Jen Ward

Blogger, Educator/Teacher, Idea generator, Parent, Philanthropist, Student, Technologist, Writer/Editor

teacher. learner. writer. technology enthusiast. Picture the quirky, eccentric English teacher - you know the one who would jump up and down excitedly talking about the psychoanalytic interpretations of a text or gesticulate wildly about a poem, and you've got Jen Ward: lover of memoirs, technology, hot glue guns, time with friends and family.

I am passionate about expanding opportunities for all students to connect, collaborate, and create for authentic audiences and purposes. An interest in helping young people discover and define their writing voice and reading interests drives me to cultivate a student-centered learning environment, one that supports individual learning goals and incorporates purposeful use of technology. Not only do I strive to create an inquiry-driven curriculum with students at the center of their own learning, but I am also highly motivated to research and reflect on my own teaching practices, continually seeking opportunities to build my professional knowledge and skills through my connections as a Google Certified Innovator, National Writing Project Fellow, and as a 2014 PASCD Emerging Leader, as well as by being active in NCTE, Flipped Learning Network, and as an organizer with Edcamp.

curriculum development, Literature, technology integration, writing

When not in front of a class or a computer, I'm either in front of my sewing machine or got a glue gun in hand, ready to craft whatever my two little boys can imagine. A born DIYer, I jump into ideas, excited by possibilities.