Hello all! My name is Anthoni, and I’m a graduate student in my first semester of the master’s program at UW-Milwaukee for Curriculum and Instruction- English Education. My goal is to teach high school English language arts, with an emphasis on the art! I look forward to helping students realize and maximize their own potential, and am excited for the opportunity to serve as a writing coach this semester.
Growing up, school never really came easy as I often struggled to focus. However, I realized at a young age I had a passion for writing and creative expression. The creative process of writing music, poetry, and stories was exciting and therapeutic. I leaned on writing to help me process difficult situations and get through challenging times. Reading then became a way to connect, gain new perspective, and learn from the struggles and accomplishments of others. This has helped me to understand and appreciate the power of language as a form of artistic expression, and a catalyst of change, leading me to where I am today.
During undergrad, I was fortunate to take a number of different writing workshop courses. From poetry and zines, to short-stories and academic papers, I spent a lot of time creating and collaborating in the pursuit of collective improvement. I am both hopeful and confident that those experiences have provided me a solid foundation to be an effective writing coach this semester and going forward, as I begin my career in education.
Below is a collage I put together of what I consider to be my own literacy identity. There you will find a photo of my partner and I (I am on the right!) atop the Sears (Willis) Tower in downtown Chicago (one of the many places we love to travel.) As well as works from some of my favorite artists, a few hobbies of mine, and a picture of my favorite place to read; the beach in La Push, Washington, where I visit family every summer!
Check Your Tone 
Hi Anthoni!
I think it is so cool that you are having an emphasis on art! I am not the most artistic person and I wish I had the talent/passion for this subject. I read The Hate You Give for a class last year and it is also one of my favorite books. The movie is also very good. Overall, I think you are going to be a very successful teacher and your passions and interest will be a great benefit to you!
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Hey Anthoni! I’ve recently become interested in poetry and zines. I like the creative collaboration and niche elements that come together for creative expression. I would appreciate a teacher like you!
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I love that picture on the Sears tower. It looks like you summited Everest. Your taste in literature is very classy. The Coach K book, Monster, and The Hate U Give all stood out as things I’ve read or would love to read. Also, the TuPac picture reminded me that I really love rap freestyles (I think it’s genius writing and syntax and literature all in one)
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I love that you included Tupac in there because I’m a fan as well, and I think a lot of rap can be great writing/literature in terms of the syntax and word play that the artist is using. I agree that reading is a great way to give you new perspective as books tend to depict a lot of the crazy, messy, and confusing experiences in our real lives. I think your passion and interests in reading and writing will make you a great English teacher and take you far.
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Hi Anthoni,
Your approach to English language arts, with an emphasis on the arts, is a perspective I align with as well. I feel there should be more focus on creativity and the creative outlets that the subject can inspire. You have a fresh approach, and I can tell you will be a strong English teacher one day.
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