Names: Angie Powers, Jessica Skoglund, Jessica Magaha, Joshua Trevino, Neil McEachen, and Kate Thompson
School District: Olathe School District, KS
Subject Taught: English
Grade Taught: 10th Grade

When it comes to teacher dream teams, it'd be hard to beat the Olathe Northwest Sophomore English group—and, they hasten to add, their "Fearless Library Media Specialist," Kate Thompson. Let's take a look at the Olathe starting line-up.

 

How do you use Shmoop?

As teachers, we use the Shmoop teacher resources to find resources to deepen what we do with core literature. We also use the resources for ideas when we need to write those dreaded sub plans!

How do your students use Shmoop?

Our students use Shmoop for a variety of purposes. They like the videos and summaries to help them understand some of the more difficult pieces of literature. We also use Shmoop all year around for ACT prep, in which they learn more about the test itself and get the opportunity to practice what they learn via drills. Finally, students use Shmoop Careers as part of a career exploration project we do. They love reading "The Real Poop" about the variety of careers featured.

What is the coolest experience you've had using Shmoop?

[We] absolutely love facilitating research on careers using Shmoop Careers! Reluctant learners are reeled in with the silliness of it, but they end up learning so much about such a wide variety of careers.

If you could invite any three fictional characters out to do karaoke, who would you invite and why?

We would take out Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye so we could watch him be miserable in the corner. We would also invite Clarisse from Fahrenheit 451 because she would be fun to observe in that situation. Finally, we would bring along Mercutio from Romeo and Juliet because he would give us a great show.

Uh, now we’re dying for a Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure-style karaoke party. Olathe Northwest Sophomore English Team, you know where we live—er, sing.

Do you know a Shmooperstar educator who should be featured on Shmoop? Have them apply. Or, you know, nominate yourself.