With the goal of increasing academic support for middle school and high school students in the area of writing, LBHS, working in partnership with the Public School Funding Alliance (PSFA), have hired Rebecca Shoup to serve as the new LBHS Writing Coach Coordinator.
When asked about why this position was created and who he anticipates will benefit from the services provided by this program, LBHS Principal, Crosby Carpenter stated, “We’re so thrilled to have Rebecca on board! She will play a key role in increasing writing support across all grade levels and content areas. Rebecca will oversee the implementation of the WriterCoach Connection model, which relies on community volunteers to work directly with students of all abilities to increase writing skills.”
Rebecca’s educational background, work-related experience, time spent volunteering in schools, and diverse life experiences have prepared her well for this position. Living most of her formative years in Venezuela and Colombia, she attended several international schools where she became accustomed to having friends of many different nationalities. These experiences gave her an appreciation for different perspectives. After graduating from Ohio Wesleyan with a major in print journalism and a minor in biology, Rebecca went on to law school at the University of Denver and specialized in employment discrimination law. This experience inspired her to seek a position with Child Protective Services and to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate for Okanogan County when she moved to the valley in 2001. Since then, Rebecca has sought out opportunities to work with children in the school environment; she assisted teachers in the classroom, aided school counselors, participated in school task forces, tutored students, and volunteered in the school library. Rebecca’s most recent adventure has been as a substitute teacher for Liberty Bell.
When asked why she applied for the position, Rebecca stated, “Advocating and working for the well-being of children has been at the heart of my work and volunteering. I love not only teaching, but also hearing and learning from our youth. Getting to know and learn from individual students in a collaborative learning environment inspires me. I am excited as a parent, teacher, and community member to be a part of this endeavor to advance the writing skills and critical thinking of our Methow Valley youth.”
When not substitute teaching or volunteering in schools, Rebecca and her husband, Steve Hirsch enjoy spending time with two children, playing in the great outdoors, visiting with family and friends, testing her balance in yoga, experimenting with oil paint and wax on wood panels, finding beautiful places to drink coffee, and getting lost in a good book.
Please join us as we welcome Rebecca Shoup, LBHS Writing Coach Coordinator!