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INSTRUCTOR: Ms. Rachel Finkelstein     ROOM: 210

EMAIL: rfinkelstein@woodscharter.org     finkenglish

I'm excited for my 8th year at Woods Charter School! Prior to joining the faculty at Woods, I taught English and creative writing at the University of Montana. This year, I'm teaching English II, English IV, and AP Literature and Composition. I hold an M.F.A. in creative writing with a graduate certificate of women and gender studies. I received a B.A. from Columbia College in poetry and English studies.

I live in Burlington with my husband and two small children. In between picking up legos and goldfish crackers off of the floor, I'm that person that loves reading at least three books at a time (novels, comics, audiobooks--really anything!).One of my favorite feelings is hearing that a student enjoyed a book that's also one of my favorites. 

What I love most about teaching is that I can provide an atmosphere where students can take ownership of their learning. In my classroom, students relate classic literature to their passions and interests. We read creative retellings that take the us to new places and time periods. My goal is to transform the narrative of "stuffy ancient literature" into an accessible, relevant, and rewarding reading experience. I love when former students come to visit and tell me about a conversation they had with their professor about Oedipus Rex or that writing skills have “made a difference” in the quality of their college coursework. My day-to-day is fueled by my passion for the material I teach and the students who continue to inspire me. My purpose––the dent I want to make––is to encourage my students to become curious, independent life-long learners, to develop critical thinking skills, and to gain an understanding of the world.

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