創意寫作：寫自己的小說！是的，你可以！論壇一（第1-10課）

Hi, and thank you for considering one of my classes. My name is Brin Lewis, and I would like to help prepare your child for college in areas that are critical for your child's success beyond high school. It is to this end that I decided to become an educator after spending a career in business and as a political strategist in Washington, DC. I received my teaching certificate a few years ago and have been teaching English and history in public secondary schools (6-12) since. My class offerings on Outschool will include courses in American history, government, literature (including “must-read" books for college), and creative writing (students write their own novel).

I try to design my courses as cross-curricular classes providing learning in more than one academic discipline. My Declaration of Independence class, for example, is a history course, but teaches awareness of writing techniques as well. My reading classes will usually spill over into the history and/or government disciplines.  

I have been fascinated with American history, government, and the writing process since grade school. I have been a frequent lecturer/speaker for various groups about the Constitution, Civil War, and slavery in America. I have also authored a number of articles about the Civil War for various publications and written a number of short stories. 

I am a graduate of Michigan State University majoring in English with minors in history, political science, and economics, and have taken additional coursework in history and government from Hillsdale College.

I occupy my free time by reading, writing short stories and novellas, collecting political memorabilia, visiting Civil War landmarks, talking to groups about U.S. history, and spending time with my family.

To parents…

Having now worked inside our current public-school system I have come to understand the nearly impossible task that our very talented teachers face in preparing students to excel in their freshman year at one of our better colleges. We’ve handcuffed our teachers by limiting their ability to teach students outside the limits of designated material that prepare students for state tests. These limitations, in combination with budget reductions, mean that material that was once considered essential for a well-rounded education has either been eliminated altogether, or is skimmed over because teachers are required to cover too much material in far too little time. The purpose of all my classes is to provide students with critical knowledge that is required for them to accomplish their future educational goals. My goal is to fill in gaps in their education by focusing on subjects that help provide them with a well-rounded secondary education in areas in which I am highly knowledgeable: US history, US government, and English (writing and reading). 

I make my classes entertaining, interactive and encourage student discussion allowing them to explore, agree, disagree, and form their own opinions. 

I look forward to seeing your child in one of my classes!