Welcome to the English and Speech classroom!
My name is Mary Strnad. I have taught English and speech at
Hanover High School since graduating from Kansas Wesleyan University
with a degree in English in 2002. I received a master's degree in education from Baker University in 2010. Although I have previously taught
junior high as well as high school students, I am currently teaching sophomore, junior, and senior English in addition to two sections of
high school speech and college composition I and II. I also coach the HHS forensics team whose season
extends from January to May.
I believe each life experience allows us to more gracefully and
successfully proceed into the next. As for me, I grew up in a newspaper
family and became interested in current events and reading at a young
age. Working for my family newspaper from the time I was in seventh
grade until I was 20, I eventually took employment with The Belleville Telescope
newspaper, a position I held for 13 years. Next I served as secretary
to the principal at Belleville High School (now Republic County High School) where the principal saw in me
the ability to teach (despite my shortage of patience). Reading,
writing, and organizational skills taken from all of these preceding
positions led me to enroll in college for the first time at the age of
39. It wasn't easy, but it has been rewarding.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of teaching has been meeting the
students of Hanover High School. They are (for the most part) a
goal-oriented, driven, entertaining, and likable bunch of kids. Not
only do I enjoy seeing them each day, but I also welcome back those returning to their alma mater for visits after graduation.
I look forward to meeting the parents of my new freshman class as well as those of new students to our high school and
to reacquainting myself with all the other students' parents. I am most
easily reached from 12:10-12:45 (my planning period), or before or after
school. Parents may also want to email me at mstrnad@usd223.org.
Let me know if you have questions concerning your student or my classes.
It's going to be a great year!