Mr. Fetcho
ELA Teacher
Saugerties Sr. High School
jfetcho@saugerties.k12.ny.us
Room 108
Education
TEACHERS COLLEGE AT COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
NEW YORK, NY
M.A. Degree, received May 2013
Teaching Of English
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS IN AMHERST
AMHERST, MA
Majors: Journalism And Comparative Literature
Honors: Dean’s List
Work Experience
SUCCESS ACADEMIES, HARLEM WEST / ELA Teacher
August 2014 - June 2016, Harlem NY
Saugerties Senior High School / Lead ELA Teacher
August 2022 - PRESENT, Saugerties NY
REBECCA SCHOOL
Teacher Assistant
July 2013 - July 2014, New York, NY
High School For Global Citizenship / Model Teacher
August 2016 - June 2021, Brooklyn NY
Classroom Expectations
Bring your charged Chromebook every day.
Be present! Follow along, participate, and listen to your classmates.
All assignments & grades will be found in Google Classroom.
Please show respect to yourself and to your classmates.
If you have any issue please talk to me directly or send me an email.
Grading Policies
Standards-Based Grading: Grades reflect your mastery of specific learning goals, not just points earned.
Homework is Practice: Homework helps you learn but isn't graded. It's a chance to try without pressure.
No Extra Credit: We focus on everyone's essential learning goals.
Clear Expectations: You'll get detailed rubrics for major assignments to know exactly what's expected.
Minimum Grade Policy: The lowest possible grade on any assignment is 50%. This gives you a fair chance to improve.
Grade Discussions: We'll have regular one-on-one meetings to discuss your progress and set goals.
Second Chances: You can retake tests or redo assignments to show your improved understanding.
Helpful Feedback: You'll receive detailed comments on your work to help you improve.
Behavior Separate from Grades: Your academic grade reflects only your learning, not your behavior.
No Grading Curve: Your grade is based on your own mastery, not how you compare to classmates.
Behavior Policy
First Issue: Warning
Second issue:
After class discussion
Third issue: Contact home & Administration
9th Grade: Identity and Transformation
Unit 0: Identity Introduction
Thematic Focus: This unit explores what makes us who we are.
Key Concepts: Identity, Culture, Assimilation
Essential Questions:
- What is the relationship between personal identity and cultural identity?
- How do societal norms and expectations shape individual identities?
- In what ways does literature reflect and challenge cultural stereotypes?
- How does exploring diverse perspectives contribute to a deeper understanding of identity and culture?
Unit 1: Outsiders’ Perspective
Thematic Focus: Exploring the concept of identity and societal expectations. Analyze how individuals perceive themselves and are perceived by others.
Key Concepts: Identity and social constructs, Conflict resolution and empathy, Outsiders in society
Essential Questions:
- How do societal expectations influence the way individuals perceive themselves and others?
- In what ways does one's identity shape their experiences as an "outsider" in society?
- How do characters in literature navigate and respond to societal expectations regarding their identity?
- What role does empathy play in understanding the perspectives of individuals who feel like "outsiders" in society?
Unit 2: Power & Transformation
Thematic Focus: Examine personal transformation and the impact of choices. Consider how myths reflect human experiences and transformation.
Key Concepts: Personal transformation and choices, Mythology and its relevance to human experiences, The power of storytelling and symbols
Essential Questions:
- How do individuals navigate challenges and obstacles in their quest for personal empowerment and fulfillment?
- In what ways do myths and legends reflect human experiences and emotions across different cultures and time periods?
- How do characters in literature challenge or conform to traditional gender roles and societal expectations?
- What insights can we gain about human nature and morality from the moral dilemmas and ethical choices characters face in literature?
Unit 3: Love & Conflict
Thematic Focus: Investigating the complexities of love, conflict, and the consequences of impulsive decisions. How relationships can shape identity and lead to transformation.
Key Concepts: Love, conflict, and consequences, The role of fate and choices, Individual versus societal expectations
Essential Questions:
- How do love and conflict drive character development and transformation in literature and real-life experiences?
- In what ways do relationships, both familial and romantic, shape individuals' sense of identity and influence their life choices?
