About
I am preparing to dive into my sixteenth year of teaching students how to write clearly and passionately, to be active readers, to debate ideas, to formulate opinions. I am an eighth grade Language Arts teacher, and despite the bewildered looks from those who question the sanity of someone who went to The University of Michigan and then to Harvard and chooses to spend her day with middle schoolers, I cannot imagine a better way to earn a living. 
March 1st, 2009 at 9:18 pm
And…I cannot imagine what your students lives would be like without you to touch and guide and listen and nudge and listen some more. Your blog is an inspiration to me. Thank you for sharing…a fellow UofM grad!
March 1st, 2009 at 9:30 pm
When I found myself transferred to the middle school to teach computers and to do a pilot program with the social studies teacher, I went, but I went kicking and screaming. I thought, “These kids won’t be able to DO anything! I’m used to teaching C++ prpogramming. This will be awful!”
On the first day of school I sat in my room, dreading the bell to signal the start of the new year. When it rang I stood up and took a deep breath. Moments later an 8th grade walked in the room carrying an armload of books, and smiling from ear to ear. She walked in and said, “Hi! Computers is my favorite class.”
She, and all the rest of those 8th graders, had me, as the line goes, “from hello.”
I FULLY understand why you enjoy teaching the middle school kids.
June 12th, 2009 at 9:11 am
Hi Debra. I am a newly aspiring author here in St. Louis and am looking for advice, particularly in the area of how to make ends meet until my 1st book gets published (knock on wood). I noticed that you do some freelance writing and would really appreciate your advice or guidance on how or where I might be able to do the same? Thanks in advance.
- Rob.
July 28th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Rob,
I wish I had some brilliant ideas for you. I have written for Saint Louis Commerce Magazine for many years and I have done some work for The Jewish Light, but I am not the queen of freelance. Sorry that I cannot offer more suggestions or help. I “make my ends meet” by teaching, which, thankfully, I love.
Best of luck with your novel.