Main Focus

Promoting the understanding of tolerance and embracing diversity through the teaching of thematic units in literature in the classroom and sharing this information and methodology with other educators is Jet's main focus.  He helps define bias and prejudice as being based on fear and ignorance, and offers suggestions to alleviate these misconceptions.

Mr. Torrence has been a middle school teacher for 24 years.  During those years, he has taught drama,speech, English and reading.  He created a Service Learning program at the middle level.  He is currently the 8th grade Reading/Writing Workshop teacher at Cimarron Middle School in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Mr. Torrence has been involved in writing and making presentations since 1988.  He has presented at the International and National Middle School Conventions, the Oklahoma Middle Level Association Convention, the Oklahoma Reading Association and the Encyclo-Media Convention.

Focus of Units

Mr. Torrence focuses on teaching thematic units of literature that help promote the understanding of tolerance and the acceptance of diversity.

Offerings

SOUL FOOD

Explore Black History through literature in Mr. Torrence's "Soul Food" unit.  Beginning with Martin Luther King Day, this unit touches on the American slavery experience, the life and words of Langston Hughes, the music of jazz with Duke Ellington and the celebration of eating cornbread.  All topics are accompanied by writing activities: including Jazz Poetry.  Mr. Torrence includes oral reading and reader's theatre selections in his presentation.

Dealing with Disabilities Through Literature

This is a unit designed to bring understanding of people with disabilities of all kinds, although physical disabilities are a main focus.  The unit is accompanied by thought-provoking experiences and writing activities.  Mr. Torrence uses oral reading and storytelling to make this unit come to life.  His presentations are appropriate for ages from middle school to adult.  Teachers will find suggestions and ideas of particular interest.

Fee

Negotiable