- How do impulsive decisions in literature and history lead to immediate consequences and long-term transformations?
- To what extent does societal and cultural context influence the portrayal of love, conflict, and impulsive decisions in literature, and how might this reflect broader human experiences?
Unit 4: Transforming Experiences
Thematic Focus: Students explore their identities and the transformative experiences that have shaped them, emphasizing storytelling and reflection.
Key Concepts: Self-discovery and personal growth, The power of narrative in shaping identity, Reflection, and empathy through personal storytelling
Essential Questions:
- How do personal narratives serve as a powerful means for individuals to explore and express their identities?
- In what ways do transformative experiences shape the perspectives and values of individuals, as reflected in their personal narratives?
- How does the act of reflective storytelling contribute to empathy and understanding among individuals with diverse experiences?
- What is the role of authenticity in personal narratives, and how does it contribute to the overall impact of the storytelling experience?
Unit 5: Social Change
Thematic Focus: Students will research and explore social issues using music and other media. They will address these issues through poetic and argumentative means.
Key Concepts: Reflection of Social Issues, Social Commentary, Social Advocacy
Essential Questions:
- How does media, including music, serve as a powerful tool for expressing and influencing perspectives on social issues?
- How can creative expression, such as poetry and argumentative writing, be leveraged to communicate and advocate for social change effectively?
- What role does media literacy play in understanding and critically analyzing representations of social issues in various forms of media?
- How can individuals use their voices and creative expressions to contribute to social advocacy and foster positive change within their communities?
12th Grade: Society & The Cusp of Adulthood
Unit 1: Identity & Personal Narrative
Focus: Exploring personal identity through memoirs and personal narratives
Essential Questions:
- What shapes our personal identities, and how do they evolve over time?
- How do societal expectations and stereotypes impact how we perceive ourselves and others?
- How can sharing our personal stories foster empathy, connection, and understanding?
- How can we effectively communicate our unique identities and experiences through writing?
Unit 2: Rebellion & Dystopian Literature
Focus: Analyzing themes of individuality, conformity, and rebellion in a dystopian novel
Main Text: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Essential Questions:
- What are the dangers of a society that prioritizes conformity over individuality?
- How do individuals resist and rebel against oppressive societal norms and expectations?
- How does technology impact our identities, relationships, and critical thinking abilities?
- What role does literature play in critiquing society and inspiring social change?
Unit 3: Humor & Satire
Focus: Examining the role of comedy in social commentary and personal expression
Essential Questions:
- Why do we use humor to cope with difficult situations or comment on social issues?
- How can comedy serve as a tool for critiquing power structures and promoting social change?
- What are the ethical considerations and potential pitfalls of using humor to address sensitive topics?
- How do different styles and genres of comedy reflect the personalities and perspectives of their creators?
Unit 4: Social Issues & Music
Focus: Analyzing how music addresses critical personal and social issues
Main Texts: Song lyrics from various genres (e.g., hip hop, punk rock, folk) as well as related articles on social issues
Final Project: Collaborative multimedia project (e.g., album, website) exploring a chosen social issue through music
Essential Questions:
- How can music provide a platform for marginalized voices and perspectives?
- In what ways does music reflect and shape cultural identities and social movements?
- How do artists use musical styles, lyrics, and performances to convey messages about personal and societal struggles?
- What role can music play in inspiring empathy, solidarity, and social activism?
Unit 5: The American Dream - Promises & Realities
Focus: Interrogating the concept of the American Dream through literature and personal experiences
Main Texts: A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry
Essential Questions:
- How has the American Dream been defined and redefined throughout history?
- In what ways does the myth of the American Dream inspire hope and conceal inequalities?
- How do race, class, gender, and other identities impact one's access to and belief in the American Dream?
- What societal changes are needed to make the promises of the American Dream a reality for all?
Unit 6: Literature Circles
Essential Questions:
- How do authors use different literary techniques to explore universal human experiences?
- In what ways do our unique roles and perspectives shape our interpretation of a shared text?
- How do the experiences and challenges faced by characters in literature mirror real-life social issues?
- What can we learn about empathy, resilience, and social responsibility from the stories of others?
