Folsom Cordova Teacher Featured on the Library of Congress’ Official Blog

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Natalia Maverakis

The Library of Congress

Vista del Lago High School’s AP English 11 and ELA Lead Teacher Kelly Hillesland was recently published on the Library of Congress’s official blog. She says this honor comes as a result of her involvement in the UC Davis Area 3 Writing Project and her attendance at the Library of Congress Summer Institute.
In addition to the blog post, Hillesland says she was also featured on a National Writing Project radio show for her experiences.
“Our goal as writers, thinkers and citizens in our country is to get students engaged and participating in our nation’s discourse,” Hillesland said. “Having these outlets with others who share this vision and energy has helped renew my teaching, which at times can get bogged down in the day-to-day grind.”
In the blog post, Hillesland describes the success of a March on Washington lesson she and fellow lead teacher Kelly Baquero created with Library resources.
Student Jessica Elorduy said that the lesson was impactful, and that Hillesland “deserves recognition for her unique, thought-provoking teaching style as well as all the things she has done for the English department at Vista.”
“Her class is one of the few centered on the constant exchanging of ideas …,” Elorduy said. “It’s always nice to be in a class with a teacher that truly seems to love and know what they are teaching and she definitely does.”
To Folsom Cordova, Hillesland’s success is noteworthy, but it also represents our teachers’ commitment to a quality education.
“Personally, I’m always looking for ways to improve my teaching and for finding people with a shared passion for reading, writing, discussion and learning,” Hillesland said. “Luckily, we have Mrs. Baquero here and some other really good teachers who are wonderful colleagues!”