Meet the Teacher

Who am I?

My name is Anita Ellis.  I'm originally from Canada.  Nearly 8 years ago, I married the man of my dreams and moved to Little Rock, Arkansas.  I love exploring this state, though I wonder if I will ever adjust to the summer heat.

Mr. Ellis and I currently have 2 dogs, and are fostering a third.  All of the dogs are seniors, so we often joke that we are operating a canine retirement home!  We love to game, watch movies, listen to music, and read.  We have taken up recreational cycling, though the summer heat has put that on temporary hold for this Canadian!  I also love to write and quilt, when I can find the time for those activities.

Why do I teach?

I have been teaching professionally since September 1993, with a break of a few years when I first moved to the United States.  I taught French as a Second Language as well as the arts in K-8 schools in Ontario, Canada for over 19 years.  After moving to the United States, and getting my Master of Arts in Teaching, I resumed my career teaching 6th grade English at Henderson Middle School.  This will be my fourth year at Henderson, and I will be teaching four 8th grade and two 6th grade English classes.  

I teach because I love to learn.  I teach because I love a challenge.  I teach because there is nothing better than seeing a student light up with new knowledge, skill or awareness of his/her own potential.  Teaching has given me the chance to work with some amazing young people:  creative, curious, funny, reflective kids who challenge my thinking, and who inspire and encourage me to grow and learn, too.