Clague Middle School ELA teacher Raleigh Woods grew up in the Geddess Lakes neighborhood across from Huron High School. He is the son of Wendy and Ronald Woods, retired administrators and higher education educators (University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University).
Woods earned his BA in Psychology from the University of Michigan, and a Post Baccalaureate in Education from Eastern Michigan University. He has taught in secondary education for more than 20 years, with stops across metropolitan Detroit, including Inkster, Ypsilanti, and Ann Arbor as well as Los Angeles, California, and with the Abu Dhabi Education Council (UAE).
Woods has taught in the AAPS for seven years, with the previous six at Pathways to Success.
Principal Kyron Harvell notes that Clague is fortunate to have such an amazing teacher who leads through a lens of equity, empathy, and inclusion, always presenting with a positive effect.
“Mr Woods has an uncanny ability to connect with all students, staff, and families,” says Harvell, adding that Woods meets students where they are, and builds off their strengths.
What motivated your transition from teaching high school to middle school English Language Arts? And what’s one misconception you had about teaching middle school?
I transferred to Clague Middle School after my sixth year at Pathways to Success High School. One misconception I had about teaching Middle School was that students would have as strong of a connection to their mobile devices as high school students. This is pleasantly not the case at Clague Middle School.
How have you adapted your teaching strategies to meet the different developmental needs of middle school students?
For starters, the attention span of middle school students is a lot stronger than I initially realized. My classes are only fifty minutes long (versus 90-minute blocks at Pathways), so I’ve had to adjust the amount of material I teach to give my students time to engage in the work.
What has been the biggest challenge in managing classroom behavior with younger adolescents compared to high school students?
Our young adults are more malleable in middle school than in high school, which means students are more sensitive to our language and demeanor. My biggest challenge is adjusting to teaching 25-30 students versus teaching 5-15 students in a class at Pathways.
Does your history as a lifelong Ann Arbor resident impact your teaching?
I have students who went to my elementary school (King), so this automatically made them more comfortable with them. I am less of a stranger to them because I have been in their shoes.
Outside of teaching, what do you read for pleasure, and how does that influence your classroom selections?
My favorite author is Joe Abercrombie, the world’s greatest Dark Fantasy writer, in my humble opinion. His world-building framework (creativity, expressiveness, humor) are qualities that I try to blend into my daily practice.
What’s your go-to strategy for engaging reluctant readers in your classroom?
I find out what their interests are, and then I help students select material that falls within their areas of interest. I also read to them and expose them to as many options (eBooks, paperback books, plus the use of our media center resources) as possible.
What do you like about working at AAPS, particularly at Clague?
I love the proximity to my house (within a 12-minute commute), the administrative department and their support staff, and the support of my fellow teachers. The students here are great as well.
What’s your favorite unit to teach, and why?
Creative writing. My students have a lot to say, and creative writing encourages the best aspects of individual expression
Has anything surprised you this year in your new position?
Yes, my students respond well to me giving them opportunities to share about their extracurricular activities. I enjoy seeing them out at high school football games, or U-M sporting events.
How do you maintain a work-life balance during the school year?
I try to carve out as much time at home for myself so that I don’t feel burned out.
What is your favorite book, movie, podcast, and local restaurant?
My favorite books are anything by Joe Abercrombie (Dark Fantasy like Game of Thrones by George RR Martin), my favorite movie is “Godzilla Minus One”, and my favorite Podcast is “Steady Droppin’ Dimes” featuring Sam Webb, Devin Gardner, and Daniel Horton about U-M sports.
If you hadn’t gone into education, what do you think you’d be doing today?
I would be either working in psychology or doing music production and performing as an electronic musician (Detroit Techno).
Any advice for first-year teachers?
Find your spiritual core and nurture it.
What are you excited about right now?
I am excited about celebrating—with my students—our daily accomplishments in class and continuing to watch my students grow into the dynamic leaders of tomorrow.
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