and to validate students’ input. While on the surface the class may seem to be teacher-directed, it is, in fact, very student-centered. Students are involved in the discussion at all times and through the guided questioning. Mrs. Chaney provides students with frequent opportunities for higher-order thinking as well. Students are involved at all stages of the learning process, including assessment—and they enjoy it! The amount of planning and lesson preparation that
Mrs. Chaney does is amazing. Her lessons are engaging, informational, and captivating."
*****
"Management of student behavior happens effortlessly in
Mrs. Chaney’s classroom. Students are aware of expectations, and Mrs. Chaney effectively re-directs potential disruptions before they can occur. The well-planned and engaging lessons are the key to a well-behaved classroom."
*****
"Mrs. Chaney's 'Mighty Oaks' are part of a collaborative culture that is respectful and focused on learning. She consistently attends and acknowledges her students' outside activities and brings those interests into the classroom as part of the learning."
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"I don't know what we would have done without Amy Chaney in the English Department; she knows everything!"
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"Throughout the years, I have watched our dear Miss Amy grow into an amazing teacher and colleague."
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"#TEACHERGOALS"
*****
"'NEVER GIVE UP!' I won't ever forget you, Mrs. Chaney; you have been and you will always be one of my favorite teachers, both in America and in Spain. I'm going to miss your daily
'Buenos dias, Rossio!'
-Te Estima, R. Domingo-"
*****
"We will always be your Mighty Oaks."
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"I was so blessed to have you as a teacher."
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"Best teacher ever!"
******
"You do great things everywhere you go! You will always be a Frenship Tiger."
*****
"You made my American school experience so great.
-Your Favorite Italian Student,
D. Rera-"
*****
"I'm truly grateful to know one of the most wonderful teachers around."
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"Your class has been so much fun, and you made me enjoy English! You are such a light!"
*****
"Thank you, ma'am, for being a great teacher."
*****
"You're doing a great job, Mrs. Chaney! Thank you for being a caring teacher.
I know that the feedback and the time that you spend instructing and grading will make my daughter try even harder."
*****
"I’ll try to keep up the good work and thanks for all of the encouragement, compliments, and extra help, too. I really appreciate it!"
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I know this year has included new processes, a new LMS, a new portal, and a new Associate Vice Provost, but you have not let any of the changes affect your teaching or your commitment to our
K-12 students. I appreciate all that you do.
*****
Amy is one of the two best English teachers who ever worked at FISD.
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God needs you on this mission field.
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Of my entire high school career, you are my favorite teacher--probably because we're both southern girls!
Thank you for caring for us and listening to us. I appreciate you and everything that you did to make us better students.
*****
I appreciate the mercy you have shown me throughout the school year; you are a blessing--an angel!
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I have been to seven high schools in four years, and I have never been able to connect with a teacher, until you--even in just 3 1/2 months!
*****
You really have made an impact on my life, and I can't thank you enough.
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Thank you for always being so kind to me. I am glad that I got a teacher like you who pays attention to the little details; it helped me a lot.
*****
I just finished watching your #Classof2020strong video, and I just wanted to email you and to thank you for everything. I was planning on doing this in person at the end of the year, but seeing as though that won't happen, I am going to tell you through email. I want to start off by saying that you are one of the best English teachers that I've ever had, and I genuinely loved going to your class. I want to thank you for making learning so interesting and for putting effort, thought, and dedication into the lessons; it didn't go unnoticed. I know 5th Period wasn't the easiest of classes, but you always did such a good job at handling us on our good and our not so good days. Aside from you being my teacher, you are one of the sweetest, kindest, and most caring people I have had the privilege of knowing. It's not too often that you find a teacher who makes you feel like they really care about you, but you have done such a good job of letting us know you truly care! This is kind of off-topic, but you mentioned here and there throughout the year that you were going back to school for your Master's degree, and I don't know if you've gotten it yet, but I just wanted to say congratulations and you deserve it. I can only imagine it wasn't easy creating a curriculum for us while also going to school yourself. I hope that once this is all over I can go back and see you and formally say goodbye.
*****
I just wanted to send you an email letting you know that I really appreciate all of the efforts you are putting into your classes. Your class is my least complicated class because you take the time to make sure everything is clear and in order, and I really appreciate it. You put so much time and effort into your slideshows and your assignments to make them organized and nice to look at, and I just wanted to say that I really appreciate it, and that I hope you are doing well through this tough time.
*****
I just wanted to say thank you for the kind video and note you sent to my daughter; that was very sweet. More importantly, I want to thank you for your years of service as a teacher. Alia was just informed that you resigned, and although she is saddened to hear it, she understands completely and hopes that you take the time to take care of yourself. I know it's been a hard year for you (all the teachers & staff as well), and I'm truly sorry, but do know that we support you in everything! We hope you have a wonderful summer, and maybe we'll see you on one of our walks, as we walk past your house with our dog all the time. Until then, stay safe, take care of yourself (you truly deserve it!) and as always, stay awesome!
*****
You deserve all the peace and tranquillity in the world. I have you to thank for everything. I appreciate all that you have done for me. I will most definitely stay in touch with you throughout my life endeavors!
*****
God has a way of truly blessing us when we least expect it. I remember when we started praying about returning to SanJac and asking, "Who is the fifth-grade teacher this year?" "Mrs. Chaney!" we heard. How could I have known what a blessing that name and that person (an angel) would be to our family? You gave our son the confidence to share who he is in God boldly, helped him be more comfortable in his skin, gave him space to grow in his distinct personality, and shared his many opinions. You helped mold him through positive forms of accountability and permitted him to spread his wings into new learning and character growth areas. Mrs. Chaney, you have been a godsend to Joshua and our family. Thank you for following your calling, blessing our children with the abundant gifts God has given you, and persevering through the good and not-so-good days. God is glorified through all you have done, and we praise Him through our gratitude for allowing us the honor of being blessed by Him through you.