Welcome!

Hello! My name is Mrs. Gilbertson and this is my tenth year teaching English in Fosston. This year, I'll be teaching students in 7th and 8th grade, along with College in the High School Composition I & II. 

Experience, Education, and Leadership

Previously, I taught at Stuart Middle School in Louisville, KY and Ponemah Elementary (grades 5-8). I earned my Bachelor of Science in English Education from BSU in 2010, a Master of Arts in Literacy Education from Hamline University in 2016, and completed coursework for CIHS English accreditation from Minnesota State University - Moorhead in 2019. Currently, I am taking classes to earn a graduate certificate in Instructional Coaching from UND. Additionally, I am serving as the executive secretary of the Minnesota Council of Teachers of English (MCTE) and a liaison for the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). Some of the conferences I have presented at include the MCTE Spring Conference, the NCTE National Convention, and the National Gallery of Art (D.C) Summer Educator Institute (U.S. and international attendees).

Methods

In the classroom, my focus is on helping students learn to think creatively and critically about what they read and write. Thematic units, inclusion of diverse voices, discussion, and close reading of visual and written texts for thinking and inspiration are cornerstone methods in my courses. Because I also feel that it is important to have a clear idea of how students are progressing towards mastery of standards, instruction, assessments, and grading for my courses are all aligned to specific standards. Not everyone learns at the same pace and some skills take longer for students to grasp, which is why I provide some flexibility and redos for assessments. 

Personal Side

On a more personal note, I grew up in Gully and attended Magelssen Elementary (K-2) and Clearbrook-Gonvick Elementary/High School (3-12). I live in Bagley with my husband and children, Penny and Easton. We have two dogs: a basset and a German shepherd/black lab mix, which my husband fell in love with at first sight in a Target parking lot. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, writing, learning about history and other cultures, doing crossword puzzles, going to zoos and state parks with my family, and playing board games. If you stop by my room during my prep or after school, you might catch me listening to Bon Jovi, Tom Petty, Foo Fighters, Ella Fitzgerald, the Hamilton soundtrack, or an audiobook while I work. 

Contact Info

Signing up for Parent Vue and accepting invites for Google Classroom notifications are two ways to stay informed of what is going on in English, along with other courses, on a daily or weekly basis. General information for 7th and 8th grade English can be found by clicking on the appropriate tab at the top of this page. Information and coursework for Composition I and II will be posted on D2L for students. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me. Email usually works best and I can be reached at sgilbertson@fosston.k12.mn.us.  Otherwise, you can call or visit me at school during the following times:

                                                                    8:00-8:30

                                                                   12:33-1:23

                                                                    3:09-3:30