Fast Chat: Meet SWR’s new humanities director

Q: Define the role of a humanities director.

A: My responsibilities are K-12 ELA and social studies, as well as world languages. My primary job is to enhance learning and teaching in the district. My job is to be in the classroom helping teachers. I’ll also provide professional development to teachers and support.

Q: Why is humanities an important subject?

A: Learning to write helps mathematicians and scientists explain concepts. [Humanities and STEM] are both really important and one isn’t better than the other. For me, I love a great story. I’m a big fan of Jane Austen’s work. A good story helps reading about history come alive. I’m deeply committed to helping every one of my students find their voice — no matter how little or big.

Q: What’s the best way for parents to encourage their children to read?

A: While there are most definitely research-based approaches to literacy instruction, supporting your child’s literacy at home is much simpler. A print-rich environment — one filled with books, magazines, journals, including online newspapers and blogs — and a parent who models reading for enjoyment are critically important. Reading aloud to your child is important as well. For older children, read what interests them. Read the books, blogs or articles they find interesting and want to share. I’ve learned about gaming platforms, progressive music and performance poets because I’ve read what my children have asked me to read.

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