Welcome to Ms. Garcia's English I, English I GT, and dyslexia class!
I am originally from Honolulu, HI, and have lived all over the United States. I taught 8th grade English Language Arts in Killeen ISD before moving to Lubbock to teach in Frenship ISD.
I attended school at Texas Tech University and got my B.A. in English Language and Literature with an American Sign Language minor. I attended graduate school at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor where I earned my Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. I am currently in graduate school at Texas Tech University studying for my Doctorate in Educational Leadership.
In Frenship ISD I have served as lead teacher for the English I department, on the Leadership Council, Site Base Committee, NGC GT Collaborative Team, and Aspiring Administrator Academy. I also serve as the dyslexia therapist for the Ninth Grade Center.
I am certified English (7-12), Gifted and Talented (7-12), and ESL (7-12). I teach English I, English I GT, and dyslexia (Reading by Design program) at the Ninth Grade Center. I love teaching at the Ninth Grade Center, and I look forward to a great year!
Just like my students, I enjoy staying involved in extra curricular activities. I am an amateur boxer, practice yoga, run, swim, and ride horses. I also love leisure activities like reading, watching movies, creating lei hulu (feather lei), going to the ballet or symphony, and spending time with family.
We will work hard this year. I hold my students to high standards and expect them to rise to the occasion.
Want to know the difference between English I, English I Pre-AP, and English I GT? Be sure to watch the videos below!
Novels:
English I students will read novels in class with class sets and do NOT need to purchase novels.
GT students will purchase their novels to read at home and bring to class each day. GT students can order these novels wherever they like. There are several places to order books online or they can go to Barnes and Noble or another bookstore in town. I will let students know when they need the books throughout the year, or you can purchase them all at once. We will start with Animal Farm the second six weeks.
GT list:
Required: Animal Farm by George Orwell and Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Optional (I will provide these texts in class, but students may have their own version if they choose):
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare (an original and plain text adaptation: I suggest Barron's Version or Prestwick House Side by Side edition. Romeo and Juliet is also in the public domain and can be obtained for free online with some good websites that have modern translations. Romeo and Juliet can be purchased for a physical copy or students can use their computers to read this play online for free.)
The Odyssey by Homer (because of the difficulty and translations of some of the stories I suggest not purchasing this text but if students want a challenge or want their own, they are welcome to purchase it).
SUMMER READING ASSIGNMENT for GT students only:
GT STUDENTS: Please see the attached files (right: Summer Assignment 2023 and All Summer Readings) for information on the summer reading assignment.
If you have questions or would like your NGC student tested for dyslexia, please speak with the school diagnostician.
