Hello!

My name is Sara Ford and I am one of the 7-12 English teachers here at Stockbridge Valley. I dual majored in Adolescent Education and English at SUNY Oneonta for my Bachelor's degree and I studied 5-12 Literacy at Cortland for my Master's degree. I currently teach seventh, eighth, and ninth grade English.

I value authentic learning more than anything else. I believe that education should encompass all aspects of life and I strive to show my students that the lessons we learn in the classroom can also be used in the real world.

The curriculum covers a diverse array of topics including: The Vietnam War and a young, Vietnamese refugee, the Sudanese Civil War and one boy's struggle to survive and overcome all odds, the classic, To Kill a Mockingbird and the racial injustice and life lessons the characters face, among countless other titles and topics. I am proud to say that all of the materials we cover teach life lessons that are important, like the Golden Rule, practicing human decency, as well as not judging or making assumptions about others. 

I relate what we learn in class to the students' lives outside of class and I work hard to ensure that each student takes note of the struggles our characters face and the traits the characters use to overcome those struggles. I encourage my students to practice those qualities in their own lives.

I am an advocate for my students and I will go to any length to ensure their success in my classroom. I believe that attitude is a huge component in the success students see in my room and I want each and every one of my students to work hard, and put their best effort into each assignment. I try to instill hard work, determination, and a positive attitude in all of my students and I tell them that those qualities alone will bring positive outcomes to all who practice them.

There is a quote by Kurt Vonnegut, who happens to be my favorite author, and I think that it perfectly sums up my teaching philosophy:

"We have to continually be jumping off cliffs and developing our wings on the way down."

I want my students to take chances, be brave and bold, and make mistakes because mistakes are the only way that we can learn.

I look forward to a year filled with discoveries, mistakes, and most of all, learning.