About The Teacher

NAME: Mr. Jeff Hollamon

SCHOOL: Hillsboro High School

CLASS: Sophomore English and Creative Writing

SCHOOL PHONE: (503) 844-1980 Ext. 3823

About The Teacher

I worked a variety of jobs (i.e., painter, warehouseman, produce guy, truck 
driver etc.)before becoming a teacher in 1996. In reality, I graduated from 
High School in 1974, tried college for three years after High School then 
went into the work force until about 1985 or so. That's about the time I 
started attending school, again, part-time at nights. I didn't know I would 
be a teacher then, but in 1995 I finally earned my bachelors degree in 
Secondary Education/Language Arts at Concordia College. In addition, in 
2002, I finished my Masters of Arts Degree in Education at Lewis and Clark 
College. Since 1996, I have taught in the Language Arts Department at 
Hillsboro High 
School.

PHILOSOPHY
In regard to writing, I think writing is difficult; it is difficult 
because many teachers curb the students' creative urge to express. 
Experience proves that young people learn how to write, by writing.  A good 
piece of writing takes time, a time that can be taxing to a teenager. As a 
result, the young writer dangerously seeks out the computer's grammar or 
spell-checker. Students need to proof-read their writing both aloud and 
silently. Allowing a knowledgable person to proof-read and ask general 
questions about the writing can help greatly. Remember, writing is all about 
revising and revisiting or giving yourself time to write, read, and revise. 

In regard to reading, students need to read a lot to become good readers. 
Most often, good readers are good writers. It is a benefit when the student 
can read both material for pleasure and academics. Most important, the 
student needs to take the time to read--period. The more you read, the more 
you know, the more you live.

Teacher Objectives for The Class

Provide and develop an environment where students feel safe to write, read, 
and speak--silently and orally.

Design and utilize strategies or lessons that enhance each student's 
creative genius to flourish, in an the classroom.