English Language Arts Faculty
Tirzah Barlow, 6th Grade ELA and Reading Teacher
There is a certain kind of magic that happens when a student finds him or herself under the mentorship of a great teacher. The world comes alive with greater detail, meaning, and purpose, and the student develops a sense of connectedness while simultaneously building confidence in his or her own identity. The lasting impact made by exceptional teachers in my own life inspired me to pursue a career in education. My experience teaching students from diverse backgrounds and cultures in Spain, China, and here in the US, has helped me to appreciate the unique perspectives that individual students bring into the classroom while celebrating the core values that unite us all.
B.S. Communications/Television-Radio Broadcasting, Minor in Art History (Ithaca College)
Teachers College Reading and Writing Project Summer Institute (Columbia University)
Began my career in education: 2003
Began at ASMS: 2019
Maureen Mines, 7th Grade English Language Arts and Reading Teacher
The middle school years have been my favorite age group to teach. This is the moment, at the dawn of adolescence, when the brain is developing at an astounding rate, when the individual begins to see himself or herself within a larger society and to contemplate what that actually means. I cherish the challenges and rewards that come with the task of gently ushering students through that transition.
Montessori Secondary Teacher Credential (Cincinnati Montessori Secondary Teacher Education Program)
Master of Arts in Theater (State University of New York at Binghamton)
Honours Specialist: English (Ontario Ministry of Education and Training)
Ontario Teacher's Certificate (Ontario Ministry of Education and Training)
Bachelor of Education (University of Western Ontario Faculty of Education)
Bachelor of Arts, 4 Year Degree with Distinction (University of Toronto)
Began my career in education: 1992
Began at ASMS: 2019
Andrew Hamilton, 8th Grade Language Arts and Reading Teacher
I suppose I have been shadowing teachers since I was in kindergarten, and this shadowing has given me the incentive to pursue the first career that many of us are exposed to. I am a teacher because I want to help young people learn skills for life, break barriers and discover their potential.
B.S.E. Education (Mansfield University)
Began My Career in Education: 2002
Began at ASMS: 2010