Mr. Rucker -- 8th ELA

Dear English Language Arts students, 2025-2026:

Welcome to 8th grade English class, a workshop of your skills and interests, designed to invigorate student thinking and prepare them for the challenges of high school and beyond!

TEACHER BIO and PHILOSOPHY:

For my first full year at Leander Middle School, I hope to serve LISD families by getting to know the interests and learning needs of my students. Through my nearly THREE decades in the profession, every school year has been different, as has every child. Thankfully, that allows me to grow as well, becoming a different and hopefully better teacher each year. Most of my work has taken place at Leander High School, so I intend to provide students with a practical approach to the demands placed on them after this school year.

"We teach students first, then curriculum." -- Penny Kittle

I believe that every one of us has both gifted and challenged areas of competency. We have never learned enough. My task is to meet each of my students at their current level of mastery, along a variety of language-based skills, and together with them discover the next plateau of learning. All I really desire, demand, and expect of my students is that they feel engaged by learning -- challenged enough to care and see the value of moving forward -- as well as safe as a learner -- supported by all shareholders through a respectful consideration of ideas and personal growth.

I hope to get to know each of you this year in a way that increases your confidence while reading and writing!  All of us have exciting challenges ahead of us. 

Onward!

Sincerely, Mr. Rucker