Biography
Sandra Blair
Bio
My name is Sandra Blair. This is my 21st year of teaching. I teach seventh and eight graders at Greenway Middle School in Phoenix, Arizona. I teach in the Paradise Valley School District.
I earned my undergraduate degree in Early Childhood and my master's degree in Reading from the University of Central Arkansas. I taught at Heber Springs Elementary School in Heber Springs, Arkansas for 16 years before moving to Phoenix. I never dreamed I would ever teach middle school. I thought middle school teachers were crazy! My first year was a big adjustment dealing with the older students and their attitudes.
I am a Read 180 teacher and I love watching my students become better readers. I teach predominantly Hispanic students. No, I do not speak Spanish. Teaching vocabulary and comprehension are my two main focuses. We have approximately 630 students in our school. I teach six classes with 15 students in each class. My classroom is small and I am considered an elective teacher. Each day we have a lesson and then divide into three groups: one group goes to the computer, one group works at the table with me, and the third group reads independently and then takes quizzes. Even though my students come to me below grade level, I expect them to succeed. My room is safe, nurturing, humorous, and flexible. We have mutual respect for each other.
I believe in being involved on my campus. I am a member of the Discipline Committee, the Faculty Advisor Committee, Greenway Promotes Aims committee, Jr. Rep. for Paradise Valley Educational Association, Sunshine Committee, and Reaching all Parents (where I actually visit families homes each month).
I became a widow in 2001 and remarried in 2004, therefore moving to Phoenix. I have 2 grown children, 1 step-daughter, and a precious grandson. My husband is a great source of strength and a wonderful listener.
I love to teach and I get to work with some of the finest teachers and administrators in the world. We have a challenging job every day and we all work together to help our students reach their potential.
