Welcome to my site!

My name is Alana Van Der Sluys, and I'm currently in my seventh year of teaching high school English and journalism, the last two of which have been at Kinnelon High School in New Jersey.

I found my career niche in a rather roundabout way. Originally a journalism major at Iona College, I wanted to enter the world of reporting. My four years obtaining my bachelor's degree, however, coincided with the boom of blogs, and subsequently, boundless writers who worked for next to nothing. With a seemingly unstable career ahead of me, I adjusted my professional plans to still include reading and writing, but in a field that fulfills my passion for reading and writing, with the added bonus of helping students think for themselves and learn more about the world around them.

Of course, this story makes people wonder whether I'm currently pursuing my "silver medal" career, but the answer is simply no. Through my masters degree studies and years teaching thus far, I've realized that the classroom is exactly where I was meant to be. I make a much bigger contribution to society as a teacher, helping to mold and support the next young generation, who will in turn, help restore and enrich this world we live in. I get to nurture my intellectual side, working alongside my colleagues and attending professional development opportunities, while satisfying my maternal instincts, playing not only the role of a teacher, but of a mentor and role model, as well.

I have also not forgotten my first love; over the past two years, I have created a journalism program at Kinnelon High School. We currently have two journalism courses and a hybrid (print and online) publication.

My career goal is to continue improving as an educator, all while making a meaningful contribution to my district through hard work, passion, professional development, and dedication. I want to become an integral part of not only the English community at my district, but state and nationwide, as well. My teaching philosophy relies heavily on constructivist learning, high student expectations, differentiated instruction and continuous, authentic assessment.

I am certified to teach in both New Jersey and New York.

I already have an M.S. in Teaching, Adolescence Education, with a specialization in English, from Iona College. I also have a B.A. in mass communication with a specialization in journalism and a minor in English. I am a Certified Journalism Educator through the Journalism Education Association.