Joy Sexton

I have 28 years of experience teaching middle school English. My teaching career began in Orlando, Florida, where I taught for seven years before my 21 years in upstate New York. For many of those years I "looped" with my students so I rotated-- 7th-grade English one year and then 8th-grade English the following year. My schedule has mainly included consultant special ed and AIS students and also an advanced English class.

I am a huge proponent of independent "choice novel" reading! I started my classroom library and reading workshop in 1992 and watched it grow to over 900 young adult novels for my students to choose from. I enjoy creating an environment where kids can connect with authors and books that will transform them into life-long readers. Read My Blog for specific teaching ideas and tips you can use in your classroom!

Presenter at National Council of Teachers of English 2007 Convention in New York City--definitely a highlight of my career. I was able to share some authentic writing project ideas with teachers from all over the country, and I met R.L. Stine and Walter Dean Myers!

Master of Arts in English Literature from University of Central Florida

* I am a member of the National Council of Teachers of English * I enjoy creating student materials for teachers that are visually attractive and allow students to have practice with a variety of skills.