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- https://sou.edu/academics/advice-and-inspiration-from-ela-experts/
- https://sou.edu/academics/advice-and-inspiration-from-ela-experts/

Advice and Inspiration from ELA Experts: SOU English Program Panel Presentation
By Annalynn Mueller, senior English Major
January 29, 2025
Pictured above: Teaching Panel
In December 2024, the SOU English program hosted a panel presentation on Teaching English Language Arts across many educational levels and contexts. The speakers had taught in Oregon, other states, and abroad. Students, faculty, and community gathered to hear the experiences and wisdom of these educators. Many audience members were from Dr. Merrilyne Lundahl’s fall class, ENG 488: Introduction to Teaching Literature. Many students in this class are hoping to teach English language arts (ELA) and gained valuable insight listening to the panelists.
The panel, made up of educators from all around the Rogue Valley, included Jennifer Cavalier, ELA teacher at North Medford High School; Kayla Crenshaw, ELA teacher at Cascade Christian High School; Haley Martin-Sherman, full-time faculty member at RCC; James Miller, student teacher at Ashland Middle School; and Adrienne Hillman, ELA teacher at Ashland High School. Together, they gave advice, insight, comfort, and inspiration to those in attendance.
Jennifer Cavalier teaches English language arts (ELA) at North Medford High School. She received her undergraduate degree in English from SOU and went on to complete SOU’s Masters of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program . Jennifer recommends that aspiring educators “get to know kids at every level” and “interact with as many different age groups as [they] can before [they] start teaching.”(This advice was echoed by Dr. Kelly Singleton who was featured in a previous blog post). Jennifer also shared how important support systems, inside and outside of schools, are for teachers since the job can be tough at times.
“Interact with as many different age groups as you can…get to know kids at every level.“
– Jennifer Cavalier
Kayla Crenshaw, also an SOU English major and MAT graduate, teaches ELA at Cascade Christian High School in Medford. With a background teaching both in the U.S. and in China, Kayla shared her insights into the differences between public, private, and international school settings. Hearing her experiences working in many different environments helped many of the audience members, as future teachers, think thoughtfully about the kinds of environments they would like to teach in.
Kayla shared how part of her drive as an educator is anchored in her positive experiences as a student. While these memories motivate her teaching, she encouraged educators not to “assume that [their] own experiences as a learner are the same as [their] students.” By implementing this attitude, Kayla can better cater to a diverse range of students and their learning needs.

Pictured Above: Jennifer, Kayla and Haley
Like Jennifer and Kayla, Haley Martin-Sherman also graduated from SOU’s MAT program; she is a full-time faculty member at Rogue Community College (RCC). Before this, she had been working as an adjunct professor at RCC and an ELA teacher at South Medford High School. Her passion for teaching shined through her as she shared her experiences. Haley encouraged all educators to “think about [their] why for teaching.” In anticipation of bad days, Haley recommends that teachers “save stuff: students’ notes, and drawings” to remind them of their why.
Despite her confident attitude, Haley acknowledged that many days are difficult as a teacher. This acknowledgment stuck with one ENG 488 student in attendance, who appreciated Haley’s reminder that teachers should “ask for help when [they] need it.” Jennifer echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of teachers finding community with their colleagues.
“Think about your why for teaching.”
– Haley Martin Sherman
Current SOU MAT student James Miller is currently completing his student teaching at Ashland Middle School. The experiences he shared about his student teaching, MAT experience, and hopes as a future educator were encouraging to the undergraduate students in attendance. Representing middle school teachers on the panel, he used his background to advise teachers of all grade levels to “go with the flow.” James has quickly learned that “things don’t always go as you planned, and what works in one context or class won’t necessarily work in another.” Learning this has shown James the importance of adapting to any situation.
Adrienne Hillman is currently working as a 9th grade ELA teacher at Ashland High School, but has a diverse background in education, including working in administration. Adrienne’s advice is to “Find your authentic self/style. Be you.” One of the ENG 488 students was struck by how Adrienne “detailed how she built her work preferences over the years through experience” and how she described being “willing to move to the next thing whenever necessary.”
Adriennes’s advice was practical, honest, and authentic. Another ENG 488 student recalled Adrienne saying that people often ask her why she teaches freshmen. She responded, “It is so hard to be 14. It is my job to sit with these kids until they are not 14 anymore.” Hearing this sentiment and how deeply Adrienne cares about her students inspired everyone in the audience.
“Find your authentic self/style. Be you.”
– Haley Martin Sherman
Ariel Bloomer, SOU’s Career Connections Coordinator, joined the panel to share her experiences teaching in Bulgaria. Ariel also shared Career Connections resources and gave pieces of wisdom for all students approaching graduation. She encouraged future teachers to “take time between undergrad and grad school, shift your identity away from being a student. You’ll change in ways you didn’t expect.” Ariel’s insight and addition to the panel was informative and much appreciated!

Pictured Above: Adrienne, James, and Ariel.
The English program would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the panelists for their time and willingness to share their experiences. The panel was a refreshing and motivating experience for everyone in attendance and left a lasting impression on ENG 488 students and the broader community. We hope the panel’s messages will continue to resonate with all who attended as they embark on their journey toward becoming compassionate and dynamic educators.
You can stay up-to-date with all of the exciting things happening in our department by following the English Program on Instagram (souenglish) and Facebook and by subscribing to this blog!
Interested in being featured on the English Program blog? Or know someone who is interested? Contact English Program blogger Annalynn Mueller at muellera1@sou.edu .
Learn more about SOU’s English Programs:
English Home Page | English BA/BS | English Minor | TESOL Certificate Program