English Trainer
Myrna received the original Black Book Draft of the LTF guides in 2002. She remembers, “The thing that struck me most was the focus on ‘sample lessons that model’ teaching specific skills. The terms ‘example’ and ‘model’ permeated the text. This was my kind of teaching, and I emulated and shared the strategies of the lessons, resulting in stronger teaching and more successful students.” It was her belief in the materials that first brought Myrna to LTF in 2007, and it is the incredible English team that has kept her here.
Myrna’s favorite aspect of her current role is the opportunity to work directly with teachers. “I love training,” she says. “I love to work with teachers who want to share new ideas with their students. I want them to realize that the LTF way of teaching strategies will help them produce more successful students. I want them to feel that palpable positive atmosphere in the classroom.” Her proudest moments at LTF were when she completed her first sessions as a presenter and subsequently when she began to teach Train the Trainer sessions. Myrna recalls, “When I received the first email that a teacher had used our lessons and the students were excited about learning, I felt a sense of pride not experienced in years.”
Her philosophy of education is founded on the belief that the teacher is the decisive element in the classroom. “It is the teacher who models, encourages, and promotes excellence who will prepare students for advanced academics and, ultimately, success in all they do. It is this strong, enthusiastic, well-trained teacher who will support other teachers and share their training and experience as a new generation of teachers emerges.” She hopes to see LTF reach more teachers in additional states, becoming an example for state education systems across the nation. Myrna is optimistic that “the teaching of strategies” will replace the practice of “teaching a test,” and she wants LTF to continue producing materials that teachers will use directly in their classrooms. She would like to expand the LTF mentoring program and create programs tailored for new teachers who have completed alternative certification programs.
Myrna holds a BS and MEd and taught for 33 years in Richardson ISD and Sherman ISD before taking a staff position at LTF. She has taught all levels of High School English, including 16 years in AP Literature and Composition. She also coached UIL literary events and served as a State Ready Writing reader. Myrna has been named Sherman ISD teacher of the year and received the Masons of Texas Award of Excellence in Teaching as well as being named a recipient of Project Acclaim for Mentorship in Teaching.