Tricia Hoar

Teaching Philosophy

Important skills I want to teach my students

To be independent thinkers, who read with active minds and write with confidence and authority.

Teaching methods to reach these goals

We practice, practice, practice! In class, we ask questions and engage in close reading exercises. Students learn to pay attention to the writer’s craft and understand that language informs meaning. In their writing, they focus on the process in every stage—from understanding the prompt to crafting a viable and compelling argument to supporting that argument with judiciously chosen evidence from the text to editing, revising, and rewriting. They soon learn that writing is both labor-intensive and worthwhile in its purpose and cogency.

My favorite projects

Does it sound bad to say that I don’t have a favorite project or activity? Does it sound schmaltzy to say that favorite moments occur every day? When I see students recognize patterns in literature or make connections that they didn’t make before, I’m reminded why I love to teach. When I listen to their discussions—discussions they direct from their informed reading—their enthusiasm and their willingness to share their own experiences and understanding remind me why I love to teach. Watching them struggle and then triumph in their efforts to become not just competent, but sophisticated writers reminds me why I love to teach.

What I like best about teaching at Seven Hills

Fun, smart colleagues; curious, thoughtful students; supportive and trusting administrators; and parents who want to be partners in educating their children.