Karen Sinning

"Preparing units for ReadWriteThink has forced me to look at my work critically and to test it against the expectations of others, and that is a very good professional experience. It is satisfying, both professionally and personally, to be part of this effort to demonstrate the fine teaching and active learning that goes on in classrooms every day."

Karen taught English to eighth graders for eleven years at Franklin Regional Middle School, as well as senior-high and adult students. She supervised student teachers and interns for the University of Pittsburgh while earning her M.Ed. in English, and enjoys working with pre-service teachers in her own classroom. She is a member of NCTE and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). 

Karen also teaches exploratory classes in drama, literature, reading skills, and critical thinking. She especially enjoys working with eighth-graders because they grow so much during the year, and loves their energy. Middle school provides opportunities for creating interdisciplinary activities that put that energy to good use.