Janine Widman » Greetings!

Greetings!

I am so excited for the year to begin.  I know that it is going to be a very different year than any of us imagined, but that means that it is filled with possibility and possibly even adventure.  Adventure is what I am all about.  In my 20 year teaching career, I have lived in two different countries, 5 different states and taught at 8 different schools.  I have met amazing students in each of these places who have changed me into the person that I am.  I have taught AP literature, AP language and composition, Honors American Literature, Speech and Debate, AVID, World Literature, 8th grade Language Arts, and even Science and PE. 
 
I am an avid reader and love historical fiction where I can learn about eras through the eyes of unique characters.  I love the outdoors and going for walks with my dog. I love board games including my summer obsession Villainous which I spent many hours playing with my husband and kids.  
 
In the words of Margaret Mead, "Children must be taught how to think, not what to think. If we are to achieve a richer culture, rich in contrasting values, we must recognize the whole gamut of human potentialities, and so weave a less arbitrary social fabric, one in which each diverse human gift will find a fitting place."
 
I hope as a teacher that I can advocate for equity and justice for each child. I hope to teach each one to have a voice and to contribute to our family here at Amundsen.
Mission Statement for Freshman English
 
The English I team believes wholeheartedly in every students’ ability to learn.  We nurture our students’ potential with teaching approaches that value accountability to equity, meaningful collaboration, engagement in purposeful work, global citizenship, and student voice.  Our “classrooms” are safe spaces that foster honorability and allow for students to take intellectual risks and make sense of the world.  We believe that being scholarly means we value progress over perfection and we celebrate all successes.  Above all, our supportive team seeks to use our varied experiences and strengths to uplift and equip students by creating a family atmosphere that emphasizes mutual growth, where everyone feels valued and included in the process